Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

04 Sep

Kingdom Expands E-Visa Program to Boost Economy

Mohini BarmanInternational

Saudi Arabia has announced the expansion of its electronic visa program to include 30 more countries, part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy beyond oil. The move allows easier access for tourists to historic sites like AlUla, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Officials said the initiative aims to attract 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Already, investments are flowing into hospitality, entertainment, and cultural heritage projects. For South Asian travelers, particularly from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, this could mean better opportunities for business, work, and religious tourism beyond the Hajj and Umrah framework.

04 Sep

US Senate Passes Landmark AI Regulation Bill

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States Senate has passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The legislation requires companies to ensure transparency in AI algorithms, protect consumer privacy, and prevent misuse in areas like surveillance and deepfakes. Supporters say the move positions the U.S. as a leader in AI governance, setting standards that could influence global markets. Critics, however, argue that excessive regulation may slow innovation and give an edge to competitors like China. Tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI expressed conditional support, stressing the need for balanced policies. Analysts believe this bill could reshape the way AI…

03 Sep

Bangladesh Launches Satellite-Based Flood Monitoring

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has rolled out a satellite-based flood monitoring system, designed to give rural communities more accurate early warnings during monsoon season. The system, developed in collaboration with Japan, provides real-time rainfall and river-level data, which is shared through mobile alerts and community radio stations. Officials said the project could save thousands of lives and prevent large-scale crop losses, particularly in flood-prone districts like Kurigram, Jamalpur, and Sylhet. Experts believe the initiative can also be adapted in neighboring India and Nepal, where river systems are interconnected. Regional disaster management groups welcomed the move, calling it a model for South Asia.

03 Sep

Thousands Displaced as Storm Surge Hits Communities

Mohini BarmanInternational

A powerful hurricane made landfall in Florida, USA, on Thursday, bringing torrential rain, winds of over 150 km/h, and massive storm surges. Authorities confirmed widespread flooding in coastal towns, with power outages affecting more than two million households. Emergency shelters have been opened in schools and community centers as rescue teams continue evacuations. U.S. President Joe Biden urged citizens to follow safety advisories, promising federal assistance. Airports in Miami and Orlando canceled hundreds of flights, disrupting domestic and international travel. Analysts warn that the damage could cost billions of dollars, making it one of the worst storms in recent years.

02 Sep

Wildfires Rage Across California

Mohini BarmanInternational

Massive wildfires have engulfed parts of Northern California, forcing more than 50,000 residents to evacuate. Fueled by strong winds and a prolonged drought, the fires have destroyed hundreds of homes and charred thousands of acres of land. Authorities said several highways remain closed as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. Smoke has spread across major cities including Sacramento and San Francisco, prompting health warnings. U.S. President Joe Biden has approved emergency funding, while state officials urged citizens to conserve water and energy during the crisis.

02 Sep

Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind delegation to visit Assam, police to keep strict vigil

Mohini BarmanAssam

A delegation of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is visiting Assam's Goalpara district, and the police will strictly monitor the situation, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The seven-member delegation is led by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Mahmood Madani, he said on Monday. "Considering the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) elections and the sensitive situation in the district, the @assampolice will continue to maintain strict monitoring to ensure peace and stability," he said in a post on X.

01 Sep

Bangladesh Expands Metro Rail Network in Dhaka

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced plans to expand Dhaka’s metro rail network, with three new lines set to be completed by 2030. Officials say the project will reduce traffic congestion in one of Asia’s most crowded cities and improve links to surrounding districts. The government is seeking investment from Japan and India, both of which are already involved in metro construction. Transport experts say the project will also benefit trade and tourism between Bangladesh and neighboring India, particularly West Bengal. For Dhaka residents, the expansion promises shorter commutes and cleaner air.

01 Sep

Thousands Ordered to Evacuate as Storm Strengthens

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the East Coast, as Hurricane Elena intensified into a Category 4 storm on Monday. Coastal states including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have ordered over 1.2 million people to evacuate low-lying areas. Forecasters warn that wind speeds could reach 210 km/h, along with heavy rainfall and storm surges that may flood coastal towns. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights, while Amtrak suspended train services in affected regions. U.S. President Joe Biden said federal emergency teams are on standby, urging citizens to take the warnings seriously.

30 Aug

California Wildfires Force Thousands to Evacuate

Mohini BarmanInternational

Northern California is once again battling massive wildfires that have forced more than 25,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Dry winds and record heat have fueled the flames, burning over 50,000 acres of forestland in just three days. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, promising additional firefighting aircraft and personnel. Highways have been partially closed, and several schools are now functioning as temporary relief camps. Health officials have also issued an air quality alert as smoke blankets the San Francisco Bay Area. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying fire seasons, making recovery more difficult each year.

29 Aug

Bangladesh Launches Nationwide Dengue Awareness Drive

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh’s Health Ministry has launched a nationwide dengue awareness campaign as cases surged in Dhaka, Chattogram, and several northern districts. Hospitals are reporting a steady flow of patients, with health experts warning of a severe outbreak if preventive steps are not enforced. The campaign includes door-to-door visits by health workers, public service announcements, and stricter enforcement of fines against households and businesses found with stagnant water. For neighboring regions, including West Bengal and Northeast India, the measures are seen as crucial since dengue transmission often spreads across borders during the monsoon season.