Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

07 Jul

UK Universities See Drop in South Asian Student Enrollments

Mohini BarmanUK

Several leading universities in the United Kingdom are reporting a 15% drop in admissions from South Asia, particularly from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The decline is being attributed to stricter visa policies, rising tuition fees, and limited post-study work options. According to the Russell Group of universities, the reduction threatens international diversity and impacts research funding that relies on global student fees. This trend is prompting Indian and Bangladeshi students to explore alternatives in Australia, Canada, and Germany, altering the education destination map for thousands of aspirants.

07 Jul

Paris Bans E-Scooters After Public Backlash

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark move, Paris has officially banned rental e-scooters from its streets after a citizen referendum showed overwhelming support for the decision. The ban took effect after years of debate over safety concerns, reckless driving, and pedestrian accidents caused by the vehicles. City officials said over 90% of voters supported the ban, citing congestion, pollution, and mismanagement of parking. Private e-scooters are still allowed, but rental services like Lime, Tier, and Dott have withdrawn their fleets. This move is being closely watched by urban planners in Asian cities like Dhaka, Delhi, and Kathmandu, where similar concerns around micro-mobility are…

07 Jul

Sikkim pays glowing tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on 125th birth anniversary

Mohini BarmanSikkim

The 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a towering nationalist figure and architect of India’s cultural unity, was solemnly observed in Sikkim with a commemorative event at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang led the tributes, joined by the Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, Lok Sabha MP, MLAs, dignitaries, and senior officials. In his keynote address, Chief Minister Tamang described Dr. Mookerjee as a “visionary thinker, a dedicated educationist, and a fearless advocate for India’s unity and integrity.” “On this sacred milestone, we solemnly remember a visionary who laid the foundation for a self-reliant and united Bharat,”…

05 Jul

California Declares Emergency Over Extreme Heatwave

Mohini BarmanInternational

A severe heatwave is gripping California and much of the U.S. West Coast, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in inland areas. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to free up resources and support for power grid stabilization and firefighting services. Hospitals are reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses, while wildfires have erupted in several counties. The farming sector is also under pressure, with irrigation systems failing and crops drying prematurely. The situation serves as a climate warning for South Asian regions increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns, especially as heatwaves intensify in places like Delhi, Dhaka, and…

04 Jul

Permanent Universal Lunch Access for All Public School Students

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States has made its pandemic-era free school lunch policy permanent, ensuring every public school student across the nation has access to free meals, regardless of household income. The policy, passed with bipartisan support, aims to combat food insecurity among children and reduce stigma around free meals. Education experts say the move is expected to improve classroom focus, attendance, and health outcomes. Local districts are also encouraged to source food from regional farms, supporting sustainable agriculture. This policy may inform discussions in South Asian education systems where midday meals are already central but inconsistently implemented.

04 Jul

London Launches AI-Powered Trash Bins in Public Spaces

Mohini BarmanInternational

The city of London has introduced AI-powered “smart bins” in key public areas to combat litter and improve waste collection efficiency. These bins are equipped with sensors and image recognition technology that alert sanitation teams when full or when unusual waste items are deposited. Officials from the London Waste Management Authority said the system reduces collection costs and encourages public participation in recycling. Residents can also track bin status via a mobile app. This initiative could inspire similar urban smart waste management solutions in Asian metro cities like Kolkata or Dhaka struggling with public cleanliness.

03 Jul

Bangladesh Records Surge in Organic Tea Exports

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh's organic tea industry has reported a 35% year-on-year export growth, primarily to Germany, the UK, and Scandinavian nations. The Bangladesh Tea Board attributes this success to increased global demand for pesticide-free and sustainably farmed products. Farmers in Panchagarh and Sylhet are now being trained in organic methods, supported by NGOs and international fair-trade bodies. Exporters say this is boosting earnings and employment for women and youth in rural areas. With India's northeast and parts of Nepal having similar growing conditions, this success could be replicated in neighboring regions keen to tap into green global markets.

03 Jul

Canada Legalizes Medical Psilocybin for End-of-Life Care

Mohini BarmanCanada

In a groundbreaking move, Health Canada has approved the regulated medical use of psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—for terminally ill patients experiencing anxiety or depression. The approval follows years of advocacy by palliative care experts and patients' rights groups. The treatment will be administered in certified clinics under medical supervision. Health officials emphasize that this is not a blanket legalization, but a compassionate exception to help ease mental suffering during end-of-life care. This decision opens up possibilities for discussions in other countries, including South Asian nations, on integrating alternative therapies into palliative support.

02 Jul

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari meets Assam CM in New Delhi

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to review the progress of key infrastructure projects being implemented in the state. Taking to social media platform X, CM Sarma said, “In New Delhi today, I had a fruitful meeting with Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji. We reviewed the progress of Assam’s flagship infra projects and sought @MORTHIndia’s cooperation in their time-bound completion. Hon’ble Minister has assured us of the Ministry’s undivided focus on this matter.” The meeting underscores Assam’s push to fast-track critical infrastructure works that…

01 Jul

Government Expands Meals Plan to Tackle Child Hunger

Mohini BarmanUK

The UK government has announced a new policy offering free breakfast to every child in state-run primary schools across England. This move is part of the broader strategy to combat child hunger and improve concentration in early learners. Under the plan, schools will serve healthy meals such as porridge, fruit, toast, and milk, funded by a £1.5 billion education welfare package. The initiative comes after studies showed that nearly 1 in 4 children in low-income households often arrive at school hungry. South Asian educators and nutrition advocates could explore similar school meal expansions. In places like rural Bangladesh or Indian…