Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

09 Dec

US President Pushes for ‘One Rulebook’ on AI Regulation

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an Executive Order establishing a unified, national rulebook for Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. The move is aimed at preventing individual states from enacting conflicting regulatory approvals that he argues could stifle innovation and compromise America's lead in the global AI race. The proposed order reflects the administration's policy goal of creating a streamlined regulatory environment to accelerate technological dominance.

08 Dec

Post Melone to perform in Guwahati today; Assam CM welcomes artist

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday spoke to the media ahead of international star Post Malone’s live concert in Guwahati, calling the event a “rare occasion” for the state. “This is in fact a rare occasion for our state. Post Malone is an artist whose influence spans the entire globe. He is ranked among the top musicians worldwide. Two days ago, I watched his show in Abu Dhabi — it was electrifying, the kind of crowd present was overwhelming,” the Chief Minister said. “For the first time, Assam is going to witness the performance of a global artist.…

06 Dec

Putin Accepts Parts of US Peace Plan for Ukraine

Mohini BarmanInternational

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly stated that he has accepted certain proposals within the US-backed peace plan intended to end the Ukraine conflict. However, he cautioned that several key proposals remain unacceptable to Moscow. This partial acceptance maintains a delicate diplomatic balance, suggesting a willingness for continued dialogue while signaling firm resistance on issues concerning territorial status and security guarantees.

05 Dec

India’s Central Bank Surprises Market with Rate Cut, Raises FY26 GDP Forecast to 7.3%

Mohini BarmanIndia

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced a 25 basis point reduction in the key policy repo rate, bringing it down to 5.25 per cent. This move, aimed at supporting growth, was accompanied by the central bank raising its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 to 7.3%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.8%. RBI Governor Sanjay Das cited benign inflation and easing food prices as factors enabling the accommodative monetary policy stance.

04 Dec

EU Seeks to Use Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Long-Term Kyiv Recovery

Mohini BarmanInternational

The European Commission is developing a proposal for a "reparations loan" designed to finance the long-term reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. This plan involves utilizing the frozen assets of the Russian central bank and Russian oligarchs held in EU jurisdictions as collateral or a source of repayment for the loan. The initiative aims to provide predictable, substantial funding for Ukraine while navigating the complex legal challenges associated with seizing sovereign assets.

03 Dec

Myanmar-linked drug racket busted in Assam, Rs 12.5 cr narcotics seized

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized Rs 12.5 crore worth of “high-grade” heroin in Assam, intercepting a consignment trafficked from Myanmar through a sophisticated riverine route. A senior NCB official on Tuesday said the operation marked a significant breakthrough against an international drug cartel using remote waterways to evade security surveillance. Acting on intelligence developed over several weeks, the NCB’s Guwahati Zonal Unit, in coordination with the CRPF and Assam Police, tracked the illegal consignment as it moved through dense forest corridors in Manipur before being transported via small motorboats along the Barak river. Officials said traffickers increasingly rely…

02 Dec

Himanta vows to build an inclusive ‘Greater Assam’ on Asom Divas

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday pledged to build ‘Bor Asom’ or Greater Assam—an inclusive vision embracing all communities of the state—as part of the Asom Divas celebrations. Sarma made the remarks while paying tribute to Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom kingdom, who arrived in Assam in 1228 AD and laid the foundation of Ahom rule and its enduring legacy. “As we observe #AsomDivas, we pledge to continue building the Bor Asom as he envisaged — proud, strong, and united,” he said in a post on X. The Chief Minister also thanked Union Home Minister Amit…

01 Dec

Indian Exports to US Crash Amid Escalating Tariffs

Mohini BarmanIndia

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), Indian exports to the United States suffered a sharp 28.5% drop between May and October 2025. This significant decline, from $8.83 billion to $6.31 billion, is attributed directly to the rapid escalation of US tariffs, which rose from 10% to as high as 50% on key Indian goods. Labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, garments, and gems and jewelry, were hit the hardest, reinforcing the impact of aggressive trade protectionist measures on developing economies.

28 Nov

US President Halts Migration from All ‘Third World Countries’ After DC Shooting

Mohini BarmanInternational

US President Donald Trump announced a major, unprecedented immigration policy shift, stating he would "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries." The announcement, made days after a shooting incident near the White House, aims to allow the US immigration system to "fully recover" and reduce illegal admissions. The policy, which will have significant global implications, also calls for ending federal benefits to non-citizens and the deportation of anyone deemed a security risk or "not a net asset to the United States."

27 Nov

Bilateral Trade Between India and UAE Surpasses $100 Billion Mark

Mohini BarmanInternational

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully concluded the third meeting of the Joint Committee under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The committee reviewed the progress of the trade agreement, which has propelled bilateral trade between the two nations to surpass the $100 billion milestone. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas like investment, digital trade, and joint manufacturing initiatives, further solidifying the strategic economic ties between the two nations.