Blog - The Purbottar

09 Jan

IMK terror module busted in Assam, Bangladesh links revealed through arrests

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The recent arrest of 11 suspected jihadi operatives in Assam has unveiled a purported conspiracy linked to Imam Mahmudur Kafia (IMK), regarded as an extension of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Law enforcement officials reported that IMK was actively seeking to incite jihad and execute terrorist operations in Assam and Tripura. Some detainees had traveled to Bangladesh for indoctrination and training. Investigative efforts highlighted that in late 2024, an arrested suspect, Nasim Uddin alias Tamim, encountered a YouTube channel advocating the notion of “Muzaddid,” which in Islamic tradition refers to a religious reformer expected every century to protect the Muslim…

09 Jan

From Kolkata kitchens to North East homes: Elmac builds on taste, tradition and togetherness

Business BureauBusiness

Elmac, the Kolkata born sauces and condiments brand owned by Desai Foods Pvt Ltd, is known for its best quality Kasundi, a sharp mustard favourite that is well recognised and in demand not only in Kolkata but also all over India. The brand’s range also includes popular Chinese sauces such as Green Chilli Sauce, Red Chilli Sauce, and Soya Bean Sauce. With a strong presence across the East, Elmac is stepping up visibility across the North East this festive season with a high impact outdoor campaign. A familiar name in the region for bold flavours, Elmac continues to be a…

09 Jan

Opposition in Assam lodges FIR against BJP alleging voter deletion

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam's opposition parties have filed a police complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a conspiracy to remove legitimate voters from the electoral rolls in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections. The opposition claims that BJP state president Dilip Saikia instructed party MLAs to eliminate names of voters in 60 Assembly constituencies and specifically charged Minister Ashok Singhal with executing this deletion during a Zoom meeting on January 4, 2026. The complaint emphasizes the need for the preservation of footage from the video conference, as it is deemed essential evidence of the alleged conspiracy. The FIR, submitted to the…

09 Jan

Cash Flow Relief for Vodafone Idea as Dues Repayment Plan Fixes Yearly Outgo

Preeti SinghBusiness

Vodafone Idea (VI) has established a repayment plan concerning its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) obligations, which will limit its annual repayments to $13.79 million over the forthcoming six years. This strategic move is designed to alleviate immediate cash flow challenges for the company while maintaining the overall amount of its outstanding liabilities. The repayment schedule is a critical component of VI's financial management strategy, as it provides a structured path to meet its obligations without further compounding the fiscal pressures it currently faces. On December 31, the Indian government approved a partial moratorium on the dues of a telecoms company,…

09 Jan

PM Modi Invites Global Diaspora to Become Brand Ambassadors; New NRI Investment Window Opened

Mohini BarmanNational

On the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day), the Ministry of External Affairs today launched the "Chalo India" global digital portal. The initiative encourages members of the Indian diaspora to nominate and sponsor at least one non-Indian friend or colleague to visit India in 2026. Additionally, the Finance Ministry announced a new "Fast-Track Investment Window" for NRIs looking to invest in India's emerging green-tech sectors, aiming to leverage the intellectual and financial capital of the 32-million-strong global community.

09 Jan

To check illegal influx, Bengal needs BJP-led government, says Himanta

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for a BJP-led government across Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal to enhance efforts against illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Speaking to the media, he highlighted the progress made in Tripura and Assam under the BJP but pointed out that the lack of a BJP administration in West Bengal has obstructed a unified strategy to tackle this issue. Sarma characterized West Bengal as a "weak link" in the border management and security framework of the region, advocating for BJP's rise to power there due to the party's strong support base. He asserted that…

09 Jan

A study performed by Tezpur University finds indicators for early gallbladder cancer identification

Banasree SarkarAssam

Tezpur University (TU) researchers have discovered unique chemical signatures in blood that can distinguish between instances of gallbladder cancer with and without gallstones. This discovery may help with the early detection of one of the most aggressive and frequently missed tumors. The work, headed by research scholar Dr. Cinmoyee Baruah and assistant professor Dr. Pankaj Barah of Tezpur University's Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, was published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Proteome Research. According to the study, certain blood-based "metabolic signatures" have been found that could be used as biomarkers for gallbladder cancer. As the third most…

09 Jan

Galaxy Book6 offers AI-powered productivity and advanced performance in a sleek new form

Business BureauBusiness

Samsung Electronics has unveiled its latest Galaxy Book6 Ultra, Galaxy Book6 Pro and Galaxy Book6 laptops at CES 2026, calling it the most advanced Galaxy Book lineup to date. The new series focuses on AI-powered productivity, high performance and slim design engineering. The laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first client SoCs built on Intel 18A technology, supporting high-speed CPU, GPU and NPU performance. The Galaxy Book6 Ultra also features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070/5060 Laptop GPUs for enhanced AI image generation, gaming and video editing. Samsung has introduced a redesigned thermal system with optimized vapor…

09 Jan

Sikkim scraps offline permits for foreign tourists, online clearance now compulsory

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has officially ended the system of issuing physical permits to foreign nationals visiting protected and restricted areas of the state. From now on, all such visitors will have to obtain clearance only through an online process, making digital approval mandatory for entry into these areas. The decision was communicated through an official notification issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim. According to the department, the move has been taken following clear and strict instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The central directive states that Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP)…

09 Jan

Winter flu and pneumonia cases rise: Doctors urge early testing and preventive care

Business BureauBusiness

As winter continues, doctors are reporting a surge in flu and pneumonia cases, with the cold weather making it easier for viruses to spread. Common symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and shortness of breath are being widely reported, and medical experts warn that timely diagnosis is key to preventing complications. Delhi-based paediatrician Dr. Arun Wadhwa said accurate diagnosis is essential during the winter illness peak. “With winter illnesses on the rise, getting the right diagnosis is key to recovery and avoiding complications. If you’re feeling unwell, don’t ignore it—consult a doctor early to stay safe…