Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

23 Apr

Yaba tablets seized in Assam, 1 arrested

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major breakthrough in Assam’s fight against narcotics, police arrested a woman in Golakganj under Dhubri district late Tuesday night after recovering a cache of Yaba tablets, a potent synthetic drug gaining a foothold in the region. The accused, Sofiya Khatun (35), a resident of Koimari Part IV, was apprehended by Golakganj police during a targeted anti-narcotics operation. Officers found 120 Yaba tablets in her possession. Khatun is the wife of Matiar Rahman, also a local resident. She was taken into custody on the spot and is currently being interrogated for further leads.The arrest is part of a broader…

22 Apr

Kenya Launches Massive Solar Project to Fight Energy Poverty

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Kenya has inaugurated East Africa’s largest solar power project in Garissa County, aimed at reducing energy poverty and expanding electricity access in rural areas. The plant, generating 54.6 MW, will serve over 625,000 people and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. “This is a milestone in our green energy journey,” said Energy Minister Davis Chirchir. India and Bhutan, both active in solar energy development, are exploring similar rural electrification models. Experts say the project offers lessons for Nepal and Bangladesh as well, where clean energy is vital for sustainable growth.

22 Apr

Severe Floods Hit Southern Brazil, Over 50,000 Displaced

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Southern Brazil is grappling with catastrophic floods that have displaced over 50,000 people and left at least 20 dead. Torrential rains across Rio Grande do Sul have caused rivers to overflow, sweeping away homes, roads, and power lines. Authorities have declared a state of emergency. “We are witnessing the devastating consequences of extreme weather,” said Governor Eduardo Leite. Rescue teams and helicopters are working around the clock. Environmental experts point to global warming as a likely factor, citing rising ocean temperatures. The incident highlights a broader concern for countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, where river floods are increasingly severe due…

22 Apr

Sikkim milk breaks silence on viral video controversy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A viral video showing what appeared to be curdled milk from the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited (Sikkim Milk) has sparked widespread alarm. The footage, posted on social media, shows a packet of Sikkim Milk curdling into clumps, leading some viewers to mistake it for contamination or plastic-like substances. In response, Sikkim Milk clarified that the milk shown in the video had passed its "Use By" date, which caused the natural curdling process. The Union explained that once milk exceeds its expiration date, microbial activity can lead to spoilage, even if the milk was initially pasteurized. The Union also…

19 Apr

Dubai Bank Unveils “Amina” to Modernize Sharia-Compliant Services

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

A leading Dubai-based financial institution has launched “Amina,” the world’s first artificial intelligence assistant dedicated entirely to Islamic banking. The AI system can answer Sharia-related queries, assist with digital transactions, and recommend financial products tailored to individual needs—all in Arabic, English, and Urdu. This move is part of the UAE’s push to lead in Islamic fintech and AI innovation. Amina uses machine learning to stay updated with fatwas from global Sharia boards, ensuring compliance with Islamic laws on finance and lending. The assistant has already been tested with 50,000 users in the UAE and is now being expanded to other…

19 Apr

California Faces Record Wildfires Amidst Extreme Heat

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

California is grappling with one of its earliest and most intense wildfire seasons in recent memory, as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel over 20 large blazes across the state. Firefighters have been deployed from neighboring states to combat the spread, especially in the northern Sierra Nevada region. Experts attribute the intensity of the fires to prolonged drought and rising temperatures linked to climate change. Over 12,000 residents have already been evacuated, with at least 50 homes destroyed so far. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and requested federal support. Environmental groups are calling for urgent reforms…

19 Apr

Special Task Force foils ₹71 crore drug smuggling operation in Kamrup

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major breakthrough against cross-border drug trafficking, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police foiled a high-stakes narcotics operation on Friday, seizing banned substances worth a staggering ₹71 crore from the Amingaon area in Kamrup district. Two individuals involved in transporting the drugs have been arrested, officials confirmed.Acting swiftly on a specific intelligence input, STF personnel launched a meticulously planned operation and intercepted two suspicious vehicles entering Assam from a neighbouring state. Upon thorough inspection, the team recovered 2.7 lakh Yaba tablets—popularly known as the “crazy drug”—along with 520 grams of high-grade heroin concealed in 40 soap boxes.…

18 Apr

NASA’s Artemis Program Delayed Again Due to Safety Concerns

Sonakshi SarkarNASA

NASA has announced a delay in its Artemis II mission, which was scheduled to take astronauts around the Moon later this year. Engineers discovered issues with a helium valve in the rocket’s upper stage, prompting safety reviews. Originally planned for November 2024, the mission is now expected to launch in early 2025. Artemis II is crucial as it will be the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and a step toward establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The delay impacts international partners, including the European and Canadian space agencies. NASA emphasized safety over schedule, noting that…

17 Apr

AI-Powered Farming Drones Transform Agriculture in Kenya

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

In Kenya’s fertile Rift Valley, farmers are increasingly turning to AI-powered drones to monitor crops, detect pests, and optimize irrigation. The government-backed Smart AgriTech Initiative, launched in 2022, has deployed over 500 drones across the region. These drones, equipped with thermal and multispectral sensors, can scan large fields in minutes, offering farmers insights that were once impossible to gather. This has led to a 30% increase in crop yields in pilot zones. With rising food demands and erratic climate conditions, such technology is being hailed as a game-changer. The Kenyan government is offering subsidies for drone purchases and training youth…

17 Apr

Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang routes open despite rumours

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Tourists planning trips to North Sikkim can breathe a sigh of relief as roads to popular destinations like Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang, and Zero Point will remain open from April 19 to 25, despite rumours of a shutdown. The clarification was issued by the Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, on April 15, stating that no closures are planned. However, due to the Toong-Naga road being closed, the only operational route—Dickchu-Sankalang-Shipgyer-Chungthang—is experiencing heavy congestion. To manage traffic and ensure safety, strict movement regulations for heavy vehicles have been put in place: Phidang–Sankalang–Chungthang: Movement allowed from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM Chungthang–Sankalang–Phidang: Movement…