Blog - The Purbottar

01 Nov

Key forensic reports in the Zubeen Garg case are sent by Singapore; the chargesheet is scheduled on December 17 by Assam SIT

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the death of Assam’s beloved singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, authorities in Singapore have officially shared his post-mortem and toxicology reports with the Assam Police. The development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing probe, which has been under intense public and political attention since the artist’s sudden passing in September. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday confirmed that the documents, along with procedural guidelines under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), were received by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT was constituted to conduct a detailed inquiry…

01 Nov

Govt, ABCF & BITS Pilani launch startup challenge to boost innovation in NSTIs

Business BureauBusiness

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) of BITS Pilani, on Thursday launched the Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha: Kaushalta se Udyamita, an innovation and start-up challenge aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students of National Skills Training Institutes (NSTIs). The initiative, managed by PIEDS and supported under ABCF’s CSR programme, will target over 10,000 NSTI students pursuing skill training across 33 NSTIs in India, including NSTI(W) centres dedicated to women. The challenge will focus on innovation in IT/ITeS, automotive, apparel, electronics & hardware, power, and capital…

31 Oct

Medanta’s Rs 500-crore Guwahati hospital project poised to reshape Northeast healthcare economy

Business BureauBusiness

Medanta has formally commenced construction of its 400+ bed super-speciality hospital in Guwahati, signalling a major private healthcare investment push in the Northeast. The Bhoomi Poojan ceremony, held on October 31, was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Medanta Chairman & MD Dr. Naresh Trehan, Group CEO Pankaj Sahni, and senior government and community leaders, marking the beginning of what analysts see as a significant milestone in strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem. With an investment outlay of approximately ₹500 crore, the upcoming hospital at Sarusajai Industrial Estate along NH-27 will feature advanced tertiary and quaternary care, including…

31 Oct

Henna compound found to reverse liver scarring

Banasree SarkarHealth

A natural dye long prized for its use in body art and hair coloring may soon find a life-saving purpose in medicine. Scientists from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that natural henna, or Lawsonia inermis, contains pigments that could effectively treat liver fibrosis — a chronic and potentially fatal liver disease caused by long-term damage. Liver fibrosis occurs when scar tissue builds up in the liver following repeated injury or inflammation, often linked to excessive alcohol use or conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If left untreated, the disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver…

31 Oct

Medanta to build 400+ bed super-speciality hospital in Guwahati with Rs 500 cr investment

Business BureauBusiness

Medanta – Global Health Limited, one of India’s leading private multi-specialty tertiary care providers, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art, 400+ bed hospital in Guwahati. The new facility, coming up at Industrial Estate, Sarusajai along NH-27, marks a major push in Medanta’s mission to expand advanced healthcare access in underserved regions. With an estimated investment of ₹500 crore, the hospital will provide tertiary and quaternary care across a wide range of super-specialties. Founded by Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Dr. B.C. Roy Awardee Dr. Naresh Trehan, Medanta is modeled on global medical leaders including Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins.…

31 Oct

France Introduces New Visa Policy for Digital Nomads

Mohini BarmanInternational

France has launched a new “Digital Nomad Visa” designed to attract skilled remote professionals from around the world. The visa allows foreign freelancers, IT experts, and creative workers to live and work in France for up to two years. The move aims to boost France’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, where startup hubs are flourishing. Applicants must show stable income, proof of remote employment, and valid health insurance. French officials hope this will bring innovation and diversity to the national economy. The initiative mirrors similar programs in Portugal and Estonia, both of which have seen economic…

31 Oct

U.S. Senate Approves Major AI Regulation Bill

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a historic move, the U.S. Senate has passed a comprehensive bill to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), marking the first major federal legislation on the technology. The “AI Accountability and Safety Act” was approved with strong bipartisan support and is aimed at ensuring transparency, privacy protection, and responsible use of AI in public and private sectors. The bill mandates that companies developing AI systems disclose training data sources, prevent algorithmic bias, and ensure human oversight in critical decision-making. It also proposes the formation of a national AI ethics board. U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into…

31 Oct

HUL Ice Cream business demerger!

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) announced that it has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to demerge its ice-cream business into a separate entity, Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd (KWIL). The Mumbai bench of NCLT approved the Scheme of Arrangement under Sections 230–232 of the Companies Act. This restructuring aligns with Unilever’s global Growth Action Plan (GAP), which aims to spin off its ice-cream division globally. As part of the plan, HUL will transfer all its ice-cream brands—Kwality Wall’s, Cornetto, Magnum, Feast, and Creamy Delight—to KWIL. HUL shareholders will receive one share of Kwality Wall’s for every HUL share…

31 Oct

Kotak811 unveils 3-in-1 Super Account, partners with super.money to offer seamless saving, spending and borrowing experience

Business BureauBusiness

Kotak811, India’s leading digital banking platform, has launched its innovative 3-in-1 Super Account, combining a savings account, fixed deposit, and secured credit card in one digital solution. The offering, developed in partnership with super.money, aims to simplify financial management for “Core India” — a growing segment of salaried individuals, students, and first-jobbers seeking digital-first financial tools. Highlighting the product’s simplicity, Manish Agarwal, Head of Kotak811, said, “The 3-in-1 Super Account brings saving, spending, and borrowing together in one place. It’s simple, secure, and designed for everyday use.” The account allows users to start with just ₹1,000, earn interest and cashback,…

31 Oct

India’s retirement preparedness improves: Axis Max Life IRIS 5.0 shows rising awareness and early planning trends

Business BureauBusiness

India’s retirement readiness has seen steady improvement, with the India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) 5.0 by Axis Max Life Insurance revealing a rise in the national index score from 44 to 48 over four years. Conducted in partnership with Kantar, the study highlights increasing awareness and early financial planning among urban Indians, with half believing that retirement planning should begin as soon as one starts earning. The report shows growing health awareness and fitness habits, as 81% of respondents engage in regular physical activity and 50% now own health insurance. However, financial sufficiency remains low, with 63% saying their savings…