Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

26 Dec

Newly Redesignated ‘Department of War’ Executes Massive Air Operation in Sokoto State

Mohini BarmanInternational

On Christmas Day 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States launched a "powerful and deadly" military strike against ISIS-linked militants in Northwest Nigeria. The operation, executed by the newly renamed Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense), targeted militants accused of persecuting and killing Christians at "levels not seen for centuries." The strike was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government to stabilize the region following the mass abduction of schoolchildren earlier this month.

23 Dec

President Murmu Grants Assent to SHANTI Bill

Mohini BarmanNational

President Droupadi Murmu has officially signed the SHANTI (Sovereign Healthcare and National Technology Initiative) Bill into law, marking a transformative shift in India’s energy policy. The legislation provides the legal framework to de-monopolize nuclear power generation, allowing private sector players to build and operate small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside state agencies. This move is expected to attract billions in domestic and foreign capital, accelerating India's transition to a net-zero baseload power grid by 2040.

22 Dec

India Officially Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Economy

Mohini BarmanEconomy

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced at the YEF Bharat Summit 2025 that India has officially become the fourth-largest economy in the world. With a GDP now standing at approximately $4.5 trillion, India has surpassed Germany, marking a historic milestone in its economic trajectory. The Minister highlighted that the country is now on a clear path to becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2027, driven by massive growth in the startup ecosystem, record-breaking exports, and significant investments in human capital.

19 Dec

Order of Oman Awarded to Indian Prime Minister During Historic State Visit

Mohini BarmanNational

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's highest civilian honour, during his official visit to Muscat. The award, presented by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, recognizes the Prime Minister’s efforts in transforming India–Oman relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Key discussions during the visit focused on securing energy corridors, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and expanding bilateral trade beyond the current $12 billion mark.

18 Dec

Government Secures Voice Vote for New Rural Employment Mission Amid Opposition Protest

Mohini BarmanNational

The Lok Sabha has passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, marking the formal end of the MGNREGA era. The new bill was passed amid a fierce uproar, with opposition members tearing copies of the legislation in protest. The bill provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per year and integrates skill development into rural labor. While the government hails it as a modernization of rural support, critics argue it dilutes the existing legal "right to work."

16 Dec

World Leaders Commit to Integrated Strategy to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases and Psychological Challenges

Mohini BarmanInternational

Leaders at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a historic political declaration committing to combat Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the first declaration to address both health crises together, aiming to usher in a new era of action. The strategy is critical as NCDs cause 18 million premature deaths annually, while mental health conditions affect over a billion people globally, severely impacting productivity and sustainable economic growth.

15 Dec

US Federal Reserve Cuts Key Rates for Third Consecutive Time

Mohini BarmanFinance

The US Federal Reserve announced it has reduced its benchmark interest rates for the third consecutive time in a bid to stimulate the US economy. The global financial reaction was swift, with the Indian Rupee (INR) immediately dipping to a record low of ₹90.42 against the US Dollar (USD) on the news. This movement highlights the significant impact of US monetary policy decisions on international currency markets, particularly in emerging economies.

10 Dec

EU Copernicus Data Shows Average Global Temperature 1.48°C Above Pre-Industrial Levels

Mohini BarmanInternational

Data released by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms that 2025 is "virtually certain" to be the second- or third-hottest year on record, after the record-breaking year of 2024. The global average temperature from January to November stands at 1.48 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). Scientists warn that the three-year average from 2023 to 2025 is now on track to exceed the 1.5^\circ\text{C} threshold for the first time, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.

09 Dec

US President Pushes for ‘One Rulebook’ on AI Regulation

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an Executive Order establishing a unified, national rulebook for Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. The move is aimed at preventing individual states from enacting conflicting regulatory approvals that he argues could stifle innovation and compromise America's lead in the global AI race. The proposed order reflects the administration's policy goal of creating a streamlined regulatory environment to accelerate technological dominance.

08 Dec

Post Melone to perform in Guwahati today; Assam CM welcomes artist

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday spoke to the media ahead of international star Post Malone’s live concert in Guwahati, calling the event a “rare occasion” for the state. “This is in fact a rare occasion for our state. Post Malone is an artist whose influence spans the entire globe. He is ranked among the top musicians worldwide. Two days ago, I watched his show in Abu Dhabi — it was electrifying, the kind of crowd present was overwhelming,” the Chief Minister said. “For the first time, Assam is going to witness the performance of a global artist.…