Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

17 May

Germany Approves Four-Day Work Week Trial Across Multiple Sectors

Mohini BarmanGermany

Germany has approved a large-scale trial of the four-day work week, involving more than 60 companies across industries including tech, manufacturing, and services. The six-month pilot begins this June, coordinated by the New Work Institute in Berlin. Employees will retain full pay while working fewer hours, with companies measuring productivity, stress, and work-life balance. Advocates argue it leads to better mental health and efficiency. This trend is drawing attention in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh where work-life balance is becoming an increasingly discussed issue. Some Indian startups have already begun testing shorter work weeks internally.

16 May

Assam govt issues notification against human trafficking, witch hunting

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Assam government on Friday notified a state policy aimed at combating human trafficking and witch-hunting to ensure that all people can live a life of equal worth, free from all forms of abuse. "The Assam State Policy to Combat Human Trafficking and End Witch-Hunting is now officially notified. A significant move to safeguard human rights and uphold dignity," the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X. The notification, issued by an order of the governor on May 6, stated that the policy will come into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

16 May

U.S. Cities Begin Using Heat-Reflective Roads to Fight Urban Warming

Mohini BarmanInternational

Cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix are now coating roads with heat-reflective materials to combat rising urban temperatures. The “cool pavement” reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, reducing road surface temperatures by up to 10°C. Urban planners say this helps lower surrounding air temperatures and reduces electricity use from air conditioning. The technology is part of a larger U.S. urban adaptation plan to fight extreme heatwaves. Urban development bodies in Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu are exploring similar cooling strategies as climate change causes hotter and longer summers. These innovations may soon be tested in parts of South Asia.

16 May

Ottawa Approves Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD and Depression

Mohini BarmanCanada

In a groundbreaking move, Canada has officially approved the use of psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA in therapeutic settings for treating PTSD and severe depression. Health Canada granted licenses to select clinics after positive trial outcomes. The decision has been hailed by mental health professionals who argue that traditional antidepressants fail for many patients. These therapies will only be administered under supervision and after all conventional treatments are tried. Mental health experts in South Asia, including India and Nepal, are watching closely. Some psychiatric associations have urged governments to begin regulated trials for similar treatments, especially in cases of…

13 May

Bangladesh Launches First Floating Solar Farm

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first floating solar farm on Kaptai Lake in Rangamati. The 35 MW project was developed by a partnership between the government and a Singapore-based clean energy firm. The solar panels, mounted on buoyant platforms, will power over 15,000 rural homes and reduce carbon emissions by 45,000 tons annually. Officials say this is the first step toward turning lakes and reservoirs into power-generating zones. India and Nepal, with their own hydropower infrastructure, are studying the project as a potential hybrid model to combine solar and hydroelectricity for sustainable energy.

13 May

New York Launches First AI-Controlled Traffic System

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has rolled out its first AI-powered traffic management system in Manhattan. The smart signals use real-time data from cameras and sensors to dynamically adjust traffic lights, easing congestion and reducing carbon emissions. The system, developed in collaboration with MIT and Google DeepMind, will be expanded to all five boroughs over the next two years. City officials say it could reduce travel time by up to 20% during peak hours. Urban planners in cities like Dhaka, Delhi, and Kathmandu are watching closely, as they face similar traffic and pollution challenges. The success of this system may inspire pilot…

12 May

California Schools Integrate AI Tools to Personalize Learning

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a groundbreaking move, California’s education board has approved a pilot program introducing artificial intelligence tools in over 100 public schools to customize student learning plans. The initiative includes AI-assisted tutoring, grading, and attendance tracking. Educators say the program aims to bridge learning gaps worsened by the pandemic. Tech companies like Google and Khan Academy are collaborating on the tools, which are being monitored for ethical use and student data privacy. This development is gaining attention in India and Bangladesh, where similar digital learning programs are expanding in rural areas through government schemes.

12 May

BJP headed for landslide victory on Assam Panchayat polls

Mohini BarmanAssam

The ruling BJP and its alliance partners are set to register a massive victory in the panchayat polls in Assam as counting of votes in many Zilla Parishad seats and Anchalik Panchayat seats is in progress. The BJP and its alliance partners are leading in maximum Zilla Parishad and Anchalik Panchayat seats. The panchayat polls in Assam were held in two phases - the first phase was held on May 2 and the second phase was held on May 7 across 27 districts of the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday evening said, while interacting with BJP…

10 May

Program to Address Rising Teen Depression, Anxiety

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has announced an expansion of its school-based mental health initiative, offering free counseling services across all public high schools. The program will include on-site psychologists, peer-support groups, and parental workshops. The decision follows data showing a 40% rise in teenage anxiety and depression since the pandemic. Mayor Eric Adams stated that “mental health is just as important as academics.” This approach is gaining interest among South Asian education leaders, especially in urban areas like Kolkata, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, where student stress and academic pressure are high.

10 May

Thousands Rally Across Berlin, Munich Against Rising Extremism

Mohini BarmanInternational

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Germany this week, protesting the growing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Demonstrations were held in major cities including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, with protestors demanding the government curb extremist rhetoric and policies. The protests were sparked by leaked reports suggesting AfD members were involved in secret meetings discussing deportation of immigrants. Human rights groups have expressed deep concern about the implications for democratic values in Europe. The developments are being closely followed in South Asian countries with large diaspora communities in Germany, especially from Bangladesh and India.