Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

22 Nov

US Sanctions on Russian Oil Majors Take Effect

Mohini BarmanInternational

New US sanctions on two of Russia's largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, came into effect on November 21, 2025. The sanctions aim to significantly disrupt Russia's oil trade, causing approximately 48 million barrels of Russian crude to become temporarily stranded at sea as vessels urgently seek new buyers. The sanctions directly impact US-India trade discussions, as the Trump administration has imposed a 25% penal tariff on Indian exports in response to India's continued crude oil imports from Russia. While major Indian refiners are expected to cease direct procurement from the sanctioned entities, Russian oil is unlikely to disappear entirely…

21 Nov

India Calls for ‘Just Transition Mechanism’ at COP30

Mohini BarmanIndia

At the ongoing COP30 UN Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, India and other developing nations have strongly advocated for the establishment of a 'just transition mechanism'. India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, stressed that financing for climate adaptation is an "essential investment," not an optional add-on, and is currently inadequately funded. India emphasized that this mechanism must prioritize strengthening resilience, creating employment, protecting livelihoods, and eradicating poverty in developing countries. It called for the future Global Goal on Adaptation to be country-driven and nationally determined, giving nations the flexibility to define and measure progress based on their unique national circumstances. This…

20 Nov

Russia’s New Reservist Laws Increase Infrastructure Security Concerns

Mohini BarmanInternational

The war in Ukraine continues its grim escalation after a Russian air-strike on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil killed at least 25 people and injured 73 others. Ukrainian officials have swiftly announced they will raise the issue as a matter of urgency at the forthcoming UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting, calling the attack a grave violation of international law. Meanwhile, Moscow has passed new laws authorizing the use of military reservists to protect critical civilian infrastructure within Russia. This move highlights growing security concerns over drone attacks and sabotage targeting energy and transport networks far from the front lines.…

20 Nov

Indian, South African cricket teams arrive in Guwahati ahead of Second Test on November 22

Mohini BarmanGuwahati

Guwahati buzzed with excitement on Wednesday, November 19 evening as both the Indian and South African cricket teams arrived in the city ahead of the high-stakes second Test match scheduled for November 22. The teams landed at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, where tight security and eager fans marked their arrival. Airport authorities confirmed that both squads proceeded directly to the Radisson Blu Hotel, where they will unwind and prepare for the upcoming clash. The upcoming match holds significant importance for Team India, which trails the series after a disappointing loss in the first Test in Kolkata. The defeat…

19 Nov

COAS Upendra Dwivedi reviews security in Sikkim, meets CM Tamang and honours veteran achievers

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi undertook a comprehensive review of security preparedness in Sikkim during his visit to the state’s forward areas, where he also called on Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The Army Chief, accompanied by senior military commanders including the GOC-in-C Eastern Command, GOC Trishakti Corps and GOC Black Cat Division, discussed national security priorities and ongoing civil–military initiatives with the Chief Minister.The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, focused on enhancing military-civil cooperation, evaluating welfare measures for veterans from Sikkim, and reviewing progress under the state’s Ranbhoomi Darshan programme. CM Tamang appreciated…

18 Nov

UN Security Council Approves US-Brokered Gaza Peace Plan

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a US-sponsored resolution outlining a plan for peace and stabilization in Gaza. The resolution authorizes the deployment of an international stabilization force tasked with providing security and overseeing the reconstruction effort in the Palestinian territory. The plan calls for a sustained cessation of hostilities, the release of remaining hostages, and a massive, coordinated humanitarian aid effort. It also emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution as the long-term political horizon. The approval follows months of diplomatic negotiation, with several nations expressing caution over the logistics and mandate of the proposed international force.…

17 Nov

Cybersecurity Experts Emphasize AI-Driven Defense and Zero Trust

Mohini BarmanInternational

The latest global cybersecurity outlook report highlights that AI-driven threats are evolving faster than traditional enterprise defenses can adapt, forcing an urgent shift in strategy for 2025. The report stresses two critical areas for security investment: AI-Driven Defense and adopting Zero Trust Architectures. Criminal groups are now using machine learning to create AI-driven malware that mutates in real-time to bypass static security systems. In response, organizations are being urged to use AI to automate threat response and deploy AI security agents for greater efficiency. The second major trend is the widespread adoption of Zero Trust (ZT) architectures. With traditional perimeter-based…

17 Nov

World Health Assembly Expected to Pass New Preparedness Agreement

Mohini BarmanInternational

The World Health Organization (WHO) is approaching the final stages of negotiation for its landmark Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord. The draft treaty, which has been under intense negotiation by member states, aims to establish a unified, legally binding framework for addressing future pandemics, ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and essential medical supplies worldwide. The agreement focuses on key areas: shared pathogen access, guaranteeing that countries share samples of new viruses quickly; supply chain transparency, requiring manufacturers to disclose production data; and a commitment to 20% global equitable access to pandemic-related products, primarily through donation or tiered pricing…

15 Nov

Fake GST racket busted in Guwahati, two held for Rs 8.59 crore fraud

Mohini BarmanAssam

Two individuals have been arrested by the Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) Guwahati Commissionerate for their alleged involvement in a large-scale fake invoice racket, an official statement said on November 14. The statement said the anti-evasion unit of CGST Guwahati Commissionerate had received intelligence about a group supplying fake invoices to various recipients without any actual supply of goods or services. The racket reportedly involved over 50 suspicious GST registrations, which were allegedly used to pass on fraudulent GST credit. Acting on specific information, authorities traced the location of two key members of the group. A search operation was…

15 Nov

Assam gets Rs 219.24 crore grant from Centre for rural development

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) grants for Rural Local Bodies in Assam for the financial year 2025–26, marking a significant boost to grassroots development across the state. The latest disbursement includes the second installment of Untied Grants for 2024–25 amounting to Rs 219.24 crore. These funds will be allocated to all eligible 27 District Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats, and 2,192 Gram Panchayats in Assam. In addition to this, the Centre has also released Rs 4.698 crore that had earlier been withheld from the first installment of Untied Grants for 2024–25. This amount has now…