International - The Purbottar

20 May

UK Hospitals to Use Robot Nurses for Elderly Care

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a major advancement in healthcare tech, NHS hospitals across the UK have started trials of robotic nurses to assist in elderly care. These robots help with medication reminders, mobility assistance, and even basic conversations to reduce loneliness. The robots, developed in collaboration with Japan, are part of the UK government’s AI in Health initiative. Early trials show a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction and reduced workload for nurses. Healthcare providers in India and Bhutan are also exploring similar tech to meet rising elderly care demands. The UK’s experience may influence future adoption of robotics in South Asian eldercare systems.

16 May

U.S. Cities Begin Using Heat-Reflective Roads to Fight Urban Warming

Mohini BarmanInternational

Cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix are now coating roads with heat-reflective materials to combat rising urban temperatures. The “cool pavement” reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, reducing road surface temperatures by up to 10°C. Urban planners say this helps lower surrounding air temperatures and reduces electricity use from air conditioning. The technology is part of a larger U.S. urban adaptation plan to fight extreme heatwaves. Urban development bodies in Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu are exploring similar cooling strategies as climate change causes hotter and longer summers. These innovations may soon be tested in parts of South Asia.

13 May

New York Launches First AI-Controlled Traffic System

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has rolled out its first AI-powered traffic management system in Manhattan. The smart signals use real-time data from cameras and sensors to dynamically adjust traffic lights, easing congestion and reducing carbon emissions. The system, developed in collaboration with MIT and Google DeepMind, will be expanded to all five boroughs over the next two years. City officials say it could reduce travel time by up to 20% during peak hours. Urban planners in cities like Dhaka, Delhi, and Kathmandu are watching closely, as they face similar traffic and pollution challenges. The success of this system may inspire pilot…

12 May

California Schools Integrate AI Tools to Personalize Learning

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a groundbreaking move, California’s education board has approved a pilot program introducing artificial intelligence tools in over 100 public schools to customize student learning plans. The initiative includes AI-assisted tutoring, grading, and attendance tracking. Educators say the program aims to bridge learning gaps worsened by the pandemic. Tech companies like Google and Khan Academy are collaborating on the tools, which are being monitored for ethical use and student data privacy. This development is gaining attention in India and Bangladesh, where similar digital learning programs are expanding in rural areas through government schemes.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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…

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,…