Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

15 Jul

NASA Announces Crewed Mission to Mars in 2031

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA has officially declared 2031 as the target year for sending humans to Mars, marking a major milestone in interplanetary exploration. The announcement came during a briefing at the Johnson Space Center, where mission details including spacecraft design and international collaboration were discussed. Astronaut selection will begin in 2027, with test flights scheduled in 2029. NASA is partnering with ESA (Europe) and ISRO (India) for tech and training support. The news has sparked excitement among students and researchers in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with universities exploring space research tie-ups and STEM exchange programs.

12 Jul

Bangladesh Expands Metro Rail Network to Ease Dhaka Traffic

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has officially greenlit Phase II of the Dhaka Metro Rail project, which includes three new lines extending into surrounding districts. The expansion aims to decongest one of the world's most traffic-heavy capitals. The Japan-funded initiative will connect economic hubs like Narayanganj and Savar, reducing travel time by over 60% during peak hours. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025. For readers in West Bengal and Northeast India, Dhaka’s transformation could serve as a model for Kolkata and Guwahati’s own metro expansion plans. Cross-border cooperation on urban transport policy is also being explored.

12 Jul

NASA’s Europa Clipper Begins Final Assembly Before 2024 Launch

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission has entered its final assembly phase at California’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft, set to launch in October 2024, will explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean that could harbor life. This $5 billion mission aims to make nearly 50 flybys of Europa, collecting high-resolution images and analyzing surface composition. Scientists hope to better understand whether the moon’s icy crust hides conditions suitable for microbial life. The mission has drawn significant global attention, including among Indian astronomers and students in Nepal and Bangladesh, as it symbolizes humanity's growing effort to explore extraterrestrial…

11 Jul

Assam CM warns pvt hospitals from keeping bodies due to bill clearance

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Assam government on Thursday decided that no private hospital will be allowed to hold the body of a patient for more than two hours even if the family fails to clear the bills of treatment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting here, Sarma also said that a new scheme will be rolled out in eight districts to control human-elephant conflicts. "There will be no withholding of bodies by the private hospitals. They must hand over the bodies within two hours post-death certification, irrespective of pending payment. Delay beyond this may attract…

11 Jul

Seoul to Outlaw Dog Meat, Marking Cultural Shift in Animal Welfare

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark animal rights move, South Korea has announced that the sale and consumption of dog meat will be banned by 2027. The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in parliament, includes financial support for dog meat farmers to transition to alternative livelihoods. The government cites changing public attitudes, with over 80% of citizens now supporting the ban. The decision also boosts South Korea's image on the global stage as it prepares to host future international events. The move is being welcomed across Asia, including in Bhutan and parts of India, where animal rights groups have pushed for similar regulations in…

11 Jul

Flying Cars in Sight: NYC Prepares for Electric Air Taxi Era

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has begun trials for electric air taxis, aiming to offer short-distance air transport by 2026. Backed by companies like Joby Aviation and Archer, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are being tested at key locations like the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. These air taxis promise zero emissions and will likely replace helicopter routes between airports and city centers. The initiative has attracted attention from global metro cities, including Mumbai and London, where traffic congestion and pollution are major concerns. Authorities say the service will initially cater to premium commuters, but expansion plans include affordable public options…

10 Jul

Britain Leads Europe with Balanced Approach to AI Oversight

Mohini BarmanUK

The United Kingdom has unveiled a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, aimed at promoting innovation while ensuring public safety. Rather than introducing a single AI law, the UK will allow individual regulatory bodies—such as those in healthcare, finance, and education—to tailor rules according to sectoral needs. The move is being closely watched by countries including India and the U.S., where AI regulation is still in discussion. British officials say the plan will help both local startups and international companies feel confident about deploying AI solutions. With global concerns about job loss and misinformation driven by AI, the UK's decentralized…

09 Jul

Bangladesh Expands Metro Rail Network in Dhaka

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka has inaugurated the extension of its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6, connecting Motijheel to Kamalapur. This extension is expected to serve more than 60,000 daily commuters and reduce traffic congestion significantly. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of modern urban infrastructure in keeping pace with economic growth. The project is part of a broader plan to build five metro lines across Dhaka by 2030, funded in part by Japanese assistance. Given Dhaka’s demographic and urban challenges, Indian cities such as Kolkata and Guwahati—which face similar congestion issues—may draw valuable insights from Bangladesh’s metro rail planning.

09 Jul

Canada Battles Record Wildfire Season in British Columbia

Mohini BarmanCanada

Canada’s British Columbia is grappling with one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, as more than 150 active fires threaten homes and ecosystems. Thousands have been evacuated, with emergency crews working around the clock. The dry weather, combined with unusually high temperatures, has created a perfect storm for the rapid spread of fires. Canadian authorities have requested assistance from neighboring provinces and even international partners. The country’s wildfire management agencies are also using satellite monitoring and drone surveillance to predict hotspots. South Asian countries like Nepal and India, which also face increasing wildfire threats in hilly and forested regions,…

08 Jul

Record-Breaking Heat Grips Western U.S.

Mohini BarmanInternational

The western United States is experiencing one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. Meteorologists say the phenomenon is being driven by a persistent high-pressure system and may last through the week. Cities like Phoenix have issued heat advisories, while hospitals are seeing a spike in heat-related illnesses. Power grids are under immense strain as air conditioning usage skyrockets, prompting calls to reduce consumption during peak hours. Climate experts warn that such extremes may become the norm due to global warming, and the ripple effect could extend…