Blog - The Purbottar

17 Oct

This autumn, Costa Coffee brings back the Maple Hazel Menu to India

Business BureauBusiness

Costa Coffee, part of The Coca-Cola Company, has reintroduced its popular Maple Hazel Menu in India, following last year’s strong response. The seasonal range, blending the rich taste of hazelnut with golden maple notes, is available as a Hot Latte, Iced Latte, and Frappe, offering coffee lovers a warm, indulgent experience this autumn. Aparna Chopra, Head of Franchise Emerging Markets - India, SEA & Japan, said, “Driven by strong consumer demand, Maple Hazel creations have become a tradition for Gen Z and millennials, combining indulgent flavours with visual appeal. With over 20 years in India, Costa Coffee continues to create…

17 Oct

IMF Warns Debt Levels Will Return to Post-War Peaks

Mohini BarmanInternational

The IMF has warned that global government debt is on track to reach 100% of global GDP by 2029—the highest level seen since the aftermath of World War II. In its latest Fiscal Monitor Report, the IMF cites long-term spending pressures—climate response, healthcare, aging populations, and infrastructure—compounded by reluctance to raise taxes in politically sensitive environments. Many advanced economies including the U.S., UK, France, Japan, and Canada are forecast to exceed or approach this 100% threshold. Meanwhile, emerging and low-income countries face fiscal stress even with comparatively lower debt ratios. The IMF criticized the sluggishness of debt restructuring mechanisms such…

17 Oct

Tata Salt boosts market presence with iodine awareness campaign ahead of World Iodine Deficiency Day

Business BureauBusiness

Tata Salt, India’s pioneer in iodized salt, is intensifying efforts to raise awareness about iodine deficiency as World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD) approaches. Emphasizing the critical role of iodine in early childhood mental development, the brand underlines its ongoing commitment to combating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across the country. According to the India Iodine Survey 2018-19, 76.3% of households consume adequate iodized salt, yet awareness of its benefits remains low, with only 22.4% understanding its importance. Building on the success of its digital and television campaigns, Tata Salt has expanded its audio-led initiative ‘Namak ho Tata ka… Tata Namak’ to…

17 Oct

Quick commerce lights up Diwali: From last-minute gifts to hassle-free hosting

Business BureauBusiness

As Diwali approaches, quick commerce is emerging as a major enabler for festive celebrations, helping people manage last-minute gifting, hosting, and family visits with ease. From busy professionals scrambling to buy gifts to families ensuring traditional treats and decor reach their loved ones, platforms like Zepto, Happilo, and Godrej are offering curated options that arrive in minutes. For the 9-to-5 crowd, items like the Happilo Dhamaka Gift Box and Fabule Mini Karaoke Mic are helping turn last-minute efforts into instant festive cheer. Families travelling home can rely on Godrej Jersey Mysore Pak and Phool Diwali Decor Boxes for nostalgic, traditional…

17 Oct

The Satra Commission Bill to protect Vaishnavite monasteries has been approved by the Assam Cabinet

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a landmark decision aimed at protecting the spiritual and cultural legacy of Assam, the state government has approved the establishment of the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission. The new body will be vested with quasi-judicial powers to safeguard Vaishnavite monasteries—locally known as Satras—along with their ancestral lands and artefacts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. The proposed Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025, is designed to uphold the centuries-old Vaishnavite tradition initiated by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. The commission will work to protect the physical structures, cultural practices, and sacred manuscripts of Satras,…

17 Oct

Godrej’s Diwali film ‘Kanta Didi’ sparks conversation on acceptance and inclusion

Business BureauBusiness

Godrej Industries Group, through its brand-agnostic media property Godrej L’Affaire, launched its Diwali campaign film ‘Kanta Didi’, continuing the #CelebratingAcceptance initiative. The film portrays a domestic worker, Kanta Didi, interacting with a queer couple for the first time, highlighting how understanding and empathy can emerge naturally in everyday life. A moment of hesitation transforms into an honest exchange, with Kanta Didi’s warmth helping Kapil, a newcomer, open up about his identity. Her simple words, “Acha, boyfriend hai? Toh mereko ko kya?”, underscore a philosophy of live and let live, reflecting the campaign’s message that love should be nurtured in every…

17 Oct

Reliance Industries Q2 preview!

Purbalee DuttaFeatured

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is expected to post strong earnings growth for Q2 FY26, driven by improved refining margins and steady expansion in its consumer segments—Reliance Retail and Jio. Analysts estimate net profit to rise about 11% year-on-year to nearly ₹18,450 crore, while consolidated EBITDA may grow 14% to ₹44,400 crore, supported by gains across oil-to-chemicals (O2C), retail, and digital businesses. The O2C segment is likely to benefit from firm refining margins, strong diesel and jet fuel spreads, and a weaker rupee aiding export realisations. Axis Capital and UBS project over 20% YoY O2C EBITDA growth, while JPMorgan sees up…

17 Oct

Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 kicks off in Nagaon to empower the next generation

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Tobacco Free young Campaign (TFYC) 3.0 was introduced by the Nagaon district administration at the District Commissioner's Conference Hall in an effort to address the growing problem of young tobacco usage. Devasish Sharma, the district commissioner, formally inaugurated the campaign. Citing the high prevalence of tobacco use among adults and children in the region, Sarma described the launch as "timely and strategic" and underlined the necessity of a system-wide strategy to address the issue. In order to effectively prevent tobacco usage, he emphasized the significance of interdepartmental coordination, tobacco vendor licensing, and stakeholder capacity building. Since 2023, the Government…

17 Oct

MI5 Reveals Surge in Espionage and Terror Activity from Russia, Iran, China

Mohini BarmanInternational

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum delivered a stark warning during a 2025 address, stating that the UK is facing a rapidly increasing threat from hostile states including Russia, Iran, and China, as well as from organized terror groups. McCallum revealed that state threat investigations have risen by 35% over recent years. He accused these nations of employing covert tactics such as surveillance, cyber espionage, and political influence operations. The United Kingdom has attributed several operations to Russia’s Wagner Group and espionage by China targeting academia and dissidents abroad. He also flagged 20+ Iran-linked plots that were disrupted, along with multiple…

17 Oct

Anoushka Shankar returns to India for grand 30-year celebration tour: Kotak Credit Cardholders will get first access to global icon’s return

Business BureauBusiness

Renowned sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar is returning to India for a landmark six-city tour celebrating three decades on stage. Presented by Kotak Mahindra Bank – Solitaire, the tour will cover Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Kolkata in January and February 2025, showcasing her genre-defying blend of Indian classical music, jazz, electronica, and ambient textures. Kotak Credit Cardholders will enjoy exclusive presale access on Skillbox starting 24th October, ahead of general ticket sales. Frederick Dsouza, Business Head – Credit Cards, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “Partnering with Anoushka Shankar for her 30-year celebration tour is a proud moment for Kotak. Her…