International - The Purbottar

06 Nov

UK to Launch Mandatory Digital ID for Workers by End of Term

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has revealed a plan to introduce a mandatory digital identity scheme for citizens and resident workers, aiming to make employment checks more robust and streamline access to public services. According to announcements, by the end of this parliamentary term the new system will require anyone working in the country to verify identity online via a government-approved digital ID. The move is described by ministers as a dual measure: tightening security, particularly in the labour market, and simplifying interactions with services like welfare, healthcare, and driver licensing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scheme will “help ensure…

04 Nov

Africa’s Largest Wind Farm to Power New Cross-Border Grid Project

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power Project — already Africa’s largest — will expand its capacity by 25% to supply power to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania through a regional energy grid. The project currently provides nearly 17% of Kenya’s total electricity. The expansion, funded by the African Development Bank and the EU, is expected to be completed by 2027. Kenyan President William Ruto stated, “Clean energy is no longer a luxury; it’s the backbone of our growth.” The initiative aligns with the African Union’s vision of a continent-wide renewable energy corridor. For India and South Asia, this development holds lessons in…

04 Nov

UK to Introduce ‘Digital Pound’ by 2028

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom’s Treasury and the Bank of England have confirmed plans to launch a “digital pound” by 2028. The digital version of sterling will operate alongside physical cash, allowing citizens and businesses to make secure online payments directly with central bank money. Officials say the initiative will strengthen financial inclusion and support the modern economy in a rapidly digitising world. The Bank of England will begin public trials by 2026, focusing on privacy protection and cybersecurity. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said, “The digital pound will ensure the UK remains competitive in the global financial system.” However, critics warn that…

31 Oct

France Introduces New Visa Policy for Digital Nomads

Mohini BarmanInternational

France has launched a new “Digital Nomad Visa” designed to attract skilled remote professionals from around the world. The visa allows foreign freelancers, IT experts, and creative workers to live and work in France for up to two years. The move aims to boost France’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, where startup hubs are flourishing. Applicants must show stable income, proof of remote employment, and valid health insurance. French officials hope this will bring innovation and diversity to the national economy. The initiative mirrors similar programs in Portugal and Estonia, both of which have seen economic…

31 Oct

U.S. Senate Approves Major AI Regulation Bill

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a historic move, the U.S. Senate has passed a comprehensive bill to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), marking the first major federal legislation on the technology. The “AI Accountability and Safety Act” was approved with strong bipartisan support and is aimed at ensuring transparency, privacy protection, and responsible use of AI in public and private sectors. The bill mandates that companies developing AI systems disclose training data sources, prevent algorithmic bias, and ensure human oversight in critical decision-making. It also proposes the formation of a national AI ethics board. U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into…

29 Oct

Biden Administration Pushes Massive Investment in Clean Energy and Jobs

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States government has unveiled a $2 trillion green infrastructure package aimed at transforming the country’s energy system and creating millions of jobs. The plan, announced by President Joe Biden, includes major investments in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and climate-resilient public transport. Under the proposal, the government will fund the construction of solar and wind power plants, expand charging stations for electric vehicles, and modernize the national electricity grid. A significant portion of the investment will also go toward repairing aging roads, bridges, and water systems, with strict environmental standards applied. Experts say the move could significantly cut…

27 Oct

Tokyo’s New Robots Aim to Ease Nursing Shortage in Aging Society

Mohini BarmanInternational

Japan has launched a nationwide program deploying AI-powered care robots to assist its rapidly aging population. The robots, developed by several local tech firms, are designed to help with mobility, medicine reminders, and emotional support. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, seeks to address the country’s acute shortage of caregivers. Japan currently has one of the highest elderly populations in the world — nearly 30% of citizens are over 65. Early trials in Osaka and Tokyo show that elderly residents feel more engaged and less isolated when interacting with robots. “They remind me to take…

27 Oct

Thousands Evacuated in Britain After Torrential Rains Cause Massive Flooding

Mohini BarmanInternational

Severe flooding has struck parts of the United Kingdom after Storm Elena battered southern England and Wales with record rainfall over the weekend. The UK Met Office reported that over 200mm of rain fell in 24 hours in several areas — the highest in a decade. Rivers burst their banks, submerging hundreds of homes and disrupting rail and road transport. More than 15,000 residents were evacuated in Somerset, Devon, and parts of London. Emergency services have been working nonstop, with rescue boats deployed to bring stranded citizens to safety. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited affected areas and promised quick relief…

25 Oct

Britain Targets Youth Addiction with Vape Ban Proposal

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban disposable vapes by 2026 in an effort to combat rising nicotine addiction among teenagers. The move comes after a sharp increase in youth vaping, with health officials warning of long-term health effects. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the government “cannot allow an entire generation to grow up addicted to nicotine.” The ban will cover the sale and manufacture of single-use vapes, while reusable and medically approved devices will still be permitted. The new regulation will also impose stricter advertising standards, limiting promotions near schools and online platforms. Public health groups…

24 Oct

Biden Administration Launches Mega Fund to Tackle Climate Change

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States has launched a new $50 billion global climate initiative aimed at cutting carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and supporting developing nations in climate adaptation. The plan, announced by President Joe Biden, focuses on partnerships with countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to promote sustainable technologies. The fund will assist developing economies in transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy, with India, Indonesia, and Kenya expected to be key beneficiaries. Experts say this move strengthens U.S. leadership in climate diplomacy, especially ahead of the COP30 Summit scheduled in Brazil next year. Climate analysts praised the initiative as…