International

18 Apr

Cutting-Edge Facility to Increase Delivery Speed and Reduce Injuries

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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17 Apr

UK Scientists Develop First Plastic-Eating Enzyme Spray

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in the UK have developed a sprayable enzyme solution capable of breaking down common plastics like PET in hours instead of decades. The product, currently in trial stages, could revolutionize global recycling practices. The enzyme spray, derived from bacteria found in compost heaps, dissolves plastic at the molecular level. Initial lab tests show it can reduce a plastic bottle to non-toxic components within 48 hours. This innovation arrives at a critical time when global plastic waste is projected to reach 1.2 billion tonnes by 2050. Environmental groups are calling the enzyme a “game-changer” for…

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16 Apr

New Policy Aims to Reduce Teen Suicides and Anxiety

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

In response to growing mental health concerns among teenagers, the UK’s Department for Education has announced that all public schools will introduce mandatory weekly “mental health check-ins” starting this September. Under the new plan, students aged 11–18 will engage in guided sessions once a week with certified counselors or trained teachers. Topics will include emotional literacy, coping mechanisms, mindfulness, and identifying early signs of depression or stress. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said the program aims to reduce the rising number of youth suicides and hospitalizations due to anxiety and depression. Recent NHS data shows that one in six UK teenagers…

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15 Apr

New York Bans Facial Recognition in Schools

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

US-China Trade War Intensifies with New Tariffs

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

USA Introduces AI Regulation Bill to Prevent Bias and Misinformation

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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08 Apr

UK Launches AI Curriculum for Primary Schools

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

In a significant step toward future-proofing education, the UK has introduced an AI-based curriculum for primary schools starting this academic year. Students from age 8 will learn the basics of algorithms, coding ethics, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. The curriculum, backed by Oxford and Cambridge tech faculties, includes virtual AI assistants for classrooms and interactive gamified modules. The government hopes this early exposure will close the skill gap in the tech sector. South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh are taking note, with education boards considering similar modules. EdTech firms in Nepal and Bhutan have expressed interest in collaborating…

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07 Apr

Eco-First: France Pushes Train Travel Over Planes

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

US Court Rules AI Cannot Be Granted Copyright

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

In a landmark ruling, a U.S. federal court has decided that artificial intelligence cannot be credited as the legal author of any creative work, reinforcing the principle that copyrights are reserved for human creators only. The case involved an AI-created artwork submitted by computer scientist Dr. Stephen Thaler, who sought legal recognition for his AI system “DABUS” as the author. The court, however, ruled that U.S. copyright law only applies to works created by humans. Judge Beryl A. Howell noted, “Human creativity is the bedrock of copyright protection. Machines, no matter how sophisticated, do not qualify.” This verdict could have…

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04 Apr

Kenya’s Renewable Revolution: Wind Power to Transform Energy Sector

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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