Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

09 May

Guwahati Municipal Corporation exempt two-wheelers from parking fees

Mohini BarmanGuwahati

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has reduced the number of trade license categories from a staggering 7,000 to just 120, aiming to streamline business operations across the city. Now, a single license will cover multiple businesses operated by the same entity. Small businesses can re-register by paying a reduced fee of Rs 1,000, down from the earlier Rs 1,700. Enterprises with annual turnovers under Rs 5 lakh will require a license costing Rs 1,700. The new registration system takes effect today. In a significant pro-people move, from June 1, no parking fees will be collected from two- and three-wheelers. Additionally,…

09 May

India, France Launch Joint Satellite for Climate Monitoring

Mohini BarmanIndia

India and France successfully launched the Trishna satellite, a joint mission to monitor heat emissions, water stress, and climate impacts across the globe. The satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre using India’s PSLV rocket. The mission, led by ISRO and France’s CNES, aims to track urban heat islands, forest degradation, and glacial melt—critical for South Asia where climate vulnerability is rising. Trishna will assist in water resource planning, especially for agriculture-heavy economies like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This collaboration marks a significant step in South-South scientific diplomacy and underscores India’s growing role in global climate surveillance.

09 May

MMR rate in Assam decreases drastically

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam has shed the tag of being the state with the highest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) as it registered a 28-point fall in the healthcare parameter, as per the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. Sarma sharing the data on X on Thursday, said the state has also improved its figure in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). "Huge breakthrough for Assam! As per the latest SRS 2019–21 report: MMR drops from 195 to 167 — a record 28-point fall, the highest among all states!" he said.

07 May

Japan’s Robotics Industry Booms Amid Labor Shortage

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Faced with an aging population and a shrinking workforce, Japan has intensified its investment in robotics across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. In Tokyo alone, hospitals now use AI-powered robots to assist in elderly care and surgeries. The government is offering subsidies to companies that automate tasks, while also encouraging foreign investments in robotic R&D. This move is being closely monitored by developing nations such as Bangladesh and Nepal, where robotics is slowly gaining attention as a future-ready sector. As Japan leads in robotics innovation, it sets a benchmark for how technology can balance demographic challenges.

07 May

Canada to Ban Single-Use Plastics from 2025

Mohini BarmanCanada

Canada has announced a bold plan to ban single-use plastics, such as straws, cutlery, and grocery bags, starting in 2025. The decision comes as part of the country’s commitment to reducing pollution and combating climate change. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the ban will significantly reduce ocean waste and support recycling industries. Environmental groups have applauded the move, urging other countries—including South Asian nations facing plastic pollution challenges—to follow suit. This policy is expected to inspire similar eco-friendly initiatives in nations like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, where waste management and environmental sustainability are growing concerns.

07 May

Guwahati ready for Civil Defence Mock Drill “Operation Abhyaas”

Mohini BarmanAssam

A large-scale Civil Defence mock drill titled 'Operation Abhyaas' will be conducted today, May 7, at 4:00 PM across multiple vulnerable areas, including Guwahati (Kamrup Metro). This was informed by Assam's Chief Secretary on X. The mock drill simulates an incoming air raid scenario, with activation of electrical sirens, blackout measures, and coordinated emergency response protocols. Residents may hear sirens and notice temporary shutdowns as part of the drill. Authorities have advised the public to remain calm and cooperate, as this is a routine preparedness exercise meant to assess disaster response readiness. Ahead of the operation, a high-level video conference…

06 May

Bangladesh to Launch World’s Largest Floating Solar Power Plant

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh is set to inaugurate the world’s largest floating solar power plant by 2024, which will significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity. The project, located on the Padma River, will have a capacity to generate 200 MW of electricity, enough to power over 200,000 homes. This ambitious move is part of Bangladesh's broader goal to increase its renewable energy capacity and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Similar floating solar power initiatives are being considered in neighboring countries like India and Nepal, which have also been working to develop sustainable energy solutions.

06 May

United States to Invest $1 Billion in Clean Energy Innovations

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bid to accelerate the fight against climate change, the United States government has announced a $1 billion investment into clean energy technologies. The funds will be directed towards developing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, alongside new energy storage solutions. The Biden administration hopes that this initiative will reduce reliance on fossil fuels while creating thousands of green jobs across the country. Experts predict that the innovation could have a global impact, as developing nations like Nepal and Bangladesh look to increase their own renewable energy capacity.

05 May

Germany Implements 4-Day Workweek Trial to Improve Work-Life Balance

Mohini BarmanGermany

Germany has launched a six-month trial of a four-day workweek in over 40 companies, without reducing employees’ salaries. The move, led by the Berlin-based think tank “New Work Now,” aims to improve mental health and productivity. Early responses from workers are highly positive. Critics, however, argue the model may not suit all industries, especially manufacturing. South Asian business leaders are watching the experiment closely. If successful, such models could influence policy debates in India, Nepal, and Bhutan around work stress, unemployment, and labor reforms.

05 May

California Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Wildfires

Mohini BarmanInternational

California has declared a state of emergency following multiple wildfires that erupted due to extreme heat and high winds. Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated from rural areas north of Sacramento. Firefighters are battling to contain the largest blaze — the Golden Ridge Fire — which has already scorched over 18,000 acres. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that resources from nearby states and federal agencies are being deployed. Climate experts warn that such fires will become more common as temperatures rise globally. India, Nepal, and Bhutan — with their own increasing forest fire incidents — are monitoring such events for disaster…