Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

26 Mar

No budget, no problem: Assam Zilla Parishads disburse funds without approval

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed serious financial irregularities in Assam’s Zilla Parishads (ZPs), highlighting that funds were released and utilized without mandatory budget approvals from 2018 to 2023. The report, which was tabled in the Assam Assembly, stated that during this period, none of the ZPs had their annual budgets approved, despite receiving and spending government funds. The findings point to significant lapses in financial discipline and governance in the state’s Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).According to the report, only 7 to 50 percent of ZPs submitted their budgets to the Commissionerate of Panchayat and…

26 Mar

France Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes to Reduce Youth Vaping

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

France has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs,” in a bid to curb youth vaping. Health officials raised concerns over the growing number of teenagers using these devices, which are often flavored and marketed in colorful packaging. The ban will take effect later this year, with strict fines for retailers found violating the regulation. Authorities are also planning educational campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of vaping. While public health advocates have welcomed the move, the vaping industry argues that e-cigarettes offer a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Other European countries are considering similar…

26 Mar

Regulators Investigate Fair Competition in Emerging AI Market

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

US regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into leading tech companies over concerns of monopolistic practices in the artificial intelligence sector. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are under scrutiny for acquiring AI startups and limiting competition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice are leading the inquiry, assessing whether these corporations have unfairly dominated the market. The probe comes as AI technology increasingly shapes industries from healthcare to finance. Critics argue that tech giants’ control over advanced AI models could stifle innovation and raise ethical concerns. Meanwhile, the companies claim their investments drive technological advancements and…

25 Mar

GMC sets March 26 deadline for physical verification of trade licences

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) will conduct physical verification of trade licences from March 26 onwards to ensure that business establishments operate under legitimate licences and are not subletting them, officials confirmed on Monday. Key directives for traders: Shops and business owners must display their trade licences prominently at their place of business. Traders must produce a fresh No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building owner. A verification slip will be issued to each trader, which must be uploaded at the time of trade licence renewal for FY 2025-26. Licences found sublet to outsiders could face cancellation, in line with…

25 Mar

Assam Legislative Assembly approves bill to ensure secularism in private universities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed a significant bill aimed at restricting private universities from engaging in activities related to religious conversion. The Assam Private Universities Bill, 2025, was approved on March 24, reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining secularism in educational institutions. The Bill explicitly prohibits private universities from conducting or promoting any form of religious conversion among students, faculty, and staff. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who tabled the bill, emphasized that universities should uphold a secular character and focus solely on academic excellence. Additionally, the legislation bars private universities from introducing new courses in technical, medical, paramedical, nursing,…

25 Mar

South Korea Reports Surge in EV Sales Amid Government Subsidies

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

South Korea has reported a significant rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales, fueled by government subsidies and increased consumer awareness. Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy shows a 60% year-on-year increase in EV registrations. The government offers generous financial incentives for EV buyers, alongside investments in charging infrastructure. Major South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia have also expanded their EV lineups, introducing affordable models with improved battery ranges. Environmental groups have praised the shift toward clean transportation, highlighting its contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Analysts predict continued growth in the EV market as battery technology advances…

25 Mar

Germany Expands Renewable Energy Projects to Meet Climate Goals

Sonakshi SarkarGermany

Germany has announced a large-scale expansion of its renewable energy sector, committing to invest billions in solar and wind power projects. The move is part of its ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The government plans to increase the country’s solar capacity by 80% and wind energy production by 50% over the next decade. Recent data shows that renewables currently account for 46% of Germany's electricity consumption, with hopes to exceed 80% by 2030. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the transition would reduce reliance on imported energy and create thousands of jobs. However, challenges remain, including the need…

24 Mar

Guwahati to host its first Test Cricket as India faces South Africa in November 2025

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

India will playing a test match against South Africa in Guwahati from November 22 - 27, 2025. The second of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa will be played at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said this while talking to media. "No Test and world cup matches have been played in Guwahati so far. But, as per the decision taken at the BCCI apex council meeting on Saturday, Guwahati will host both those matches this year," Saikia said. It will put Guwahati on the Test cricket map, he said.

24 Mar

Historic Achievement for Japan’s Space Exploration Program

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has made history by successfully landing its SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) spacecraft on the lunar surface. The mission, focused on conducting geological studies, marks Japan’s first moon landing. SLIM aims to collect data on the lunar crust and analyze mineral compositions. Japanese scientists believe the findings will contribute to understanding the moon’s origin and its potential for resource utilization. Global leaders have congratulated Japan on its achievement, acknowledging the country’s growing presence in space exploration. This success positions Japan alongside major space powers like the US, China, and Russia in the pursuit of…

24 Mar

Biden and Trump Intensify Efforts as Election Day Nears

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

With the US presidential election only months away, candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump are making aggressive campaign stops in key swing states. Both parties have increased advertisements and organized large rallies, particularly in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin — states expected to play a decisive role. Biden has been emphasizing his economic policies and healthcare reforms, targeting middle-class voters. Meanwhile, Trump has focused on immigration control and national security. Recent polls suggest a neck-and-neck race, raising the stakes for both candidates. Voter engagement efforts are also in full swing, with grassroots organizations encouraging early voting. Political analysts predict record voter…