Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

22 May

UK Passes Historic AI Regulation Bill in Parliament

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom has passed its first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Regulation Bill, aiming to set ethical and operational standards for AI development and usage. The legislation, approved by the House of Commons on Monday, mandates transparency in AI training data, bans biometric surveillance in public places, and introduces penalties for AI misuse. The bill is being hailed as a blueprint for Europe, drawing praise from tech giants and human rights organizations alike. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a forward-thinking framework to guide innovation responsibly.” Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese tech sectors—many of which supply AI labor and services to…

22 May

Haibargaon Railway Station become first redeveloped station in Assam, PM inaugurates it

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Thursday attended the inaugural programme of the redeveloped Haibargaon Railway Station in Nagaon district as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the railway station. This event stands out as a landmark in the national rollout of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), as Haibargaon becomes the first railway station in Assam, among 50 stations identified in the state, inaugurated under this ambitious scheme. The inauguration is part of a nationwide event covering 103 redeveloped stations, where Haibargaon's inclusion, constructed at a project cost of approximately Rs. 15.85 crore, signals the beginning of a new…

21 May

Google Unveils Quantum Processor That Outpaces Supercomputers

Mohini BarmanInternational

Google has announced a significant leap in quantum computing with its new processor, “Neptune Q,” capable of solving problems in seconds that would take traditional supercomputers years. The breakthrough was revealed at the Quantum Tech Summit in California on Monday. The processor uses 256 qubits—double the number from their 2019 model—and has successfully completed molecular simulations and cryptographic code testing. Google claims this innovation will soon revolutionize drug development, weather forecasting, and financial modeling. The implications are global. Universities in Bangladesh and Nepal, already partnered with Google’s education outreach, are expected to gain access to its simulation tools, enhancing regional…

21 May

Former Sikkim Parliamentarians call on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhawan

Mohini BarmanSikkim

A delegation of former Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sikkim, comprising representatives of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, at Raj Bhawan. The meeting served as a platform for a warm and reflective interaction, where the former parliamentarians engaged in insightful discussions with Governor Mathur. The dialogue touched upon their experiences in the Indian Parliament and the developmental journey of Sikkim over the years. The gathering took a nostalgic turn as the former MPs shared memories of their respective tenures, recounting the challenges and accomplishments that marked…

21 May

Assam Cabinet rolls out paid PSO scheme, mega concert plan and wage hike for tea garden workers

Mohini BarmanAssam

In a series of decisions taken during the cabinet meeting today, May 21, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing a press conference at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Golaghat district, announced several cabinet-approved initiatives ranging from security measures to economic and infrastructure development. Highlighting growing concerns over personal safety, CM Sarma announced the implementation of a paid Personal Security Officer (PSO) system. Individuals who feel their lives are under threat can now avail a government-assigned PSO by paying Rs 75,000 as remuneration. “This system is being introduced for those who genuinely feel threatened and have been…

20 May

UK Hospitals to Use Robot Nurses for Elderly Care

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a major advancement in healthcare tech, NHS hospitals across the UK have started trials of robotic nurses to assist in elderly care. These robots help with medication reminders, mobility assistance, and even basic conversations to reduce loneliness. The robots, developed in collaboration with Japan, are part of the UK government’s AI in Health initiative. Early trials show a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction and reduced workload for nurses. Healthcare providers in India and Bhutan are also exploring similar tech to meet rising elderly care demands. The UK’s experience may influence future adoption of robotics in South Asian eldercare systems.

20 May

NASA to Launch First AI-Powered Satellite for Climate Monitoring

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA is set to launch its first AI-integrated climate satellite—ClimaSat-1—next month, designed to gather real-time data on global temperature, sea levels, and greenhouse gas levels. The AI system will process data onboard, minimizing delays and increasing forecasting accuracy. Unlike previous models, ClimaSat-1 uses machine learning to prioritize climate events like cyclones, forest fires, or drought zones. South Asian scientists are already collaborating with NASA to use this data for regional early warning systems. With countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal facing frequent climate disasters, this mission could provide critical support. It marks a breakthrough in how AI will shape our…

20 May

19 including 2 women candidates held in Sikkim for cheating during NVS recruitment exam

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Police detained 19 candidates for allegedly using sophisticated electronic communication devices to cheat during the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Non-Teaching Recruitment Examination. The incident occurred on Sunday at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. According to officials, 17 men and 2 women were apprehended at the examination venue after they were found in possession of discreet communication gadgets aimed at facilitating cheating. The devices were reportedly used to seek outside assistance during the examination. All 17 male candidates have been formally arrested, and an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the…

17 May

Himanta wants Gaurav Gogoi’s named to be dropped from list of MPs chosen for diplomatic outreach

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to drop the state's MP from the list of four parliamentarians nominated by the grand old party for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan. Without naming Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha who is among the four MPs nominated by the party, the CM maintained that he should not be included in the all-party delegations "in the interest of national security". Sarma has been making allegations against Gogoi over his alleged Pakistan links through his…

17 May

Bangladesh Launches First High-Speed Rail Project with Japan’s Help

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has signed a major agreement with Japan to build its first high-speed rail line between Dhaka and Chittagong. The bullet train, expected to be operational by 2030, will reduce travel time from 6 hours to just under 2. This $12 billion mega-infrastructure project is being funded through Japanese ODA and involves advanced rail technology transfer. Officials said it will revolutionize domestic travel and logistics. The development has sparked interest in neighboring India and Nepal, where cross-border rail connectivity remains a growing priority. This project could serve as a model for regional rail modernization.