editor - The Purbottar

14 Jan

Parliament Adjourned Amidst Protests

editorIndia

The Winter Session of Parliament was adjourned sine die amid protests from both opposition and treasury benches. The session witnessed heated debates over various issues, leading to frequent disruptions. Despite the turmoil, several bills were passed, including those facilitating the conduct of simultaneous polls in the country. The Speaker urged members to engage in constructive dialogue and uphold parliamentary decorum in future sessions. The adjournment has prompted discussions on the need for reforms to ensure the smooth functioning of legislative proceedings.

13 Jan

Assam Guv, CM greet people on ‘Bhogali Bihu’

editorAssam

Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended greetings to people of the state on the occasion of 'Bhogali Bihu’, beginning from Monday.''The festive celebration embodies the spirit of unity, brotherhood and camaraderie, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, religion, and language'', the governor said in a statement. ‘Bhogali Bihu’ is a vibrant festival of feasting, fun and mutual respect, where 'mejis' (different structures made from hay) play an important role in making the festival unique, he said.

13 Jan

Paytm shares fall 6%, down over 20% in five sessions

editorBusiness, News

Shares of One97 Communications, the parent company of fintech major Paytm, continued to decline for the fourth consecutive session on January 13. The shares fell to Rs 796.1, marking a decline of over 6 percent. Earlier, UBS had released a report citing NPCI data, which mentioned that Paytm did not gain any UPI market share in December. In October, Paytm received approval to add customers. Nevertheless, its share of the UPI market almost halved, falling from 10 per cent at the start of 2024 to 5.5 per cent by the end of the year. During the October-November period, Paytm's market…

13 Jan

Dr. Bhagwat Criticizes Regulatory Rigidity in Education

editorEducation

RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat has expressed concerns over the stringent regulatory framework in India's education system, emphasizing the need for flexibility to foster innovation and holistic development. He highlighted that excessive regulations hinder the growth of educational institutions and impede the cultivation of critical thinking among students. Dr. Bhagwat advocated for an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also instills values and encourages independent thought. He called for a collaborative approach involving educators, policymakers, and society to create an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. His remarks have sparked discussions on the necessity of educational reforms…

13 Jan

Panchayati Polls to be held in Assam in April

editorAssam

The Gauhati High Court allowed panchayat elections in Assam except in areas mentioned in nine petitions through which the delimitation exercise was challenged in the court. A bench of Justice Soumitra Saikia gave the verdict on Friday, and a copy of the order was made available on Sunday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said panchayat polls can now be held only after completion of class 10 and 12 board examinations, in late March or mid-April.

13 Jan

Oil and gas exploratory drilling to begin in Assam’s Jorhat soon

editorAssam

The Centre's wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved the proposal by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas during its meeting on December 21, according to the minutes of the meeting. Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden had recommended clearance for the project in August last year, citing "national interest".

11 Jan

10-month-old detected with HMPV, first case this season in Assam: Officials

editorAssam

A 10-month-old child has been detected with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, the first such case this season in Assam, officials said on Saturday. The child is undergoing treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh and is "stable" now, they said. AMCH Superintendent Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said the child was admitted to the state-run hospital with cold-related symptoms four days ago.

11 Jan

Red Cross Hospital Guwahati gets Hans Renal Care Centre

editorAssam

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility in Assam, The Hans Foundation (THF) and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Assam State Branch (ASB), inaugurated the Hans Renal Care Centre at Red Cross Hospital, Chandmari, Guwahati. This state-of-the-art dialysis unit will provide free-of-cost, high-quality renal care services, bridging a critical gap in healthcare access across the region. Assam Governor and the President of IRCS, ASB Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the renal care centre. The event also witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including A K Absar Hazarika, Chairman- Indian Red Cross Society, Assam State Branch, Sandeep J Kapur, CEO-…

11 Jan

Manager arrested in connection with Assam rat-hole mine disaster

editorAssam

The 'sardar' of workers of the coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district, where eight miners remained trapped, was arrested, even as a dewatering exercise continued in the quarry to facilitate the resumption of rescue operations, police said on Friday. The fate of the trapped miners appeared to be grim with personnel involved in the rescue operations racing against time to bring them out of the ill-fated quarry, while the body of one labourer, hailing from Nepal, has been recovered from there, an official said. "The 'sardar' (head) of the miners, who had fled the quarry site soon after the…

11 Jan

Assam Governor summons budget session from Feb 17

editorAssam

The budget session of the Assam legislative assembly is scheduled to be held from February 17, a notification issued by the assembly secretariat said, adding that the first day of the session will be organised at Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) legislative chamber in Kokrajhar."In exercise of the powers conferred under Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India, as amended up-to-date, I Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, hereby summon the 1st day of the Budget Session, Assam Legislative Assembly to meet at 12.00 Noon on Monday, the 17th February, 2025 at BTC Legislative Assembly Chamber, Kokrajhar," the notification signed…