Purbalee Dutta - The Purbottar

04 Aug

Axis Bank Devalues Dining Delights With EazyDiner: New Terms Effective From August 1

Purbalee DuttaFinance

One of the often-overlooked perks of Axis Bank credit cards is the exclusive discounts through EazyDiner, available across all card variants. While discount rates vary from basic to premium cards, there’s something for every cardholder. Premium cards traditionally offered extra benefits like enhanced birthday discounts, Postcard Hotels vouchers, and complimentary EazyDiner memberships. Recently, Axis Bank revamped its Dining Delights program with EazyDiner, removing some discontinued cards and simplifying the structure. Notably, the Axis Magnus Credit Card has lost its premium status. It no longer qualifies for the high-net-worth individual (HNI) discount tier or birthday offers. Similarly, the Axis Bank Miles…

02 Aug

After 6+ Years, Red Panda Cubs Born In Sikkim Zoo

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

The birth of two red panda cubs at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim, has revitalized its red panda conservation efforts after a seven-year gap. Born on June 15 to parents Lucky-II and Mirak, the cubs mark the first litter for the pair. Park authorities officially announced the news on August 1, calling it a major achievement for the Red Panda Conservation Programme, which began in 1997. Director Sangay Gyatso explained that the programme had faced setbacks over the past seven years, including two outbreaks of canine distemper—a deadly viral disease affecting carnivores—that significantly reduced the captive red panda…

01 Aug

Raj Bhavan Holds ‘Utkarsh Utsav’

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Raj Bhavan Sikkim hosted a special event, ‘Utkarsh Utsav,’ on Thursday to mark the completion of one year of Om Prakash Mathur's tenure as the 18th Governor of Sikkim. The celebration saw the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder, Speaker M.N. Sherpa, and other dignitaries. A key moment was the release of the book Jaise Mene Janna, featuring the Governor’s speeches over the year. Reflecting on his journey, Governor Mathur spoke about his travels across the state, including visits to border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme. He praised Sikkim’s people for their unity, sustainability…

31 Jul

Sikkim To Be Developed As Model State In Cancer Prevention

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Cancer cases in Sikkim are rising at a concerning pace, prompting strong action from the state government. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Department of Science and Technology have been working together to address the issue. A detailed analysis of decade-long cancer data revealed distinct trends in cancer types, ethnicity, and geographic patterns. This data was shared with the Department of Health Research and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, along with a request for targeted interventions. In response, an expert consultation on cancer prevention and control in Sikkim…

30 Jul

Landslides Disrupt Key Routes To Sikkim & Kalimpong

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

NH-10, the vital highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the plains, was shut down on Tuesday morning after the Teesta River overflowed onto the road following heavy overnight rainfall in North Sikkim. A similar situation affected the route to Darjeeling. The river’s water level began to recede around noon, allowing the highway to reopen, but a massive traffic jam ensued, with vehicles stuck for hours. Locals reported flooding in areas like Rabi Jhora, 29th Mile, and near the Teesta Bridge at Teesta Bazar, cutting off access between Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Authorities had issued alerts in Melli, Teesta Bazar, and…

29 Jul

MP Seeks CBSE Inclusion For Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and Gurung Languages

Purbalee DuttaSikkim, State News

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba has written to the Ministry of Education, supporting a joint appeal by four major community groups in Sikkim—Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, Denjong Sherpa Association, Sikkim Tamang Buddhist Association, and All Sikkim Gurung (Tamu) Buddhist Association. They are urging the inclusion of Rai, Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung languages as optional second languages in CBSE Classes XI and XII. Indra Hang met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar to stress the cultural and educational value of this request. The Ministry had previously rejected the appeal in a letter…

26 Jul

Man Along With His Daughter Jumps Into Rangit River

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Tragically, on Friday night, a young guy and his seven-month-old daughter apparently leaped into the Rangit River from the Gamon Bridge near Legship Bazaar. The man is from Jaigaon, West Bengal, and was living with his wife at his in-laws' house in Legship, according to sources. Following the receipt of information, Geyzing police and Legship locals began a search that lasted into the evening. However, the flooded river and diminishing light made the task difficult. The search may be momentarily halted and recommenced on Saturday morning, according to authorities. Citing the river's powerful current and rising water levels as a…

25 Jul

Despite Centre’s 100% Network Connectivity Claim, Nathu La Border Faces Signal Drop

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

A day after the Central Government declared that Sikkim has achieved 100% mobile network coverage across its 68 border villages, tourists and local drivers have raised concerns about persistent network issues in high-altitude tourist spots such as Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Baba Mandir. In a written statement to Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba on July 23, the Union Ministry of Communications announced that 11 mobile towers had been installed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme, covering all border villages. Sikkim and Assam were noted as the only Northeastern states to reach this milestone. However, on-ground experiences tell…

23 Jul

Sikkim Athlete Bags Silver

Purbalee DuttaNational, News, Sikkim

Manoj Kami, a talented long-distance runner from Sikkim, secured a silver medal in the 1500-metre race at the Indian Open Athletics Meet 2025. The prestigious national athletics competition was hosted earlier this month in Patna by the Bihar State Sports Authority in collaboration with the Bihar Athletics Association. Manoj, 21, finished second in the 1500 m track event, earning the silver medal. He hails from Bongten, Dentam in West Sikkim and currently trains at the Bright Future Athletic Club located in Reshithang near Gangtok. The athletic club extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Sports Department, and…

22 Jul

Kiwi can aid with bodily relaxation for restful sleep

Purbalee DuttaHealth

Kiwis are a nutritious fruit that is high in vital nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins. They contain the hormone serotonin, which controls sleep. Before going to bed, eating kiwis can help people fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep longer, and have higher-quality sleep. The body and mind are also calmed and relaxed by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. The brain chemical serotonin, which controls sleep-wake cycles, is abundant in kiwis. Eating kiwis before bed can help those with insomnia sleep for longer periods of time overall. Antioxidants including vitamins C and E, which fight inflammation and oxidative stress,…