International

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…

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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,…

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02 May

Dhaka and Jakarta Partner to Strengthen Climate Disaster Resilience

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Bangladesh and Indonesia have signed a bilateral agreement to jointly develop disaster warning systems, share satellite data, and conduct joint rescue drills in coastal and earthquake-prone zones. The deal was signed in Jakarta during a South-South Cooperation summit. Both countries, prone to floods and cyclones, aim to use AI-based monitoring and rapid-response coordination. The partnership has drawn interest from Nepal and Bhutan, which face frequent landslides and floods. Indian experts also hailed the collaboration, suggesting similar multi-country frameworks could be implemented for Himalayan and Bay of Bengal regions.

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30 Apr

NYC to Charge Vehicles Entering Manhattan to Cut Traffic and Pollution

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

New York City has become the first U.S. city to implement congestion pricing, aimed at reducing downtown traffic and improving air quality. Starting August 2025, drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street will pay $15 during peak hours. The city’s transportation department says the policy is expected to generate $1 billion annually, which will fund subway improvements. Environmental advocates and urban planners have praised the move, while some drivers and delivery companies have expressed concerns. Urban mobility experts in Dhaka and Kathmandu suggest a modified version of congestion pricing could help tackle rising traffic congestion in South Asian capitals as…

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29 Apr

California Declares Emergency as Wildfires Rage Across Northern Region

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

California has declared a state of emergency after multiple wildfires spread rapidly across its northern regions due to dry weather and strong winds. Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated, and fire officials say the situation could worsen if temperatures continue to rise. The Cal Fire agency reported that more than 150,000 acres have already burned. National Guard units have been deployed to assist in fire containment, and neighboring states have sent reinforcements. The fires have also disrupted power supply in parts of the state. Climate experts in Bangladesh and Nepal note the growing global trend of climate-induced disasters, emphasizing the…

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28 Apr

Australia Sets Ambitious Target for Renewable Energy Transition

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The Australian government has unveiled a detailed roadmap to achieve 82% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed significant investments in solar, wind, and battery storage projects nationwide. Australia, heavily reliant on coal for decades, is now shifting under international pressure and rising climate concerns. Experts in South Asia, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan — where renewable energy projects are gaining momentum — view Australia's policy pivot as encouraging and hope it will inspire faster green transitions across the region.

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28 Apr

New York City Expands Electric Bus Fleet to Cut Emissions

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

New York City announced the addition of 500 new electric buses to its Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fleet by 2026. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the move will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in the densely populated city. The project, partly funded by federal infrastructure grants, will also create hundreds of jobs in vehicle manufacturing and maintenance. Authorities say they are committed to making public transport 100% electric by 2040. Environmentalists from South Asia, including Bangladesh and Nepal, see this as an inspiring model for building greener cities and combating urban pollution challenges.

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26 Apr

California Declares Emergency Amid Historic Wildfires

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

California has declared a state of emergency as wildfires fueled by dry winds and high temperatures sweep across the northern regions. Over 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, while firefighters struggle to contain the flames. Governor Gavin Newsom announced emergency funds to support evacuation and rebuilding efforts. Climate scientists warn that prolonged drought conditions, partly driven by global climate change, have made such fires more frequent and intense. South Asian nations like India and Nepal, which are also vulnerable to changing climate patterns, are urged to strengthen their own disaster response systems.

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25 Apr

Flying Forward: Kenya’s Drones to Deliver Medicine in Remote Areas

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Kenya has launched Africa’s first national drone delivery service to supply life-saving medicines to remote villages. The system is being operated by Zipline, a logistics company already active in Rwanda and Ghana. Each drone can carry vaccines, blood packets, and essential medicines across challenging terrains within minutes. The project is expected to cut delivery times from hours to minutes in many regions. This model could be adapted in Himalayan regions of Nepal and Northeast India, where access to healthcare is often obstructed by difficult geography.

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25 Apr

New York Unveils Ambitious Underground Park Project

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

New York City is set to build the world’s first underground public park in Lower Manhattan, named “The Lowline.” Built in a former trolley terminal, the park will use solar technology to funnel natural light underground to grow plants. The project aims to address the city’s shortage of green spaces and is being celebrated as a marvel of sustainable design. The developers hope to inspire megacities worldwide to rethink urban space utilization. With increasing urban congestion in South Asian cities like Delhi and Dhaka, such ideas could inspire underground recreational or community spaces.

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