International - The Purbottar

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…

23 Oct

UK to Ban Sale of New Petrol Cars from 2030

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has reaffirmed its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars starting in 2030, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the move is aimed at cutting transport-related emissions, which account for nearly one-third of the nation’s total carbon output. Under the new policy, car manufacturers will be required to gradually increase electric vehicle (EV) sales, reaching 100% by 2030. The government has also announced a £2 billion fund to expand charging infrastructure and provide incentives for EV buyers. However, the automobile…

22 Oct

Torrential Rains Batter Britain; Thousands Brace for Flooding

Mohini BarmanInternational

Heavy rainfall has disrupted life across much of the United Kingdom this week, prompting flood warnings in several counties including Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Gloucestershire. The UK Met Office reported that some regions experienced more than a month’s worth of rain within 48 hours, leading to swollen rivers and severe transport delays. Local authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary. Emergency services rescued dozens of people stranded in vehicles and flooded homes. Train services between northern England and Scotland were temporarily suspended due to waterlogging on tracks. Experts say that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns…

20 Oct

Relief for Britons as UK Inflation Falls to Three-Year Low

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom’s inflation rate dropped to 2.3% in September, the lowest in three years, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics. The fall has been driven largely by declining energy and food prices, offering a sense of relief to millions of households struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates at 5.25% for now but may consider rate cuts early next year if the trend continues. Economists say this marks a “turning point” after two years of high inflation that eroded real incomes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the…

18 Oct

NASA to Launch First Crewed Mission to Mars by 2035

Mohini BarmanInternational

NASA has announced its ambitious plan to send the first humans to Mars by 2035, marking a major milestone in human space exploration. The project, under the “Artemis to Mars” program, aims to build on the success of lunar missions and establish a permanent human presence on the Red Planet. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the agency is working closely with international partners such as the European Space Agency and private companies like SpaceX. The upcoming Artemis IV mission will play a key role in testing long-duration space travel systems. Scientists believe the Mars mission will unlock answers about…

17 Oct

IMF Warns Debt Levels Will Return to Post-War Peaks

Mohini BarmanInternational

The IMF has warned that global government debt is on track to reach 100% of global GDP by 2029—the highest level seen since the aftermath of World War II. In its latest Fiscal Monitor Report, the IMF cites long-term spending pressures—climate response, healthcare, aging populations, and infrastructure—compounded by reluctance to raise taxes in politically sensitive environments. Many advanced economies including the U.S., UK, France, Japan, and Canada are forecast to exceed or approach this 100% threshold. Meanwhile, emerging and low-income countries face fiscal stress even with comparatively lower debt ratios. The IMF criticized the sluggishness of debt restructuring mechanisms such…

17 Oct

MI5 Reveals Surge in Espionage and Terror Activity from Russia, Iran, China

Mohini BarmanInternational

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum delivered a stark warning during a 2025 address, stating that the UK is facing a rapidly increasing threat from hostile states including Russia, Iran, and China, as well as from organized terror groups. McCallum revealed that state threat investigations have risen by 35% over recent years. He accused these nations of employing covert tactics such as surveillance, cyber espionage, and political influence operations. The United Kingdom has attributed several operations to Russia’s Wagner Group and espionage by China targeting academia and dissidents abroad. He also flagged 20+ Iran-linked plots that were disrupted, along with multiple…

14 Oct

IATA Projects Massive Cost Surge Across Global Aviation Industry

Mohini BarmanInternational

Global airlines are bracing for a colossal supply-chain cost burden in 2025—estimated at over US$11 billion—according to a joint report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and consultants Oliver Wyman. The additional costs are driven by a confluence of factors: persistent disruptions in the supply chain, rising fuel expenses, parts shortages, maintenance delays, and the need to stockpile spare inventory. Of the $11 billion total, about $4.2 billion is attributed to extra fuel usage because many older aircraft must remain in service longer than planned. Some $3.1 billion comes from increased maintenance costs, $2.6 billion from leased engines to…