Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

17 Mar

Seven detainees in Ajnala case to be moved back to Punjab

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Punjab government has decided against extending the detention of seven close aides of jailed Lok Sabha MP and pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh under the National Security Act (NSA). As a result, the detainees, who were lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail for nearly two years, will be transferred back to Punjab, a senior police official confirmed on Sunday. The seven individuals were arrested in connection with the 2023 Ajnala Police Station attack. Those being moved back to Punjab include Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, Sarabjit Kalsi, Ranjeet Kalsi, Gurinder Pal Singh Gurri Aujla, Harjeet Singh (alias Chacha),…

14 Mar

Assam to build 3.80 lakh homes, CM launches geo-tagging

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the allocation of 3.80 lakh new houses for the state under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The first installment for the construction of these houses will be released on March 19 during a central event in Palashbari. The PMAY scheme has already benefited 22 lakh families across Assam. However, acknowledging that many eligible households are yet to be included, the state government has requested the Centre to conduct another round of geo-tagging to ensure no deserving family is left out. To improve accuracy and efficiency in data collection, the Assam government…

13 Mar

UK’s Care Reit Accepts £448 Million Acquisition Offer from CareTrust

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Care Reit, formerly known as Impact Healthcare, has agreed to a £448 million takeover deal with American care home provider CareTrust. The offer represents a 32.8% premium on Care Reit's share price, leading to a significant surge in its stock value upon the announcement. CareTrust, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, specializes in properties for elderly care and other healthcare facilities. Analysts note that UK-listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Care Reit have been undervalued due to investor sentiment and broader economic conditions, making them attractive targets for acquisition. This deal is part of a broader trend of…

13 Mar

Seasalt Announces Job Cuts Amidst High Street Struggles

Sonakshi SarkarUK

Seasalt, a prominent UK fashion brand with over 60 outlets, has announced potential job cuts as part of a strategic move to safeguard its future amidst the challenges facing the UK high street. The Cornwall-based company cited factors such as a changing retail environment, increased tax burdens, declining consumer sentiment, and rising inflation as reasons for the decision. The proposed job reductions aim to optimize efficiency and manage costs, ensuring the company's continued growth and sustainability. Seasalt has committed to supporting affected employees throughout the consultation process. This development reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where financial pressures have…

13 Mar

UK Considers Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to US Metal Levies

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The United Kingdom is contemplating imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States following President Trump's recent decision to enforce a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports. Exchequer Secretary James Murray emphasized a measured approach, stating that while the UK government is disappointed by the US's move, all options, including retaliation, remain under consideration. The European Union has already announced €26 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods, signaling an escalation in global trade tensions. Despite these developments, the UK aims to engage in constructive negotiations with the US to eliminate these additional tariffs, striving for a pragmatic resolution that aligns…

13 Mar

Hostage Situation in Pakistan Train Hijacking Intensifies Amidst Suicide Bomber Threats

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

A train hijacking in Pakistan has escalated as rescue operations face complications due to the presence of suicide bombers among the hijackers. The incident, attributed to separatist militants, has resulted in numerous passengers being held hostage, with security forces working meticulously to defuse the volatile situation. The threat of suicide bombers has necessitated cautious and strategic responses from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the hostages. This event highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the complexities involved in counterterrorism efforts.

13 Mar

Ajanta Neog sets ambitious budget utilization goal for Assam in 2025-26

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog has set an ambitious target of utilizing 90% of the state's budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing the government's commitment to balanced fiscal management and holistic development. During a discussion in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday, Neog assured that the state is adhering to all Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, including the prescribed debt-to-GDP ratio, to maintain financial stability. "We are targeting 90% budget utilization in the next fiscal year. Our aim is to ensure that every section of society benefits from this allocation," she said. According to the budget presented on…

13 Mar

Amit Shah to visit Assam, Mizoram on March 14-16

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will embark on a three-day visit to Assam and Mizoram beginning March 14 during which he will address the annual conference of the All Bodo Students' Union in Kokrajhar and grace a function for shifting of Assam Rifles establishments from Aizawl to Zokhawsang. Shah will also review the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the Northeastern states in Guwahati on March 16 before returning to Delhi, officials said. The home minister will arrive at Dergaon in Assam's Golaghat district on the night of March 14 and stay at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy.

13 Mar

Sanklang Bridge to resume operations by June 30

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The reconstruction of the Sanklang Bridge in Dzongu, which was damaged by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), is set for completion by June 30, Mangan Deputy Commissioner Anant Jain has confirmed. The bridge serves as a crucial link between Mangan and Dzongu, and its restoration aims to improve connectivity and ease travel for residents and tourists. Authorities have also implemented contingency measures, including footbridges and transhipment operations, to ensure movement during the reconstruction period. Despite ongoing repairs, officials have reassured visitors that North Sikkim remains accessible via the Fidang-Dzongu route, with efforts underway to minimize disruptions to tourism.

12 Mar

Sikkim becomes the top destination for foreign tourists in Northeast India

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has emerged as the leading Northeastern state in attracting foreign tourists, with a total of 1.62 lakh international visitors recorded in 2022 and 2023, according to the Union Tourism Ministry. The state welcomed 68,645 foreign tourists in 2022, and the number surged to 93,908 in 2023, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery in the tourism sector. These figures were revealed in a written response by the Union Tourism Minister to a parliamentary question by Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba. Indra Hang Subba credited the swift recovery to the proactive efforts of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, stating: “The…