Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

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…

01 Jul

France Bans Domestic Flights for Short Train-Accessible Routes

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bold step to curb carbon emissions, France has officially banned short-haul domestic flights where train alternatives under 2.5 hours exist. This includes popular air routes such as Paris to Lyon and Nantes. The law, passed under the country’s Climate and Resilience Bill, aims to push travellers toward the country’s extensive high-speed rail system. The policy has been met with praise from environmental groups, though airlines expressed concerns over revenue losses. French officials say this could reduce domestic flight emissions by nearly 12%. Countries like India and Bangladesh—with growing intercity air networks and rail revamp plans—could evaluate similar models…

28 Jun

Digital Tools Aim to Transform Coastal Agriculture

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh has launched a Smart Farming initiative in Khulna to support coastal farmers facing climate disruptions. Using IoT sensors, mobile apps, and weather alerts, the project helps farmers manage water, fertilizer, and pest control more efficiently. The pilot involves 2,000 farmers growing shrimp and rice in flood-prone areas. Experts from BRAC and Japan’s JICA are collaborating on the project. The technology could be scaled across low-lying regions in India and Nepal. Similar programs are already being tested in Assam and Bihar, creating opportunities for cross-border agri-tech cooperation.

28 Jun

Massive Heatwave Grips Southern US, Breaks June Records

Mohini BarmanInternational

The southern United States is battling a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. The US National Weather Service issued red alerts in over 12 states, urging people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity. Hospitals reported a spike in heat-related illnesses, and emergency cooling centers have opened in major cities. Climate experts say this is part of a larger pattern of intensifying heatwaves due to global warming. The news has relevance for countries like Bangladesh and India, where similar heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Regional disaster management agencies are advised to study US mitigation…

27 Jun

French Government Cracks Down on Youth Vaping Epidemic

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bold public health move, France has banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.” The ban, which will be enforced from September 2025, follows rising concerns over nicotine addiction among teenagers. The French Health Ministry cited data indicating a surge in underage vaping, driven by the availability of flavored, easy-to-conceal vape products. The move is supported by doctors and anti-tobacco groups, who argue that vaping is becoming a gateway to cigarette smoking. France becomes one of the first EU countries to impose a full ban on disposables. Meanwhile, policymakers in Bangladesh and India, facing similar trends,…

26 Jun

Dhaka’s Northern Expansion Gains Momentum With New MRT Corridor

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Dhaka’s growing metro system has taken another leap with the launch of construction on MRT Line-5 (Northern Route), a 20-kilometre corridor set to connect Hemayetpur to Bhatara. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing technical and financial support. Officials say the project will cut travel time across northern Dhaka from 2 hours to 35 minutes and reduce carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes annually. Over 10,000 new jobs will be created during the construction phase. Indian urban planners and policymakers are viewing this as a regional example of transit-led development. With similar projects underway in cities like Siliguri and Guwahati,…

26 Jun

California Battles Record Wildfire in June

Mohini BarmanInternational

A massive wildfire has engulfed over 40,000 acres in central California, marking the state’s earliest major fire event in years. Fueled by dry vegetation and intense winds, the “Pine Creek Fire” forced evacuation orders in three counties, including parts of Fresno and Tulare. Over 2,500 firefighters are on the ground, supported by helicopters and air tankers. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance. The fire, burning through steep terrain, threatens wildlife corridors and energy infrastructure. Experts blame prolonged drought and climate change for the intensity. Fire incidents like this are becoming common in the…

25 Jun

Berlin’s Immigration Reform Targets IT, Healthcare, and Engineering Talent

Mohini BarmanGermany

Germany’s parliament has passed a sweeping Skilled Immigration Act, easing visa processes and recognition of foreign degrees. This move is designed to address severe worker shortages in healthcare, tech, and construction. Officials stated that India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria are among the priority countries for recruitment drives. Language training support and fast-track permits will be extended to those applying under critical skill categories. The reform opens significant opportunities for South Asian professionals. Career consultancies in cities like Dhaka, Delhi, and Kathmandu are already seeing a rise in inquiries about placements and visa guidance.