Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

28 Mar

Sikkim expands education with 3 new university bills

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Legislative Assembly, during its Budget Session 2025-26, passed three key university bills, sparking debates on the rapid expansion of private universities in the state. On March 27, the Assembly approved the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University Sikkim Bill, 2025; Sengol International University Bill, 2025; and Fusion University Sikkim Bill, 2025. With these additions, Sikkim now has 25 private universities, of which 13 are fully operational, while 12 are awaiting the Governor’s assent and land transfer approvals, according to Education Secretary Tashi Chopel. While the government sees this as a step towards educational expansion, concerns have been raised by…

28 Mar

Assam recieves ₹39,239 crore for major national highway projects

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam has emerged as the leader among the Northeastern states in terms of National Highway (NH) projects, with the highest number of ongoing constructions and the longest road length currently under development. The state has received a massive investment of ₹39,239 crore for these projects, which are expected to be completed by 2028, subject to various external factors. According to official data, some of the projects have already been completed during the financial year 2024-25, while others have been sanctioned but are yet to commence. Comparatively, Arunachal Pradesh has two major NH projects covering a total road length of 815…

28 Mar

Brazil Implements New Forest Restoration Policy

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Brazil has launched an ambitious reforestation program to restore 20 million hectares of deforested land in the Amazon by 2035. The initiative is part of the country’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The government is partnering with indigenous communities and environmental organizations to plant native tree species and rehabilitate damaged ecosystems. Financial incentives will also be provided to farmers who adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Deforestation in the Amazon has surged in recent years, contributing to global carbon emissions. Brazilian Environment Minister Ana Silva emphasized the importance of reversing this trend and preserving the region’s biodiversity. International…

28 Mar

Government Collaborates with Supermarkets to Cut Waste by 50%

Sonakshi SarkarUK

The UK government has introduced a nationwide initiative to tackle food waste, aiming to reduce it by 50% by 2030. Supermarkets, food manufacturers, and restaurants are collaborating to minimize waste at every stage of the supply chain. The program encourages businesses to donate surplus food to charities, recycle inedible waste, and adopt innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, consumers are being educated on how to store food properly to extend shelf life. Environment Secretary Claire Green highlighted the environmental benefits of reducing food waste, including the reduction of methane emissions from landfills. The initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero…

28 Mar

CM Himanta Saya Assam journalist arrested by police not recognised by state govt

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday claimed that police did not arrest any scribe and asserted that digital journalists are not recognised by the state government. The state government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) does not officially recognise journalists working for portals or YouTube channels as recognised or accredited mediapersons, the CM said when asked about the arrest of digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder at a press conference here. The state government does not provide them with registrations, advertisements or identity cards and "they do not qualify as journalists according to our norms," Sarma said.

28 Mar

Single male govt employees in Assam to get child care leave

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Cabinet approved an amendment to the Child Care Leave (CCL) rules, allowing single male state government employees who are widowers or divorcees with custody of up to two kids to take leave for up to two years, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. The rules will be amended to improve child care, allowing both women and single male government employees with custody of up to two children (until the age of 18) or specially abled kids of any age to take leave for up to two years, the CM told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The…

27 Mar

Canada Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2025

Sonakshi SarkarCanada

Canada has announced a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, including straws, cutlery, and plastic bags, effective by 2025. The government’s initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and mitigate pollution in oceans and waterways. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault stated that the ban aligns with Canada’s commitment to achieving zero plastic waste by 2030. Businesses are encouraged to switch to sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable packaging and reusable materials. Environmental groups have praised the decision, citing the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. However, some industries have expressed concerns about the financial burden of transitioning to eco-friendly materials. The government…

27 Mar

Psyche Mission Set to Unlock Secrets of Ancient Planetary Cores

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

NASA is preparing for its ambitious Psyche mission, aiming to explore a rare metal-rich asteroid that could reveal insights into the early solar system. The asteroid, named Psyche, is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists believe it may be the exposed core of a protoplanet. The spacecraft will travel approximately 2.2 billion miles over six years, studying Psyche’s composition and magnetic field. Unlike other missions that explore rocky or icy bodies, this one targets a body primarily composed of iron and nickel, similar to Earth’s core. Experts hope the findings will offer clues about the violent…

26 Mar

SDF demands probe into ₹1,900 crore fund discrepancy in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, accusing it of financial mismanagement, arbitrary governance, and increased taxation. At a press conference, SDF spokesperson M.N. Dahal highlighted a ₹1,900 crore discrepancy in the Consolidated Fund of Sikkim, citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. He questioned the lack of action from the Governor and judiciary, demanding a transparent investigation. SDF leader Yojana Rai criticized SKM’s budget allocation, alleging a drastic reduction in rural development funds, impacting village infrastructure and essential services. She accused the government of prioritizing publicity over…

26 Mar

Sikkim Assembly passes second supplementary demands for grant of Rs 200.1 cr

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the second supplementary demands for the grant of Rs 200.1 crore. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the second supplementary demands and the Appropriation Bill for the same on the first day of the budget session. Tamang, who also heads the Home Department, informed the House regarding the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2022.