Mohini Barman

50 Posts
Dhaka’s New Fleet Aims for Sustainable Public Transportation

Dhaka’s New Fleet Aims for Sustainable Public Transportation

In a significant move towards sustainable urban transport, Bangladesh has launched its first fleet of electric buses in Dhaka.  Developed in collaboration with South Korean and Chinese partners, these buses aim to reduce air pollution and modernize the city's public transportation system. The electric buses offer silent operation, zero tailpipe emissions, and are equipped with advanced ticketing and security systems.  The initiative is part of a broader plan to deploy 500 electric buses over the next two years, improving air quality and commuter experience. Neighboring countries like India and Nepal, facing similar urban pollution challenges, are observing Dhaka's transition closely. …
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India’s Semiconductor Ambitions Attract Global Interest

India’s Semiconductor Ambitions Attract Global Interest

India's burgeoning semiconductor industry is drawing international attention, with Malaysia expressing a keen interest in collaboration.  Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong, highlighted the potential for structured engagement between the two nations, emphasizing Malaysia's expertise in key areas of semiconductor manufacturing. India's semiconductor market is projected to grow from US$38 billion in 2023 to US$109 billion by 2030.  Major global players like Foxconn, Micron Technology, Applied Materials, and AMD have already invested in India, signaling confidence in its semiconductor roadmap. Malaysia's longstanding experience in the semiconductor sector positions it as a valuable partner for India. …
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Floods submerge 60 pc of Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, threatening one-horned rhino habitat

Floods submerge 60 pc of Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, threatening one-horned rhino habitat

Around 60 per cent of Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses in the country, has been submerged due to flooding caused by rising waters from the Brahmaputra River, threatening the habitat of the endangered animal species. According to sanctuary authorities, 10 out of 17 anti- poaching camps inside the 16 sq km protected area have been inundated, severely affecting forest operations and forcing wildlife, including the iconic species, to move to higher ground. "After June 1, we have received a significant influx of water from the Brahmaputra through channels linked to the sanctuary," said…
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Eviction drive carried out along Assam-Meghalaya border for widening of NH-217

Eviction drive carried out along Assam-Meghalaya border for widening of NH-217

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) carried out an eviction drive at Dinadubi near Dudhnai, along the Assam-Meghalaya border, to facilitate the widening of National Highway 217. The drive, conducted under the directives of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, targeted encroachments on the Assam side of the Dinadubi Bazar area. The operation involved the demolition of several commercial establishments and shops to clear the way for highway expansion. It was conducted in a peaceful manner, with the presence of officials from the local administration, NHIDCL, and police personnel from Dudhnai, Damra, and neighboring areas of…
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UK Bans Disposable Vapes to Curb Teen Addiction

UK Bans Disposable Vapes to Curb Teen Addiction

The United Kingdom has announced a nationwide ban on disposable vapes starting January 2026, citing a dramatic rise in e-cigarette use among teenagers. The new law will also restrict flavored vape liquids that appeal to minors. The UK’s Health Secretary said the ban aims to protect children from nicotine addiction and potential long-term health effects. Retailers found violating the law will face fines and license suspensions. The move is being watched by South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, where vaping is gaining popularity among urban youth. Public health experts are urging similar regulations to prevent a future addiction crisis.
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California Battles Early Wildfire Season as Drought Returns

California Battles Early Wildfire Season as Drought Returns

California is facing an unusually early and aggressive wildfire season, with over 20,000 acres already scorched in the northern regions due to dry conditions and high winds. Emergency services have ordered evacuations across parts of Butte and Tehama counties, with over 2,000 firefighters deployed. Officials blame a severe drought resurgence and record heat for the fires, reigniting concerns about climate resilience and forest management in the United States. Satellite images show thick smoke affecting air quality across western states, prompting health advisories in Nevada and Arizona. Environmentalists are urging other countries, including India and Nepal, to study California’s approach to…
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UK Elections 2025: Campaigns Heat Up as July Vote Nears

UK Elections 2025: Campaigns Heat Up as July Vote Nears

The United Kingdom is bracing for a closely contested general election this July, with the Labour Party and the ruling Conservatives presenting contrasting visions for the country’s future. Key issues dominating the debate include economic recovery, the NHS, immigration, and climate policy. Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to cut taxes for working families and reinvest in public services, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasizes fiscal discipline and national security. The rise of smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and the Greens may also impact the final outcome. The UK’s political shifts are being watched with interest across the Commonwealth,…
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Supreme Court rejects petition against Assam’s ‘push back’ policy

Supreme Court rejects petition against Assam’s ‘push back’ policy

The Supreme Court of India has declined to entertain a petition challenging the Assam government's push-back policy, designed to tackle infiltration from Bangladesh.  The court advised the petitioner, All BTC Minority Students Union, to approach the Guwahati High Court regarding the matter. The petitioner alleges that the state of Assam has reportedly launched a sweeping and indiscriminate drive to detain and deport individuals suspected to be foreigners, lacking Foreigners Tribunal declarations, nationality verification, or having exhausted legal remedies. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed the state's adherence to legal processes, stating, "We respect legal processes. If someone is…
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Landslide in North Sikkim’s Chatten claims three; search for more underway

Landslide in North Sikkim’s Chatten claims three; search for more underway

Three bodies have been recovered after a landslide struck Chatten in North Sikkim around 7 pm on June 1, causing damage to nearby habitats. The recovered bodies include some combatants. Authorities suspect more individuals may be missing. Identification of the deceased is currently underway, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the missing. This is a developing story. It will be updated.
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South Korea Unveils AI-Driven Defense Drone Fleet

South Korea Unveils AI-Driven Defense Drone Fleet

South Korea’s Ministry of Defense has introduced a next-gen AI-powered drone fleet designed for border surveillance, emergency response, and potential combat deployment. The “K-Drone” system uses machine learning for autonomous flight, target identification, and real-time data sharing with command centers. The system is being tested along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea. Defense experts say the program enhances national security while also showcasing Seoul’s technological advancement in military AI. Defense analysts in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal are keenly observing the development, as it signals a shift toward intelligent defense systems in Asia. Collaborative research in AI and drone technology…
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