editor - The Purbottar

15 Jan

California Opens Probe Into Grok Over AI Deepfake Abuse Claims

editorBusiness

California has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s xAI following mounting allegations that its Grok model is generating sexually explicit deepfake images without consent. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said recent reports showing the spread of fabricated nude imagery including depictions of women and children were shocking and called on xAI to act immediately. The probe comes as global scrutiny intensifies. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that X, which hosts Grok, could lose its ability to self-regulate. British watchdog Ofcom has separately opened its own investigation and could impose fines of up to 10% of global…

08 Jan

Wage Assurance Prompts Tea Workers to Withdraw Dharna in Alipurduar

editorAlipurduar

Tea workers of five Merico-run estates in Alipurduar withdrew their two-day sit-in late Tuesday night after the company issued a written schedule to clear unpaid wages. The workers had launched a protest near the Dooars Kanya collectorate on Monday evening, demanding formal assurance that their pending dues would be released. Administration officials and Trinamool Congress leaders intervened, pressing Merico to provide a written commitment. Deputy labour commissioner Gopal Biswas confirmed that the company submitted a detailed plan, promising to clear all arrears by January 31. The payment schedule includes the release of one fortnight’s wages on January 9 for workers…

31 Dec

GST Registration Simplified: Eligibility, GSTIN, and Legal Requirements

editorNational

Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration is essential for businesses operating under India’s unified indirect tax system, as it provides a legal tax identity, enables compliance, and allows access to input tax credit. GST replaces multiple state and central taxes, simplifying taxation and improving transparency. Businesses must register for GST if their annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers or ₹20 lakh for service providers, except in special category states where lower thresholds apply. Certain entities must register regardless of turnover, including inter-state traders, e-commerce sellers and operators, casual taxable persons, non-resident taxpayers, and those liable under the Reverse…

15 Dec

Kolkata sees employers brace for higher health costs as India’s 2026 medical trend hits 11.5%

editorNorth East

Employers across Kolkata are preparing for another year of rising employee healthcare expenses, as India’s medical trend rate is expected to reach 11.5% in 2026, according to Aon’s latest Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The projection marks a slight moderation from 13% in 2025 but still remains above the global average of 9.8%. Local HR managers and insurance brokers say this rise is already influencing budgeting discussions in major Kolkata business districts such as Sector V and Dalhousie. Companies are reassessing benefit plans as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues and cancer continue to be the biggest cost drivers. Hypertension and poor…

12 Dec

Street Fighter First Look: Vidyut Jammwal’s Shaved-Head Makeover Wins the Internet

editorEntertainment

The first look of Vidyut Jammwal as a mystic yogi in his Hollywood debut, Street Fighter, has created significant excitement online. The teaser trailer introduces Vidyut in a Dhalsim-inspired role, featuring a bald and brooding appearance that makes him nearly unrecognizable. Social media is buzzing with users praising his remarkable transformation. The teaser trailer for the film, which draws inspiration from the popular video game franchise, was unveiled at the 2025 Game Awards, featuring the cast in attendance. In addition to the trailer, the producers released the initial posters showcasing the film’s main characters. Vidyut presents a striking image with…

11 Dec

Netizens Baffled as Hrithik Roshan Softens Stance on Dhurandhar Within Hours

editorEntertainment

Actor Hrithik Roshan has released a second review of Aditya Dhar's film Dhurandhar shortly after his initial critique, where he expressed doubts regarding its political themes. In this latest review, he commended the performances of actors Raveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Rakesh Bedi. However, the internet remains puzzled by the contrasting opinions conveyed in his reviews. A few hours post-review, Hrithik praised the performances in the film Dhurandhar on X and Instagram. He expressed his admiration for director Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh, highlighting the latter's transformative journey from a silent to a fierce character and commending…

10 Dec

NHRCPO observed International Human Rights Day with a youth empowerment event at St. George High School

editorEducation, News

The National Human Rights and Corruption Prevention Organisation (NHRCPO), a NITI Aayog–recognized NGO founded in 2022, commemorated International Human Rights Day on 10th December at St. George's High School in Kolkata. Over 400 students, educators, and local residents participated in the event, themed "Rights for All: Ending Corruption's Grip," highlighting the link between graft and rights violations in everyday life.The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting and recitations from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Dr. Ruma Gomes, NHRCPO's National President, delivered the keynote: "In India, corruption undermines access to education and justice—our youth must champion transparency through awareness and…

09 Dec

Farah Khan Steps In as Messenger as Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar Scene Explodes Online

editorEntertainment

Farah Khan received widespread acclaim on the Internet for her recent revelation regarding her communication with Akshaye Khanna about the public interest surrounding his role in the film Dhurandhar. This insight highlights not only her connection with Khanna but also indicates the significance of audience reception in shaping a film's narrative and its actors' portrayals. The positive response underscores her efforts to keep Khanna informed and engaged with the buzz that his character generates, reflecting a collaborative spirit in the film industry. After captivating the audience with his performance in the film Chhaava, Akshaye Khanna returns to the screen portraying…

08 Dec

Three-Day Storm: Dhurandhar Emerges as Ranveer Singh’s Fastest Global Grosser

editorEntertainment

Dhurandhar, the spy drama featuring Ranveer Singh, has demonstrated significant box office success during its opening weekend. It achieved its highest single-day gross on Sunday, marking a 30% increase from Saturday and an impressive 55% jump compared to its opening day earnings. The film has garnered substantial appreciation from audiences. Dhurandhar generated a net income of ₹43 crore in India on Sunday, marking its most successful day to date. Internationally, the film garnered approximately $1.2 million, contributing to its strong overseas performance. By Sunday night, the domestic earnings reached ₹103 crore net (₹123.50 crore gross), successfully surpassing the ₹100 crore…

05 Dec

Producers vs. Eros Clash: Court Ruling Forces Sudden Shutdown of Akhanda 2 Release

editorEntertainment

The release of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 was scheduled for Friday, 5 December, following extensive promotions. However, shortly before its release, it was postponed due to 'technical issues beyond our control', which may have been influenced by a court case involving the production house, 14 Reels Entertainment, and Eros. On the eve of the release of Akhanda 2, Eros International Media Limited announced that the Madras High Court issued an injunction against the film's release. According to a press statement from Eros, the injunction stems from an appeal related to Eros's long-standing arbitral award against 14 Reels Entertainment Private Limited,…