Blog - The Purbottar

23 Oct

HUL shares up 2%

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) shares climbed nearly 3% on Thursday after the company posted stronger-than-expected results for the September quarter, supported by a one-time tax gain. Underlying sales growth came in at 2%, while volume growth remained flat. The company attributed the quarter’s performance to temporary effects of GST rate adjustments and prolonged monsoon conditions across several regions. HUL’s Board announced an interim dividend of ₹19 per share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. CEO and MD Priya Nair described the results as a “competitive performance” despite short-term challenges, adding that the recent GST reforms are a “positive…

23 Oct

Dhaka Unveils South Asia’s First Highway with Solar Roof Panels

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first solar-powered expressway connecting Dhaka to Narayanganj, marking a significant milestone in South Asia’s green infrastructure development. The 25-kilometer highway features solar panels installed along its central divider and overhead roofs, capable of generating up to 40 megawatts of electricity daily — enough to power nearby communities and reduce grid pressure. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said during the inauguration, “This project represents our vision for a cleaner, self-sufficient Bangladesh.” The initiative aligns with the government’s target to produce 10% of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2030. Experts praised the project as a model for…

23 Oct

UK to Ban Sale of New Petrol Cars from 2030

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom government has reaffirmed its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars starting in 2030, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the move is aimed at cutting transport-related emissions, which account for nearly one-third of the nation’s total carbon output. Under the new policy, car manufacturers will be required to gradually increase electric vehicle (EV) sales, reaching 100% by 2030. The government has also announced a £2 billion fund to expand charging infrastructure and provide incentives for EV buyers. However, the automobile…

23 Oct

Sikkim government calls on NHIDCL to take immediate action in response to the frequent NH-10 closures

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has raised serious concern over the frequent and prolonged closures of National Highway-10 (NH-10) — the state’s only major road link connecting it with the rest of the country. Officials said the repeated blockages are severely disrupting tourism, trade, and the daily movement of people, particularly during the current peak tourist season. In a strongly worded letter to Samrat Sanyal, General Manager of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, drew attention to what he described as a “growing inconvenience” caused by the…

23 Oct

From Darr to Deewaniyat: Bollywood’s Endless Fascination with Problematic Passion

editorEntertainment

Review of the film Ek Deewane ki Deewaniyat: After watching "Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat" for a few hours, I'm still in shock that Bollywood is still producing these movies in 2025. In contrast to the typically very empty theaters I see on the first day of a film's release, my show was almost full, and I had heard about the excitement around the movie. And I felt I was in for something new and welcoming when it began, with Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa getting down to a romantic tangle. But I was completely mistaken. When he meets the attractive…

23 Oct

In Kokrajhar, an IED bomb destroys a railway track; train services are suspended, and a probe is underway

Banasree SarkarAssam

A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) blast late on Wednesday night damaged a section of the railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, bringing train movement to a complete halt and triggering panic among passengers. According to initial reports, the explosion took place at around midnight, nearly five kilometres east of Kokrajhar railway station. The impact of the blast was so strong that it tore through the track, bending the metal rails and scattering debris across the line. The incident immediately forced railway authorities to suspend all traffic on both up and down lines as a…

22 Oct

Meet Dua: Deepika and Ranveer’s Diwali Portrait is a Sabyasachi-Style Masterpiece

editorEntertainment

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone shared a picture of their daughter Dua, who turned one on September 8, on Diwali. On October 21, 2025, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh went viral on Instagram after posting photos of their daughter Dua. Deepika and Ranveer appear flawless in the family portrait while clutching the dua. It is well known that Deepika Padukone enjoys dressing in Sabyasachi attire. She selected the designer to dress her for her November 14, 2018, wedding to Ranveer Singh. The duo has frequently walked the catwalk for the designer or elegantly dressed in his clothing for formal events.…

22 Oct

On October 30, the Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 will begin

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The much-awaited Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 is set to commence on October 30 at Namchi Public School, promising a week of thrilling competition and sportsmanship. Chief Minister P.S. Tamang will attend the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending the event significant prominence. Organisers have confirmed that twenty teams from across the region will compete, showcasing their skills in fast-paced basketball matches. The tournament aims to foster teamwork, athletic excellence, and healthy competition among youth. The event is jointly organised by the Namchi District Police and Yetis Basket Club, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote sports and constructive engagement…

22 Oct

Bangladesh Expands Solar Power Projects to Reduce Reliance on Imports

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced a nationwide expansion of solar power projects aimed at cutting energy imports and promoting renewable sources. The Power Development Board said new installations will add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid within three years. The initiative is supported by international partners, including Japan and the Asian Development Bank. Officials stated that the new projects will reduce the country’s dependency on expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Energy experts in India have noted that similar projects across the subcontinent could foster regional power-sharing agreements. Cross-border energy exchange between India, Nepal, and Bangladesh could soon become a reality, boosting…

22 Oct

ASSEB releases 2026 HS Final Exam schedule; online form fill-up starts October 22

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Higher Secondary (HS) Final Examination 2026 will take place in February or March of 2026, according to an official announcement made by the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), formerly known as AHSEC. The Board announced that the online application procedure for qualified applicants would open on October 22 and run through November 25, 2025. All junior colleges and higher secondary schools under Division-II of the Board have been instructed to make sure that no eligible student is left out of the online application process, per an official announcement released on October 13. The Board made it clear that…