Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

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…

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.