International

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

04 Apr

NASA’s New Space Telescope to Explore Alien Life

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

NASA has announced plans for a next-generation space telescope, the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), which will focus on finding signs of alien life in distant star systems. The project, expected to launch in the 2040s, will be capable of detecting atmospheric conditions that support life beyond Earth. Dr. Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, said, “This telescope will revolutionize our search for extraterrestrial life, allowing us to explore habitable planets with unprecedented detail.” The HWO will be more advanced than the James Webb Space Telescope, using new technology to filter out starlight and provide clearer images of exoplanets. Scientists are particularly interested…

28 Mar

France to Introduce Free Public Transport in Major Cities

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

France has announced plans to make public transport free in several major cities, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion. The policy will first be implemented in cities like Lyon and Marseille before expanding nationwide. Under the initiative, buses, trams, and metro services will offer free rides during peak hours. The government hopes this will encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport, reducing air pollution and fuel consumption. Transport Minister Jean Dupont stated that funding will come from increased taxation on large polluting companies. Environmentalists have praised the move, while some experts argue that additional…

27 Mar

Italy to Implement Strict Tourism Controls in Venice

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Italy has announced the introduction of an entry fee for tourists visiting Venice, aiming to control overcrowding and preserve the city’s cultural heritage. Starting this summer, day-trippers will be required to pay a €5 fee on peak tourist days. Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces challenges from mass tourism, with millions of visitors arriving annually. The fee is part of a broader effort to manage tourism sustainably while encouraging longer stays and supporting local businesses. City officials state that the collected revenue will go toward maintenance and preservation projects. However, some locals and tourism operators argue that the fee…

25 Mar

Authorities Offer Incentives to Attract New Residents

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Several historic towns in Italy are facing drastic population decline as younger generations migrate to cities in search of jobs. Rural areas in regions like Calabria and Sicily have seen abandoned homes and empty schools. To combat this issue, local governments are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Schemes include selling houses for as little as one euro, provided buyers commit to renovating them. Additionally, remote workers and families are being offered tax breaks and grants. Officials hope these measures will breathe new life into the picturesque villages, preserving Italy’s cultural heritage. While some communities have seen moderate success,…