International - The Purbottar

04 Sep

Kingdom Expands E-Visa Program to Boost Economy

Mohini BarmanInternational

Saudi Arabia has announced the expansion of its electronic visa program to include 30 more countries, part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. The move allows easier access for tourists to historic sites like AlUla, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Officials said the initiative aims to attract 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Already, investments are flowing into hospitality, entertainment, and cultural heritage projects. For South Asian travelers, particularly from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, this could mean better opportunities for business, work, and religious tourism beyond the Hajj and Umrah framework.

04 Sep

US Senate Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States Senate has passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The legislation requires companies to ensure transparency in AI algorithms, protect consumer privacy, and prevent misuse in areas like surveillance and deepfakes. Supporters say the move positions the U.S. as a leader in AI governance, setting standards that could influence global markets. Critics, however, argue that excessive regulation may slow innovation and give an edge to competitors like China. Tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI expressed conditional support, stressing the need for balanced policies. Analysts believe this bill could reshape the way AI…

03 Sep

Thousands Displaced as Storm Surge Hits Communities

Mohini BarmanInternational

A powerful hurricane made landfall in Florida, USA, on Thursday, bringing torrential rain, winds of over 150 km/h, and massive storm surges. Authorities confirmed widespread flooding in coastal towns, with power outages affecting more than two million households. Emergency shelters have been opened in schools and community centers as rescue teams continue evacuations. U.S. President Joe Biden urged citizens to follow safety advisories, promising federal assistance. Airports in Miami and Orlando canceled hundreds of flights, disrupting domestic and international travel. Analysts warn that the damage could cost billions of dollars, making it one of the worst storms in recent years.

02 Sep

Wildfires Rage Across California

Mohini BarmanInternational

Massive wildfires have engulfed parts of Northern California, forcing more than 50,000 residents to evacuate. Fueled by strong winds and a prolonged drought, the fires have destroyed hundreds of homes and charred thousands of acres of land. Authorities said several highways remain closed as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. Smoke has spread across major cities including Sacramento and San Francisco, prompting health warnings. U.S. President Joe Biden has approved emergency funding, while state officials urged citizens to conserve water and energy during the crisis.

01 Sep

Thousands Ordered to Evacuate as Storm Strengthens

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the East Coast, as Hurricane Elena intensified into a Category 4 storm on Monday. Coastal states including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have ordered over 1.2 million people to evacuate low-lying areas. Forecasters warn that wind speeds could reach 210 km/h, along with heavy rainfall and storm surges that may flood coastal towns. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights, while Amtrak suspended train services in affected regions. U.S. President Joe Biden said federal emergency teams are on standby, urging citizens to take the warnings seriously.

30 Aug

California Wildfires Force Thousands to Evacuate

Mohini BarmanInternational

Northern California is once again battling massive wildfires that have forced more than 25,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Dry winds and record heat have fueled the flames, burning over 50,000 acres of forestland in just three days. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, promising additional firefighting aircraft and personnel. Highways have been partially closed, and several schools are now functioning as temporary relief camps. Health officials have also issued an air quality alert as smoke blankets the San Francisco Bay Area. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying fire seasons, making recovery more difficult each year.

29 Aug

Hurricane Isaac Pounds U.S. Gulf Coast

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S. Gulf Coast is reeling after Hurricane Isaac made landfall late Wednesday, bringing winds of over 140 km/h, torrential rain, and widespread flooding. More than 300,000 homes have lost power, while emergency shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi are operating at full capacity. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors as rising water levels threaten low-lying towns. President Donald Trump, who was visiting Florida, assured federal support, saying disaster relief funds will be released immediately. Local officials have expressed concern about oil refineries in the Gulf region, which supply nearly 15% of U.S. fuel demand. Any prolonged disruption could impact…

28 Aug

“Venice Film Festival Opens with Sorrentino’s La Grazia”

Mohini BarmanInternational

The 82nd Venice Film Festival officially opened on August 27 in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema with the world premiere of La Grazia, directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Tony Servillo. The festival's opening night marked the beginning of a major international cinematic event celebrating creativity, culture, and cinematic excellence.

28 Aug

“Britain’s Energy Price Cap Hiked Amid Fuel Poverty Concerns”

Mohini BarmanInternational

Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 2 percent lift in the energy price cap, raising annual household bills by £35 to about £1,755, starting this October. The price revision reflects rising operational and wholesale costs linked to government policies and expanded support schemes like the warm home discount. Charitable organisations have raised alarms about the impact on low-income, elderly, and disabled households, warning of deepening fuel poverty as winter approaches . Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US–India tensions are escalating. Former President Trump has imposed a hefty 50 percent tariff on Indian imports, responding to New Delhi’s continuing purchases of…

27 Aug

Brazil Sees 65% Drop in Amazon Fires This July

Mohini BarmanInternational

According to MapBiomas data, the area burned in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell by 65% in July compared to the same period last year—a promising improvement in forest protection efforts. Conservationists across South Asia—especially in Nepal’s Terai, Bhutan’s subtropical zones, and Bangladesh’s Sundarbans—are taking note, hopeful this trend signals enhanced fire management and ecological resilience strategies applicable to their own forest landscapes.