editor - The Purbottar

19 Feb

Italy Declares State of Emergency Over Flooding

editorItaly

Italy has declared a state of emergency after days of heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in several regions, including Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and significant damage has been reported to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals and provide humanitarian aid. The government has allocated €1 billion for disaster relief and rebuilding efforts. Climate experts warn that extreme weather events like this could become more frequent due to climate change.

19 Feb

Nepal to Restore Ancient Temples and Historical Sites

editorNepal

Nepal has announced a new national plan to restore and protect its ancient temples and historical sites. The initiative comes after increased concerns about damage from natural disasters, including the 2015 earthquake. Key restoration projects will focus on UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square. The government has partnered with international heritage organizations to fund the project and ensure sustainable restoration practices. By prioritizing cultural preservation, Nepal aims to promote tourism and strengthen its identity as a center of historical significance.

18 Feb

Assam: Drugs worth Rs 14 cr seized; one held

editorAssam

A person was arrested with heroin and Yaba tablets worth around Rs 14 crore in Assam's Cachar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. "Massive Drug Bust in Ramprasadpur. In a major breakthrough, @cacharpolice, under the jurisdiction of Dholai Police Station, intercepted a vehicle. Upon a thorough search, police recovered 40,000 Yaba tablets and 260 grams of Heroin, worth a market value of Rs 14 crore," Sarma said in a post on X. During the operation, a suspected drug peddler was arrested, the CM said.

18 Feb

Assam Police forms SIT to investigate case against Pak national for ‘anti-India’ posts

editorAssam

The Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh on Monday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into a case against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh for his social media comments on India's internal affairs, Chief Minister Himata Biswa Sarma said. The team was formed following the registration of an FIR by the CID amid controversy over the alleged ISI links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, was charged under various sections of the BNS and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

18 Feb

Tech Innovation: South Korea to Lead Global Semiconductor Race

editorSouth Korea, Technology

South Korea has announced a new strategy to strengthen its semiconductor industry, aiming to become the world’s leading producer. The plan includes a $50 billion investment in research, development, and manufacturing facilities. South Korean tech giants, such as Samsung and SK Hynix, will play a pivotal role in advancing chip technology. The government also plans to collaborate with international partners to secure supply chain stability. As global demand for semiconductors continues to rise, South Korea’s initiative is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the tech industry.

18 Feb

Canada Increases Refugee Intake Amid Global Crises

editorCanada

Canada has announced a significant expansion of its refugee resettlement program, aiming to welcome 50,000 additional refugees over the next three years. The policy is a response to ongoing humanitarian crises in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. Priority will be given to families, women, and children at risk. The Canadian government will also work with international agencies to ensure safe and efficient relocation. This initiative reinforces Canada’s reputation as a leader in global humanitarian efforts.

18 Feb

United Kingdom Unveils Major Healthcare Reforms

editorHealth, UK

The United Kingdom has announced a significant overhaul of its National Health Service (NHS) to address growing wait times and improve patient care. The plan includes a £10 billion investment in new technologies, increased hospital capacity, and expanded telehealth services. The government aims to reduce surgical backlogs and make mental health services more accessible. Additionally, new training programs will be introduced to address staff shortages. Health officials hope the reforms will modernize healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access across the country.

18 Feb

Gold imports rise over 40% to $2.68 billion in January

editorBusiness, News

Overall, imports rose 32 percent to USD 50 billion from April to January this fiscal, as against USD 37.85 billion in the same period last fiscal. The rise in imports also reflects strong investor confidence in the precious metal as a safe-haven asset. Additional factors include asset diversification in gold amid global uncertainties, rising demand from banks and reduction in customs duty. The price of the yellow metal has risen 11 percent this year, reaching Rs 88,200 for every 10 grams in the national capital. India's gold imports, impacting the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose 30 percent to USD…

17 Feb

Assam police files FIR against Taukeer Ali for having close links with Gogoi’s wife

editorAssam

The Assam Police has lodged an FIR against Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and others for alleged comments on India's internal affairs and parliamentary matters aimed at disrupting communal harmony and the nation's interests following allegations of his close link with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday. ''In pursuance of the Cabinet decision taken yesterday, Assam Police has lodged an FIR and the same had been registered as CID PS Case No 05/2025 U/S 48/152/61/197(1) BNS, 2023 RW Sec.13(1) UA(P) Act against Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and unknown others'', the chief minister posted on…

17 Feb

Assam govt, AASU unanimous on 38 points of Central panel report on Assam Accord

editorAssam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the government and All Assam Students' Union (AASU) have arrived at a consensus on 38 recommendations of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee report on Assam Accord. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Sarma said there were 52 suggestions in the Clause 6 report and the meeting considered 39 of those. "We have reached an agreement on 38 out of 52 recommendations, which will be swiftly implemented. For the remaining 14 suggestions, we need more time and will be discussed in future," he added.