Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

23 Oct

UK to Ban Sale of New Petrol Cars from 2030

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has reaffirmed its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars starting in 2030, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the move is aimed at cutting transport-related emissions, which account for nearly one-third of the nation’s total carbon output. Under the new policy, car manufacturers will be required to gradually increase electric vehicle (EV) sales, reaching 100% by 2030. The government has also announced a £2 billion fund to expand charging infrastructure and provide incentives for EV buyers. However, the automobile…

22 Oct

Bangladesh Expands Solar Power Projects to Reduce Reliance on Imports

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced a nationwide expansion of solar power projects aimed at cutting energy imports and promoting renewable sources. The Power Development Board said new installations will add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid within three years. The initiative is supported by international partners, including Japan and the Asian Development Bank. Officials stated that the new projects will reduce the country’s dependency on expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Energy experts in India have noted that similar projects across the subcontinent could foster regional power-sharing agreements. Cross-border energy exchange between India, Nepal, and Bangladesh could soon become a reality, boosting…

22 Oct

Torrential Rains Batter Britain; Thousands Brace for Flooding

Mohini BarmanInternational

Heavy rainfall has disrupted life across much of the United Kingdom this week, prompting flood warnings in several counties including Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Gloucestershire. The UK Met Office reported that some regions experienced more than a month’s worth of rain within 48 hours, leading to swollen rivers and severe transport delays. Local authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary. Emergency services rescued dozens of people stranded in vehicles and flooded homes. Train services between northern England and Scotland were temporarily suspended due to waterlogging on tracks. Experts say that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns…

20 Oct

Relief for Britons as UK Inflation Falls to Three-Year Low

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom’s inflation rate dropped to 2.3% in September, the lowest in three years, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics. The fall has been driven largely by declining energy and food prices, offering a sense of relief to millions of households struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates at 5.25% for now but may consider rate cuts early next year if the trend continues. Economists say this marks a “turning point” after two years of high inflation that eroded real incomes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the…

18 Oct

Japan’s Robot Caregivers Transform Elderly Healthcare

Mohini Barmanjapan\

In response to its aging population, Japan has introduced robotic caregivers in eldercare facilities across Tokyo and Osaka. These robots, equipped with artificial intelligence and emotional recognition software, assist with mobility, medication reminders, and companionship. The government-backed initiative aims to fill the growing shortage of human caregivers and improve quality of life for senior citizens. Early reports suggest patients feel “less lonely” and “more independent” with robotic assistance. Tech companies such as Panasonic and SoftBank are leading the innovation, and Japan’s Health Ministry plans to expand the program nationwide by 2027. Experts in India and Nepal have shown interest in…

18 Oct

NASA to Launch First Crewed Mission to Mars by 2035

Mohini BarmanInternational

NASA has announced its ambitious plan to send the first humans to Mars by 2035, marking a major milestone in human space exploration. The project, under the “Artemis to Mars” program, aims to build on the success of lunar missions and establish a permanent human presence on the Red Planet. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the agency is working closely with international partners such as the European Space Agency and private companies like SpaceX. The upcoming Artemis IV mission will play a key role in testing long-duration space travel systems. Scientists believe the Mars mission will unlock answers about…

17 Oct

IMF Warns Debt Levels Will Return to Post-War Peaks

Mohini BarmanInternational

The IMF has warned that global government debt is on track to reach 100% of global GDP by 2029—the highest level seen since the aftermath of World War II. In its latest Fiscal Monitor Report, the IMF cites long-term spending pressures—climate response, healthcare, aging populations, and infrastructure—compounded by reluctance to raise taxes in politically sensitive environments. Many advanced economies including the U.S., UK, France, Japan, and Canada are forecast to exceed or approach this 100% threshold. Meanwhile, emerging and low-income countries face fiscal stress even with comparatively lower debt ratios. The IMF criticized the sluggishness of debt restructuring mechanisms such…

17 Oct

MI5 Reveals Surge in Espionage and Terror Activity from Russia, Iran, China

Mohini BarmanInternational

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum delivered a stark warning during a 2025 address, stating that the UK is facing a rapidly increasing threat from hostile states including Russia, Iran, and China, as well as from organized terror groups. McCallum revealed that state threat investigations have risen by 35% over recent years. He accused these nations of employing covert tactics such as surveillance, cyber espionage, and political influence operations. The United Kingdom has attributed several operations to Russia’s Wagner Group and espionage by China targeting academia and dissidents abroad. He also flagged 20+ Iran-linked plots that were disrupted, along with multiple…

16 Oct

Bangladesh Likely to Delay Transit Facilities for Neighbours

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Plans to grant transit and transhipment facilities to neighbouring countries—India, Nepal, and Bhutan—appear to be delayed indefinitely, per official sources in Dhaka. An adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office noted the earlier momentum has slowed, with no significant progress in awarding such access. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed oversight of the process after earlier transfers among ministries, and a technical committee meeting is expected in New Delhi in coming months. The senior commerce official said that until a transit deal with India is finalized, Bangladesh cannot unilaterally grant transshipment access to others. For Bangladeshi media, this is a…

14 Oct

IATA Projects Massive Cost Surge Across Global Aviation Industry

Mohini BarmanInternational

Global airlines are bracing for a colossal supply-chain cost burden in 2025—estimated at over US$11 billion—according to a joint report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and consultants Oliver Wyman. The additional costs are driven by a confluence of factors: persistent disruptions in the supply chain, rising fuel expenses, parts shortages, maintenance delays, and the need to stockpile spare inventory. Of the $11 billion total, about $4.2 billion is attributed to extra fuel usage because many older aircraft must remain in service longer than planned. Some $3.1 billion comes from increased maintenance costs, $2.6 billion from leased engines to…