Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

10 Nov

Assam govt to issue firearm licences to indigenous people from Feb 2026

Mohini BarmanAssam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government will begin issuing the first batch of firearm licences to indigenous people living in “vulnerable and remote” areas from February 2026. Sarma said the move aims to strengthen the sense of security among local residents in areas such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon and South Salmara-Mankachar, as well as localities like Rupahi, Dhing and Jania. The decision comes months ahead of the state assembly elections, likely to be held in March–April next year. “We have received a lot of applications for firearm licences from indigenous people. The government will issue…

10 Nov

Indian world cup winning team member Uma Chetry gets Rs 25 lakh reward from Assam govt

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Assam Cabinet, on November 9, sanctioned a Rs 25 lakh grant for cricketer Uma Chetry in recognition of her stellar performance at the Women's World Cup 2025, where the Indian team clinched the title. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired the Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan, during which the Council of Ministers approved multiple decisions across judicial, educational, and social welfare sectors. The financial assistance for Chetry emerged as a key highlight of the session. The announcement followed a grand felicitation ceremony held in Bokakhat on Saturday, November 8, where the young cricketer received a hero's welcome. A…

10 Nov

Manipur Civil Services exam rescheduled following error in question paper

Mohini BarmanManipur

The Manipur Public Service Commission has rescheduled two papers of the Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination, 2022, after discovering a printing error just moments before candidates were due to begin writing. Paper-IV (General Studies-III) and Paper-V (General Studies-IV), originally scheduled for November 9, will now be held on November 22, 2025 (Saturday). The error came to light when invigilators opened the sealed question paper cover in the examination hall and found a mismatch between the heading on the paper and its actual content. The commission clarified that the printing mistake by the secured press could not be detected earlier…

08 Nov

US Inflation Eases Slightly, Raising Hopes for Interest Rate Cuts

Mohini BarmanInternational

The latest US Labor Department data shows inflation easing to 3.2% in September, marking a slight decline from August’s 3.4%. This moderation has fueled optimism that the Federal Reserve may soon consider reducing its benchmark interest rates, which have remained high since 2023. Food and housing costs continue to rise, but energy and transportation prices have seen noticeable declines. Economists say this trend indicates that the US economy is stabilizing after a turbulent two years marked by pandemic-related disruptions and global conflicts affecting supply chains. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the inflation trend “is moving in the right…

07 Nov

Nongstoin MCH Hospital to be inaugurated before Christmas

Mohini BarmanMeghalaya

As committed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad. K Sangma during the previously held CM-Connect programme at Nongstoin, the upgradation and operationalisation of the Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Hospital will be completed before Christmas. To move this commitment into execution, a spot review of the soon-to-be operational facility was conducted on Nov 6, 2025, led by Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, with senior officials from DHS(MCH&FW), the district administration, and the health department. The review team consisted of Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kharsohnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW); Dr. E. War, Joint Director…

06 Nov

UK to Launch Mandatory Digital ID for Workers by End of Term

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has revealed a plan to introduce a mandatory digital identity scheme for citizens and resident workers, aiming to make employment checks more robust and streamline access to public services. According to announcements, by the end of this parliamentary term the new system will require anyone working in the country to verify identity online via a government-approved digital ID. The move is described by ministers as a dual measure: tightening security, particularly in the labour market, and simplifying interactions with services like welfare, healthcare, and driver licensing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scheme will “help ensure…

06 Nov

Modi, Shah, Sitharaman and Rajnath to visit Assam for major project launches

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on November 6 that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the state between November 7 and 9 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of major projects. According to the Chief Minister, Sitharaman will arrive in Guwahati on November 7 for a two-day visit. She is scheduled to inspect the new semiconductor plant in Jagiroad and inaugurate several key infrastructure projects. “Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will come tomorrow (November 7); she will inspect the new semiconductor plant at Jagiroad. She will inaugurate a new land water…

06 Nov

Assam State Chif Information Commissioner regingd from post

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam’s Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has resigned from his post following a series of Right to Information (RTI) petitions filed against his brother, entrepreneur and cultural organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta. According to sources, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had advised Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta to step down in light of the RTI applications seeking information related to his brother’s activities. Accepting the Chief Minister’s advice, Mahanta tendered his resignation from the post. Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, a former Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam, had assumed charge as the State Chief Information Commissioner earlier this year. Mahanta was an Assam-Meghalaya cadre…

04 Nov

Africa’s Largest Wind Farm to Power New Cross-Border Grid Project

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya’s Lake Turkana Wind Power Project — already Africa’s largest — will expand its capacity by 25% to supply power to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania through a regional energy grid. The project currently provides nearly 17% of Kenya’s total electricity. The expansion, funded by the African Development Bank and the EU, is expected to be completed by 2027. Kenyan President William Ruto stated, “Clean energy is no longer a luxury; it’s the backbone of our growth.” The initiative aligns with the African Union’s vision of a continent-wide renewable energy corridor. For India and South Asia, this development holds lessons in…

04 Nov

UK to Introduce ‘Digital Pound’ by 2028

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom’s Treasury and the Bank of England have confirmed plans to launch a “digital pound” by 2028. The digital version of sterling will operate alongside physical cash, allowing citizens and businesses to make secure online payments directly with central bank money. Officials say the initiative will strengthen financial inclusion and support the modern economy in a rapidly digitising world. The Bank of England will begin public trials by 2026, focusing on privacy protection and cybersecurity. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said, “The digital pound will ensure the UK remains competitive in the global financial system.” However, critics warn that…