editor - The Purbottar

14 Feb

Swiggy shares upgrade after reports of potential commission hike

editorBusiness, News

Swiggy shares jumped as much as 8% in Thursday's trade, according to media reports. According to media reports, about 5,000 merchants will face a 2% hike in the commission they pay to the company. The report indicated that Swiggy is implementing rate adjustments for partner merchants operating under the old commission model. On Thursday, Swiggy shares recorded their best rise in two weeks. However, the stock lost some of its intraday gains, closing at ₹365.50, up 7.1% on the NSE. The food-tech giant had earlier informed select restaurant partners via email that the standardisation would be effective from February 16,…

13 Feb

Assam CM alleges Gogoi’s wife has ISI links, says “Pak High Commissioner invited” Cong leader; Jorhat MP claims attempt to ‘divert

editorAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday again in an apparent attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the latter's questions in parliament after his marriage to a British revealed a growing focus on sensitive defence matters. The Assam Chief Minister further raised questions on the "timing" of certain "events" linked to the Congress MP's political actions and associations. "In 2015, the Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Mr. Abdul Basit, invited a first-te Member of Parliament (MP) and his startup, Policy for Youth, to discuss India-Pakistan relations at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi," Sarma claimed in…

13 Feb

Days after coming out of jail, Assam man kills wife, daughter; hangs self

editorAssam

A 42-year-old woman and her daughter were killed allegedly by her husband, who later died by suicide by hanging himself inside their house in Guwahati, police said on Wednesday. The murders took place days after the man came out of jail. He had been charged with sexually harassing the deceased girl, the daughter of the woman from her first husband.

13 Feb

Bangladesh’s Economic Growth Amid Global Challenges

editorBangladesh

Despite global economic uncertainties, Bangladesh has showcased impressive economic growth, driven by its strong manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles and garments. The government's focus on infrastructure development and favorable trade policies has attracted foreign investments. However, challenges such as energy shortages and the need for sustainable development persist. Regional cooperation initiatives, like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) framework, aim to address these issues by enhancing connectivity and energy collaboration among neighboring countries.

13 Feb

Hydropower Development in Nepal: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy

editorNepal

Nepal is intensifying its focus on renewable energy, particularly hydropower, to meet its growing electricity demands and promote sustainable development. The government has initiated several large-scale hydropower projects, aiming to increase the country's energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives are expected to not only supply domestic needs but also position Nepal as a significant energy exporter in the region. Neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and India, have shown interest in importing clean energy from Nepal, fostering regional cooperation in the energy sector. However, challenges such as environmental concerns and the displacement of local communities need to be…

13 Feb

Innovative ‘Mindfulness City’ Project Seeks to Revitalize Bhutan’s Economy

editorBhutan, Economy

Bhutan has announced plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a $100 billion project designed to redefine capitalism by emphasizing sustainability and well-being. Led by former Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering, now governor of the GMC, the initiative aims to attract foreign companies practicing "mindful capitalism." The project is part of broader economic reforms addressing challenges like youth unemployment, a declining birth rate, and sluggish tourism recovery post-pandemic. The GMC will feature a low-rise metropolis integrating ecological harmony and spiritual contentment, with all operations powered by renewable energy. Bhutan seeks to leverage its hydropower potential and educated, English-speaking populace while…

13 Feb

Ashok Leyland shares jump over 7%, net profit jumps 31% in Q3

editorBusiness, News

Shares of Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle maker and the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, jumped nearly 7% during intraday trade after the company reported its highest ever net profit of ₹762 crore in the December quarter. The company's standalone net profit in the third quarter of the current fiscal year rose 32% year-on-year to ₹762 crore compared to ₹575 crore in the same period last year. The company's net profit in the previous September quarter of 2024 was ₹770 crore. Ashok Leyland's revenue rose to ₹9,479 crore in the quarter under review compared to ₹9,273 crore in…

12 Feb

Towards Sustainability: Bhutan’s Commitment to Organic Farming

editorBhutan

Bhutan is advancing its commitment to sustainable agriculture by promoting organic farming practices nationwide. The government has implemented policies to support farmers in transitioning to organic methods, including training programs and financial incentives. This move aligns with Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness, emphasizing environmental conservation and the well-being of its citizens. The initiative also aims to enhance food security and open new markets for organic produce domestically and internationally.

12 Feb

Transforming Connectivity: Bangladesh’s New Infrastructure Blueprint

editorBangladesh

The government of Bangladesh has announced a comprehensive infrastructure development plan to boost economic growth and improve connectivity. The strategy includes the construction of new highways, bridges, and rail networks, aiming to facilitate trade and reduce transportation costs. Part of the plan focuses on enhancing regional connectivity with neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, promoting economic integration in South Asia. The initiative is expected to attract foreign investment and create numerous employment opportunities within the country.

12 Feb

Nepal and Bangladesh Collaborate to Promote Cultural Exchange

editorBangladesh, Nepal

Nepal and Bangladesh have embarked on a series of cultural exchange programs to strengthen bilateral relations. These initiatives include art exhibitions, music festivals, and academic exchanges aimed at fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage. The collaboration is expected to enhance people-to-people connections and promote tourism between the two nations. Such cultural diplomacy efforts are seen as vital in reinforcing regional unity and cooperation.