Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

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.

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…