Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

04 Dec

EU Seeks to Use Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Long-Term Kyiv Recovery

Mohini BarmanInternational

The European Commission is developing a proposal for a "reparations loan" designed to finance the long-term reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. This plan involves utilizing the frozen assets of the Russian central bank and Russian oligarchs held in EU jurisdictions as collateral or a source of repayment for the loan. The initiative aims to provide predictable, substantial funding for Ukraine while navigating the complex legal challenges associated with seizing sovereign assets.

03 Dec

Myanmar-linked drug racket busted in Assam, Rs 12.5 cr narcotics seized

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized Rs 12.5 crore worth of “high-grade” heroin in Assam, intercepting a consignment trafficked from Myanmar through a sophisticated riverine route. A senior NCB official on Tuesday said the operation marked a significant breakthrough against an international drug cartel using remote waterways to evade security surveillance. Acting on intelligence developed over several weeks, the NCB’s Guwahati Zonal Unit, in coordination with the CRPF and Assam Police, tracked the illegal consignment as it moved through dense forest corridors in Manipur before being transported via small motorboats along the Barak river. Officials said traffickers increasingly rely…

02 Dec

Himanta vows to build an inclusive ‘Greater Assam’ on Asom Divas

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday pledged to build ‘Bor Asom’ or Greater Assam—an inclusive vision embracing all communities of the state—as part of the Asom Divas celebrations. Sarma made the remarks while paying tribute to Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom kingdom, who arrived in Assam in 1228 AD and laid the foundation of Ahom rule and its enduring legacy. “As we observe #AsomDivas, we pledge to continue building the Bor Asom as he envisaged — proud, strong, and united,” he said in a post on X. The Chief Minister also thanked Union Home Minister Amit…

01 Dec

Indian Exports to US Crash Amid Escalating Tariffs

Mohini BarmanIndia

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), Indian exports to the United States suffered a sharp 28.5% drop between May and October 2025. This significant decline, from $8.83 billion to $6.31 billion, is attributed directly to the rapid escalation of US tariffs, which rose from 10% to as high as 50% on key Indian goods. Labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, garments, and gems and jewelry, were hit the hardest, reinforcing the impact of aggressive trade protectionist measures on developing economies.

28 Nov

US President Halts Migration from All ‘Third World Countries’ After DC Shooting

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump announced a major, unprecedented immigration policy shift, stating he would "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries." The announcement, made days after a shooting incident near the White House, aims to allow the US immigration system to "fully recover" and reduce illegal admissions. The policy, which will have significant global implications, also calls for ending federal benefits to non-citizens and the deportation of anyone deemed a security risk or "not a net asset to the United States."

27 Nov

Bilateral Trade Between India and UAE Surpasses $100 Billion Mark

Mohini BarmanInternational

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully concluded the third meeting of the Joint Committee under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The committee reviewed the progress of the trade agreement, which has propelled bilateral trade between the two nations to surpass the $100 billion milestone. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas like investment, digital trade, and joint manufacturing initiatives, further solidifying the strategic economic ties between the two nations.

25 Nov

New Report Calls for Emergency Funding to Combat Drug-Resistant Superbugs

Mohini BarmanInternational

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a critical report highlighting the alarming lack of new antibiotics in the global research pipeline. The report warns that the current development rate is insufficient to tackle the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), labeling it a silent pandemic. The WHO is calling for a global emergency fund and a push for innovative public-private partnerships to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs. The crisis threatens to revert medicine to a pre-antibiotic era, making routine infections and minor surgeries life-threatening again.

24 Nov

Boutique wildlife retreat opens in Assam’s Pobitora, opens up tourism avenues

Mohini BarmanAssam

Rhino & River - a boutique wildlife retreat, has been officially unveiled in the verdant plains of Mayang, just minutes from the famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by sweeping farmlands and the Brahmaputra River, the property offers travellers an immersive experience that blends wildlife, culture, and modern hospitality. The retreat features loghut-style rooms designed to harmonize rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from Tea Garden Rooms or Safari Rooms, all with private balconies and curated amenities. At the heart of the property are experiences that celebrate Assam’s natural and cultural wealth, from jeep and elephant safaris in Pobitora,…

24 Nov

Assam Cabinet clears 27 key Bills; Tiwari Commission report to be tabled

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday evening addressed a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur, following a meeting of the state cabinet. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Assam Cabinet has approved 27 key legislations to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session beginning on November 25. The proposals include: Transfer of land in tea garden labour colonies to the labourers. Amendments to the School Provincialisation ActRelaxation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to permit traditional buffalo fights such as Jallikattu. Introduction of a new policy under the Mission for Rural Organisation…

22 Nov

Bilateral Talks Focus on Reimbursement and Regulatory Frameworks for Ayush Systems

Mohini BarmanIndia

India and Germany held the 3rd Joint Working Group Meeting on Alternative Medicine in Berlin, marking a significant step in advancing cooperation in traditional and integrative healthcare. The core focus of the discussions was on three pillars: integrating traditional medicine (Ayush systems) into public health systems, establishing reimbursement pathways for patients, and strengthening regulatory approval mechanisms. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to fostering evidence-based, people-centred traditional medicine. Key talks involved high-level German health officials and institutions, including the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University. This collaboration aims to accelerate research, harmonize regulations, and enhance patient…