Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

08 Apr

California Declares Emergency Over Water Contamination

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The State of California has declared an environmental emergency after detecting hazardous levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in the water supply of 35 cities, including Sacramento, Fresno, and San Diego. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $400 million cleanup initiative and lawsuits against several chemical companies. Health experts have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, thyroid disease, and birth defects. This alarming situation has drawn attention in countries like India and Bangladesh, where industrial waste management in rivers is a persistent issue. Environmental activists are urging South Asian governments to conduct similar water audits to prevent silent contamination crises.

08 Apr

Bangladesh Approves First Satellite Internet License

Sonakshi SarkarBangladesh

Bangladesh’s Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has officially granted SpaceX’s Starlink the license to operate satellite-based internet services in the country. This approval will help bridge digital divides in rural and remote areas. The service, expected to go live in late 2025, promises high-speed internet in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, coastal areas, and northern border regions where connectivity has long been a challenge. The license also mandates a partnership with a local ISP to ensure affordable pricing and infrastructure sharing. This development could inspire similar satellite internet projects in Nepal’s mountainous regions and Bhutan’s remote valleys. Experts believe Starlink’s entry may…

08 Apr

Sustainable Living at Sea: Japan Unveils Ocean-Based Habitat

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan has launched its first floating city prototype off the coast of Okinawa, as part of an ambitious experiment to combat rising sea levels and urban overcrowding. Designed by Tokyo-based Oceanix Corp, the project—named "Aqua Haven"—includes modular living units, solar-powered facilities, and desalination systems. The floating city, currently housing 500 residents in trial mode, is built to withstand typhoons and minor tsunamis. The Japanese government, in collaboration with the UN-Habitat program, sees this as a model for climate-resilient urban development. Countries vulnerable to flooding like Bangladesh, the Maldives, and coastal India have shown keen interest in adopting similar models. Experts…

08 Apr

Assam gets fulll support from ISRO to launch its own satellite

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday met ISRO Chairman V Narayanan and discussed with him the state's vision of launching its own satellite. The ISRO chairman assured the chief minister that his organisation would lend full support in realising the vision, according to an official statement. In a meeting with Narayanan here, Sarma outlined the Assam government's vision to have its own satellite -- ASSAMSAT -- in collaboration with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), Department of Space, Government of India.

08 Apr

Sikkim advisor Lama proposes regional trade and transport plan

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a significant push for regional cooperation, Professor Mahendra P Lama, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform trade and transport connectivity in Eastern South Asia. In his latest paper titled “Strengthening Trade and Transport Connectivity in Eastern South Asia”, published by UNESCAP in March 2025, Lama identifies the lack of efficient infrastructure and outdated border systems as key barriers to regional integration between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN). Lama emphasizes that despite shared borders and historical ties, the region faces high trade costs, poor road and rail networks, and complicated…

08 Apr

Assam, Mizoram prepare for key border discussions in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a renewed push to resolve their long-standing border dispute, Assam and Mizoram will hold a fresh round of official-level talks on April 25 in Guwahati. The meeting aims to ease tensions and work towards a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution for the people living along the volatile border. Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga confirmed the development, stating that preparations are underway and the state is finalising its delegation. The Mizoram team is likely to be led by Home Secretary Vanlalmawia. Assam officials have already extended a formal invitation for the talks. This round of dialogue comes after delays earlier…

07 Apr

Sikkim BJP reiterates its support for Article 371(F) and indigenous rights

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

On the occasion of its 46th Foundation Day and the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s merger with India, the Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities and strengthening Article 371(F) of the Constitution. During the celebration, party leaders passed key resolutions calling for stronger constitutional safeguards to preserve Sikkim’s unique identity. Article 371(F grants special provisions to Sikkim following its merger in 1975. The BJP demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for twelve left-out communities in the state, citing historical relevance and the constitutional protections under Article 371(F). The party…

07 Apr

UK’s NHS Launches Nationwide Mental Health App for Youth

Sonakshi SarkarUK

The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom has launched a free mental health app designed to support youth struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. Named “MindMate”, the app uses AI-based chat support, therapist booking, and mindfulness exercises. It’s part of a broader £150 million mental health reform targeting youth aged 13–25. UK Health Secretary Victoria Atkins stated, “We need to meet young people where they are—on their phones—with services that can genuinely help.” The app is expected to benefit over 3 million young people in the UK. In countries like Bangladesh and India, where adolescent mental health is…

07 Apr

CM of Assam emphasizes how indigenous shaping state’s cultural legacy

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hailed the cultural contributions of the state’s indigenous communities, particularly the Bodo people, during the 32nd Annual Conference of the Dularai Bathou Goutham (All Bathou Mahasabha) held at Pathalikuchi in Tamulpur district. Addressing the open session of the event, CM Sarma acknowledged the deep-rooted cultural, spiritual, and religious practices of indigenous groups that have enriched Assam’s heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving these traditions, calling them a vital part of the state’s “cultural corpus” and a reflection of the wider ethnocultural identity of the nation. “The customs, rites, and ceremonial traditions…

07 Apr

Apple to Manufacture iPhones in Indonesia from 2025

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Apple Inc. is set to begin iPhone manufacturing in Indonesia by mid-2025, marking a strategic move to diversify its production lines beyond China and India. The decision follows Indonesia's tech investment reforms and a rapidly growing domestic market. The factory, to be established in Java, is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs. Apple’s partner, Foxconn, will spearhead the initial phases, with local government incentives encouraging the use of Indonesian components. Indonesia's Ministry of Industry stated the move will boost national electronics exports and attract further global investments. This development is also of significance to South Asian markets, as it…