International

22 Apr

Venice Becomes First Major City to Curb Mass Tourism with Entry Pass

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Starting this month, Venice has become the first city in the world to implement a €5 entry fee for day-trippers. The initiative is designed to reduce overcrowding and protect the historic city’s fragile infrastructure. Residents and overnight guests are exempt, but tourists will need to book visits online. Officials say the revenue will go into preservation and maintenance. Tourism-dependent cities like Pokhara (Nepal), Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh), and Thimphu (Bhutan) are also debating how to manage tourist influx without harming local ecosystems. Venice’s model could become a global template for sustainable tourism.

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21 Apr

USA Plans Permanent Human Settlement on Lunar Surface

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

NASA has announced its most ambitious space program yet—a plan to build a permanent human outpost on the Moon by 2030. As part of the Artemis mission series, the base will support scientific research and serve as a test ground for future Mars missions. The base will use solar power, 3D-printed habitats, and autonomous robots for construction. “This is no longer science fiction—it’s becoming reality,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. India's ISRO, which has also launched successful lunar missions, welcomed the development, saying it could open doors for international collaborations. Young scientists in Nepal and Bhutan are also being encouraged…

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19 Apr

Marine Scientists Raise Alarm on Climate Impact in Queensland Waters

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is facing its worst coral bleaching event since 2016, according to marine scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures are stressing large sections of coral across the northern and central reef systems. The phenomenon, largely driven by global warming and El Niño effects, threatens biodiversity and tourism, two major contributors to Queensland’s economy. More than 60% of coral reefs in surveyed areas show signs of bleaching. Australian officials have urged the international community to treat this as a global issue. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has also expressed concern, warning…

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18 Apr

Amazon Opens Its First AI Robotics Warehouse in Texas

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Amazon has inaugurated a state-of-the-art AI-driven warehouse in San Antonio, Texas, designed to speed up order processing and improve worker safety. The facility is equipped with more than 5,000 mobile robots and an AI-powered logistics system that optimizes sorting and packaging. The company says the new tech will reduce human workload by 30% while increasing delivery speed by up to 40% in the southern U.S. region. The warehouse is also designed with ergonomics in mind to reduce worker injuries, a frequent criticism of Amazon in the past. Labor unions remain cautious, warning about job displacement, though Amazon insists no jobs…

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15 Apr

Privacy Advocates Hail Victory in Surveillance Battle

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The state of New York has banned the use of facial recognition technology in all public schools, citing privacy concerns and potential racial bias. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law on April 10 after months of advocacy by parent groups and civil rights organizations. Supporters of the ban argued that the technology was being implemented without proper data protection protocols, putting minors at risk. A state-led study also found evidence that facial recognition systems disproportionately misidentified students of color and those with disabilities. Under the new law, schools will now need state permission before using any biometric surveillance…

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14 Apr

Beijing Retaliates Against Washington’s 104% Import Duties

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Tensions flared between the US and China as Washington imposed 104% tariffs on key Chinese imports beginning April 9. The US cited trade imbalances and unfair practices, while China retaliated with a 125% tariff hike on American goods, particularly in agriculture and technology. Global markets responded negatively, with major Asian indexes dropping significantly. Analysts warn this escalation may disrupt global supply chains and drive up consumer prices. As talks stall, businesses and consumers brace for the broader economic fallout from what many are calling the most intense trade standoff in years.

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10 Apr

New AI Law in U.S. Seeks Transparency, Global Tech Firms React

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The U.S. Senate has introduced a bipartisan bill to regulate artificial intelligence, focusing on transparency, accountability, and prevention of algorithmic bias. The "AI Ethics and Protection Act" requires developers to submit ethical impact reports and audit their AI systems annually. The move follows concerns about misinformation, job displacement, and AI use in surveillance. Major tech companies like Google and OpenAI have issued cautious support, while civil liberties groups are demanding stronger provisions. The bill has drawn interest from South Asian regulators. Bangladesh’s ICT Division is reviewing similar policies, and Nepal’s Ministry of Communication has initiated a draft framework. Bhutan’s education…

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07 Apr

France Bans Domestic Short-Haul Flights to Cut Emissions

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

France has officially banned short domestic flights for routes where train alternatives under 2.5 hours exist. The policy, effective April 1, 2025, is a major step in Europe’s green transition. The law targets flights like Paris to Lyon or Bordeaux, where high-speed rail options already exist. French Environment Minister Christophe Béchu stated, “This isn’t anti-aviation, it’s pro-environment. We’re sending a message to the world.” While airlines have criticized the decision, environmental groups have praised it. The ripple effect is being felt across the EU, with Spain and Germany reviewing similar proposals. For South Asian audiences, this policy is being closely…

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05 Apr

Africa Eyes the Stars: Kenya Leads Space Tech Discussion

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Kenya has hosted the first Pan-African Space and Satellite Conference in Nairobi, drawing representatives from 25 nations to discuss the future of space science on the continent. The conference, organized by the African Union, aims to foster collaboration in satellite research, climate monitoring, and even potential space missions. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Space Affairs, Aden Duale, stated, “Space is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for communication, climate data, and development.” The country has already launched two small satellites in recent years and is planning a national space center by 2027. The event was lauded by India’s…

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04 Apr

Kenya Launches Africa’s Largest Wind Power Project

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Kenya has inaugurated Africa’s largest wind farm, the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which aims to supply 30% of the nation’s electricity needs. The massive project, consisting of 365 wind turbines, is a key part of Kenya’s goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. President William Ruto called it a “monumental achievement” in Africa’s push toward sustainable energy. “Kenya is leading the way in renewable energy, and this project sets a new standard,” he said during the launch. The wind farm, located in a high-wind zone, is expected to reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower electricity costs…

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