Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

23 Sep

Hurricane Lee Slams US East Coast

Mohini BarmanInternational

Hurricane Lee made landfall on the US East Coast on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding across New England. Authorities evacuated thousands from vulnerable coastal towns, while airlines canceled more than 800 flights. Power lines collapsed in Massachusetts, leaving over 300,000 homes without electricity. Emergency services said rescue teams are working round the clock to clear roads and restore power. Meteorologists warn that climate change is making Atlantic storms more intense, causing longer-lasting damage. President Joe Biden has pledged federal aid to assist recovery.

23 Sep

‘Goodbye infiltrators,’ says Himanta as Assam pushes back 37 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants

Mohini BarmanAssam

Thirty-seven illegal Bangladeshis were "pushed back" by Assam, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. He said that all infiltrators will be dealt with in a similar manner. "Good bye infiltrators; your time's up in Assam! 37 uninvited guests have been PUSHED BACK to their own homeland in Bangladesh from the Sribhumi sector," Sarma said in a post on X, sharing blurred photos of men, women and children. Details on the exact timing of the operation were not immediately available. Sarma emphasised that the state is maintaining a weekly pushback routine, with 35-40 people being sent back regularly, bypassing lengthy…

22 Sep

US Teachers Strike in Chicago Over Pay and Class Sizes

Mohini BarmanInternational

Public schools across Chicago remained closed on Friday as thousands of teachers went on strike demanding higher wages, smaller class sizes, and more mental health staff in schools. Union leaders say teachers have been underpaid while dealing with overcrowded classrooms, which affects both staff morale and student performance. The city government has called the strike “disruptive” but acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing. Parents expressed frustration, balancing sympathy for teachers with the challenges of childcare during closures. Analysts believe the strike could set a precedent for other US cities where education unions are pressing for reform.

22 Sep

Assam: Hagrama Mohilary casts vote in Debargaon, confident of BPF’s return to power

Mohini BarmanAssam

Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief and former Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief executive member, Hagrama Mohilary, exercised his franchise today at the Debargaon Higher Secondary School polling station in Kokrajhar district during the ongoing BTC elections. He was accompanied by his family members. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Mohilary exuded confidence in his party’s performance, asserting that the BPF would secure a clear majority and return to power in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). “The people of BTR have faith in the leadership and vision of the BPF. We are confident of forming the next government,” Mohilary said.…

22 Sep

Assam cabinet approves establishment of 10th Assam Police battalion

Mohini BarmanAssam

The state cabinet approved the establishment of the 10th Assam Police battalion at Sonapure near here at a cost of Rs 260 crore, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The meeting, held on Sunday, also approved a 20-per cent bonus to workers of tea gardens under the Assam Tea Corporation on the occasion of Durga Puja, Sarma told reporters here. Besides, the cabinet cleared the setting up of question papers of the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) to be conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) in both English and Assamese languages, to remove the language barrier for candidates,…

19 Sep

Berlin Speeds Up Clean Energy Push

Mohini BarmanInternational

The German government has announced an accelerated plan to shut down all coal-fired power plants by 2030, five years earlier than previously scheduled. Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the move is crucial to meeting climate targets and reducing dependency on imported fuels. Renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, will replace the lost capacity. Environmental groups have welcomed the decision, while energy companies have sought financial support for the transition. The shift is expected to influence EU climate policy and encourage other European nations to fast-track their energy transitions.

19 Sep

UN Warns of Rising Global Hunger

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Nations’ latest report warns that global hunger has risen for the fourth consecutive year, affecting over 780 million people worldwide. Conflict, climate change, and economic slowdown have worsened food insecurity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. The report notes that despite record global harvests, distribution and affordability remain critical issues. The World Food Programme has called for urgent international cooperation, highlighting that children are the most vulnerable group. Analysts warn the crisis could trigger further migration and political instability if left unaddressed.

18 Sep

Preparedness Efforts Strengthen After Recent Tremors

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Japan held a massive earthquake and tsunami drill across the country, involving more than one million participants, including schools, hospitals, and emergency services. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida observed the exercise, stressing the importance of readiness in a country frequently hit by natural disasters. The drill follows a series of moderate quakes in northern Japan last month, which renewed fears of a larger seismic event. Authorities also tested mobile alert systems to ensure citizens receive real-time warnings. Globally, Japan’s approach is seen as a model for disaster preparedness, relevant for earthquake-prone regions such as Nepal and northern India.

18 Sep

American Consumers Still Struggle Despite Economic Relief

Mohini BarmanInternational

The latest U.S. Labor Department data shows annual inflation cooled to 3.2% in August, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates further. However, food and housing costs remain stubbornly high, continuing to pinch household budgets. Analysts note that while energy prices fell, grocery bills are still up by nearly 5% compared to last year. President Joe Biden welcomed the slowdown but acknowledged that “families are still feeling the burden of everyday costs.” For global markets, the development signals stability in the U.S. economy, which influences trade, investment, and currency flows across Asia and Europe.

17 Sep

Support for Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility

Mohini BarmanInternational

The German government has approved a €10 billion fund to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy and green industries. The fund will support electric vehicle charging networks, hydrogen fuel research, and solar and wind projects. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the initiative will “secure Germany’s leadership in climate innovation” while creating jobs. European observers believe this move also strengthens Germany’s influence in the EU’s collective climate policy.