editor - The Purbottar

05 Feb

Thomas Cook shares plunge 12%, firm’s Q3 net profit drops 40% to Rs 50 crore

editorBusiness, News

Thomas Cook shares fell over 12 percent on February 4, a day after the company announced its Q3 FY25 earnings results. The company reported a massive drop of nearly 40 per cent in its Q3 net profit after market close on February 3. Shares of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd are trading at Rs 143.95 at 11.24 am. This represents a decline of 12.01 percent from the stock's previous close price. Thomas Cook's consolidated results for the quarter ended December 2024 saw a rise in sales, growing 8.87 percent to Rs 2,061.01 crore as compared to Rs 1,893.13 crore in the…

05 Feb

Telecom firm starts screening people for cancer care in Assam

editorAssam

A telecom infrastructure firm on Tuesday said it has begun a programme to screen possible cancer patients in Assam in association with the state government and Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF). The programme has been launched under Indus Towers' flagship CSR initiative, with an objective to contribute to the fight against cancer and improve the quality of life for the residents of Assam, the company said in a statement.

04 Feb

Government of India has reduced import duty on certain motorcycles

editorIndia

In a significant move to boost consumption and stimulate economic growth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a budget that offers substantial tax relief to India's middle class. Under the new provisions, individuals earning up to ₹1.2 million ($13,800) annually will be exempt from income tax, while adjusted tax brackets will benefit those with incomes up to ₹2.4 million. The government has also eased regulations on second home ownership and reduced duties on various consumer goods, measures expected to cost the exchequer approximately ₹1 trillion in revenue. This shortfall may impact capital expenditure plans. The state of Bihar is poised…

04 Feb

OG Anunoby’s Injury Poses Challenge for New York Knicks

editorSports

The New York Knicks are facing a potential setback after OG Anunoby injured his right foot during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Anunoby, a pivotal player for the Knicks, has a history of injuries that have previously sidelined him. The injury occurred during a shot attempt, leading to his early exit from the game. Initial X-rays were negative, but further evaluations are pending to determine the severity. Anunoby's absence could significantly impact the Knicks, who are aiming for their best regular season since the 1990s. The game also highlighted LeBron James's impressive performance, leading the Lakers to a…

04 Feb

Greaves Electric Mobility sees sales jump in January

editorBusiness, News

Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd (GEML), the e-mobility arm of Greaves Cotton Ltd, reported robust sales in January. Under the company's flagship Ampere brand, it sold 3,611 units in January, making it the 5th best-selling electric two-wheeler brands in India, according to the vehicle portal. The manufacturer reported a 53% year-on-year growth and a 27% month-on-month growth, driven primarily by sales of its premium family electric scooters - Nexus and Magnus Neo. Overall, retail growth for Ampere (including slow-speed vehicles) stood at 38% month-on-month, which is higher than the industry growth average. The Magnus Neo, the updated variant of the recently…

03 Feb

UPL shares upgrade 5% after Investec rose rating to ‘buy’, raises price target to Rs 700

editorBusiness, News

UPL shares jumped over 5 per cent after global brokerage Investec upgraded its rating on the stock to 'buy' from an earlier 'sell' call, and hit a 52-week high of Rs 636.80 on February 3. Apart from the rating upgrade, Investec also raised its price target for the stock to Rs 700, significantly higher than the previous target of Rs 450. Investec's optimism towards UPL is driven by expectations that the company will successfully reduce its overall debt levels in FY25. UPL's net debt stood at Rs 27,531 crore as of September 2024. The brokerage is also confident that UPL…

03 Feb

Air India Express takes off from Dibrugarh, boost northeast connectivity

editorNorth East

Air India Express launched its first flight from Dibrugarh today, marking a significant expansion in Northeast India. The new daily direct service connects Dibrugarh to Guwahati, offering seamless one-stop connectivity to Delhi without an aircraft change. This is the airline's fifth destination in the region, after Agartala, Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal. The inaugural flight departed Dibrugarh at 1:45 PM, arriving in Guwahati at 3:15 PM before continuing to Delhi. The new route provides Dibrugarh with convenient connections to major Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata. This enhanced connectivity is expected to boost trade and tourism in Dibrugarh,…

01 Feb

NBA Officials Criticized for Erroneous Timeout Call

editorSports

NBA referees faced criticism after a significant error during the Memphis Grizzlies' 120-119 victory over the Houston Rockets. Officials mistakenly granted a timeout to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, despite him not requesting one, halting play during a clear fast-break opportunity for the Rockets' Jaylen Wells. Although the Grizzlies secured the win, the error drew sharp rebuke from commentators, including Charles Barkley, who labeled it a "blown call." Jenkins expressed frustration, clarifying that he had signaled his team to continue playing, not to call a timeout. This incident follows recent officiating controversies in the league, highlighting ongoing concerns about the quality…

01 Feb

Green Party’s Fiscal Challenges in Bristol

editorENVIORMENT

The Green Party, traditionally known for its environmental advocacy, is confronting significant fiscal challenges after gaining control of Bristol City Council. Facing a £43 million budget deficit, the council proposed measures such as reducing bin collections to monthly intervals, aiming to save £2 million annually. This proposal, however, met with public resistance, leading to its reconsideration. Other cost-cutting measures, including slashing library budgets, ending school crossing patrols, and closing museums, faced similar backlash and were either shelved or delayed. Residents expressed discontent over delayed initiatives like installing sprinklers in high-rise blocks and traffic alterations from the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood…

01 Feb

Assam CM turns 56, wishes pour in

editorAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated his 56th birthday with supporters and well- wishers at his residence in Guwahati. His supporters visited to extend their best wishes, and brought gifts such as his portrait, a Ganesh murti, flower bouquets and plants. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude, saying, "Everyone came to give me their best wishes." On Friday, the Assam Chief Minister announced the inauguration of the newly reconstructed Jagi Bhakatgaon bridge, which connects Morigaon and Jagiroad. The Assam Chief Minister in his official handle on X shared a video of the 1.24 kilometre bridge that has…