Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

25 Nov

New Report Calls for Emergency Funding to Combat Drug-Resistant Superbugs

Mohini BarmanInternational

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a critical report highlighting the alarming lack of new antibiotics in the global research pipeline. The report warns that the current development rate is insufficient to tackle the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), labeling it a silent pandemic. The WHO is calling for a global emergency fund and a push for innovative public-private partnerships to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs. The crisis threatens to revert medicine to a pre-antibiotic era, making routine infections and minor surgeries life-threatening again.

24 Nov

Boutique wildlife retreat opens in Assam’s Pobitora, opens up tourism avenues

Mohini BarmanAssam

Rhino & River - a boutique wildlife retreat, has been officially unveiled in the verdant plains of Mayang, just minutes from the famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by sweeping farmlands and the Brahmaputra River, the property offers travellers an immersive experience that blends wildlife, culture, and modern hospitality. The retreat features loghut-style rooms designed to harmonize rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Guests can choose from Tea Garden Rooms or Safari Rooms, all with private balconies and curated amenities. At the heart of the property are experiences that celebrate Assam’s natural and cultural wealth, from jeep and elephant safaris in Pobitora,…

24 Nov

Assam Cabinet clears 27 key Bills; Tiwari Commission report to be tabled

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday evening addressed a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur, following a meeting of the state cabinet. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Assam Cabinet has approved 27 key legislations to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session beginning on November 25. The proposals include: Transfer of land in tea garden labour colonies to the labourers. Amendments to the School Provincialisation ActRelaxation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to permit traditional buffalo fights such as Jallikattu. Introduction of a new policy under the Mission for Rural Organisation…

22 Nov

Bilateral Talks Focus on Reimbursement and Regulatory Frameworks for Ayush Systems

Mohini BarmanIndia

India and Germany held the 3rd Joint Working Group Meeting on Alternative Medicine in Berlin, marking a significant step in advancing cooperation in traditional and integrative healthcare. The core focus of the discussions was on three pillars: integrating traditional medicine (Ayush systems) into public health systems, establishing reimbursement pathways for patients, and strengthening regulatory approval mechanisms. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to fostering evidence-based, people-centred traditional medicine. Key talks involved high-level German health officials and institutions, including the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University. This collaboration aims to accelerate research, harmonize regulations, and enhance patient…

22 Nov

US Sanctions on Russian Oil Majors Take Effect

Mohini BarmanInternational

New US sanctions on two of Russia's largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, came into effect on November 21, 2025. The sanctions aim to significantly disrupt Russia's oil trade, causing approximately 48 million barrels of Russian crude to become temporarily stranded at sea as vessels urgently seek new buyers. The sanctions directly impact US-India trade discussions, as the Trump administration has imposed a 25% penal tariff on Indian exports in response to India's continued crude oil imports from Russia. While major Indian refiners are expected to cease direct procurement from the sanctioned entities, Russian oil is unlikely to disappear entirely…

21 Nov

India Calls for ‘Just Transition Mechanism’ at COP30

Mohini BarmanIndia

At the ongoing COP30 UN Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, India and other developing nations have strongly advocated for the establishment of a 'just transition mechanism'. India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, stressed that financing for climate adaptation is an "essential investment," not an optional add-on, and is currently inadequately funded. India emphasized that this mechanism must prioritize strengthening resilience, creating employment, protecting livelihoods, and eradicating poverty in developing countries. It called for the future Global Goal on Adaptation to be country-driven and nationally determined, giving nations the flexibility to define and measure progress based on their unique national circumstances. This…

20 Nov

Russia’s New Reservist Laws Increase Infrastructure Security Concerns

Mohini BarmanInternational

The war in Ukraine continues its grim escalation after a Russian air-strike on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil killed at least 25 people and injured 73 others. Ukrainian officials have swiftly announced they will raise the issue as a matter of urgency at the forthcoming UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting, calling the attack a grave violation of international law. Meanwhile, Moscow has passed new laws authorizing the use of military reservists to protect critical civilian infrastructure within Russia. This move highlights growing security concerns over drone attacks and sabotage targeting energy and transport networks far from the front lines.…

20 Nov

Indian, South African cricket teams arrive in Guwahati ahead of Second Test on November 22

Mohini BarmanGuwahati

Guwahati buzzed with excitement on Wednesday, November 19 evening as both the Indian and South African cricket teams arrived in the city ahead of the high-stakes second Test match scheduled for November 22. The teams landed at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, where tight security and eager fans marked their arrival. Airport authorities confirmed that both squads proceeded directly to the Radisson Blu Hotel, where they will unwind and prepare for the upcoming clash. The upcoming match holds significant importance for Team India, which trails the series after a disappointing loss in the first Test in Kolkata. The defeat…

19 Nov

COAS Upendra Dwivedi reviews security in Sikkim, meets CM Tamang and honours veteran achievers

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi undertook a comprehensive review of security preparedness in Sikkim during his visit to the state’s forward areas, where he also called on Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The Army Chief, accompanied by senior military commanders including the GOC-in-C Eastern Command, GOC Trishakti Corps and GOC Black Cat Division, discussed national security priorities and ongoing civil–military initiatives with the Chief Minister.The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, focused on enhancing military-civil cooperation, evaluating welfare measures for veterans from Sikkim, and reviewing progress under the state’s Ranbhoomi Darshan programme. CM Tamang appreciated…

18 Nov

UN Security Council Approves US-Brokered Gaza Peace Plan

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a US-sponsored resolution outlining a plan for peace and stabilization in Gaza. The resolution authorizes the deployment of an international stabilization force tasked with providing security and overseeing the reconstruction effort in the Palestinian territory. The plan calls for a sustained cessation of hostilities, the release of remaining hostages, and a massive, coordinated humanitarian aid effort. It also emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution as the long-term political horizon. The approval follows months of diplomatic negotiation, with several nations expressing caution over the logistics and mandate of the proposed international force.…