editor - The Purbottar

15 Jan

Indian Farmers Don Bear Costumes to Deter Crop-Raiding Monkeys

editorAgriculture

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India, have adopted an innovative approach to protect their crops from marauding monkeys by wearing bear costumes. After receiving no assistance from local authorities, villagers collectively purchased a bear costume to patrol their fields, as monkeys tend to avoid bear-like figures. A video from Lakhimpur Kheri district showcases a farmer in the costume safeguarding mustard, chickpea, wheat, and sugarcane crops. This strategy has reportedly been effective in deterring the primates. In response, local authorities are now educating farmers on alternative methods to protect their crops from monkeys, acknowledging the challenges posed by wildlife to agriculture in the region.

14 Jan

Adani Group stocks increase as Adani Power surges over 19%

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi: Adani Group stocks witnessed a significant surge on Tuesday, with Adani Power recovering from the previous day's fall to surge as much as 19.29%. Other stocks in the group that also registered gains included Adani Green Energy, which rose 14.54%, Adani Energy Solutions (14.38%), Adani Total Gas (13%), and NDTV (12.50%) on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Shares of Adani Enterprises rose 8.91%, Adani Ports surged 6%, Ambuja Cements rose 4.79%, ACC rose 4.50%, Sanghi Industries rose 4.22%, and Adani Wilmar gained 3%. All Adani Group stocks ended weak in Monday's trade following a weak trend in equities.…

14 Jan

Magh Bihu celebrated across Assam with fervor

editorAssam

Assambcelebrated the annual harvest festival Magh Bihu with great traditional fervour on Tuesday as people burnt traditional Meji (bonfire) in the morning. The bonfires are usually made with firewood, green bamboo, hay, and dried banana leaves. On the occasion, young people take blessings (Ashirbad) from elders, reinforcing bonds of respect and love within families. Across the state, traditional sports such as buffalo fights, cockfights, egg-breaking competitions, and Tekeli Bhanga (breaking of pots) are also held. People prepare a variety of mouthwatering delicacies made from rice, including pithas, laddoos, and a host of other traditional dishes, which are served generously to…

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.