Blog - The Purbottar

20 Aug

Hyundai Motor shares rose over 13% in two days on hopes of GST rate cut, market capitalisation crosses ₹2 lakh crore

editorBusiness, News

Hyundai Motor shares were in the news today, gaining over 5% to hit a 52-week high of ₹2,549.50 per share on the NSE. Shares of Hyundai Motor India, India's second-largest passenger carmaker after Maruti Suzuki, gained for the second consecutive day. The government has proposed next-generation GST reforms, including rationalisation of GST rates by Diwali 2025. Experts believe that GST 2.0 reforms could reduce GST rates on automobiles from the current 28% to 18%, leading to lower prices and improved sales in the upcoming festive season. Hyundai Motor shares have surged over 13% in the last two trading sessions, while…

20 Aug

Godrej expands smart security range in Guwahati, targets 80% market share

Business BureauBusiness

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Security Solutions division on Wednesday unveiled its latest range of tech-enabled premium home lockers in Guwahati, reaffirming its leadership in the growing security market of Assam and the Northeast. The company, which already holds a 75% share in the home locker segment and about 70% in the jewellery segment, now aims to expand its dominance to 80% over the next three years with 18% year-on-year growth. Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of Security Solutions, said, “As Guwahati and the Northeast emerge among India’s fastest-growing markets, security is no longer just a safeguard but a lifestyle necessity. Our new…

20 Aug

Xiaomi launches Redmi 15 5G in India, targets youth and tech-savvy consumers

Business BureauBusiness

Xiaomi India has unveiled the Redmi 15 5G, coinciding with the company’s 15th global anniversary and 11 years in India. The launch highlights the brand’s push to blend innovation, affordability, and performance for India’s growing base of connected consumers. The Redmi 15 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor with up to 16GB RAM (including virtual RAM) and UFS 2.2 storage. It features a 6.9-inch FHD+ Adaptive Sync display with a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby-certified speakers, and TÜV Rheinland triple certification. The device is equipped with a 7000mAh EV-grade silicon-carbon battery, offering 48 hours of backup, 33W…

20 Aug

SBI Life announces launch of ‘Smart Shield Plus’ to strengthen protection portfolio

Business BureauBusiness

SBI Life Insurance has introduced ‘SBI Life – Smart Shield Plus’, a term insurance solution designed to adapt to the shifting financial responsibilities of Indian households. As the economy witnesses rising disposable incomes and increased focus on long-term financial security, the product addresses a clear market demand for flexible protection offerings. The plan provides three cover options — Level Cover, Increasing Cover, and Level Cover with Future Proofing Benefit. Notably, the Increasing Cover option raises the sum assured by 5% annually up to 200%, while the Future Proofing Benefit allows policyholders to expand coverage during key life events without medical…

20 Aug

A Sikkim University student who made disparaging statements about the Nepali language was detained

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Tension erupted at Sikkim University a day before Nepali Bhasha Samman Diwas after a first-semester M.Com student was arrested for making derogatory remarks against the Nepali language and belittling Independence Day celebrations. The accused, identified as Raj Shekhar from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly described Nepali as a “foreign language” in the official WhatsApp group of the Department of Commerce and suggested that users of the language should “go to Nepal.” His comments sparked outrage among students and faculty, particularly members of the Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA). Police have booked Shekhar under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)…

20 Aug

Russia To Welcome Indian Exports Amid 50% US Tariffs

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

Following the US move to impose tariffs on Indian goods, Russia has offered to open its markets for Indian exports. The Russian Embassy also criticised US pressure on India over its oil imports, stating that such actions disrupt global supply chains and threaten energy security for developing nations. “If Indian goods face hurdles in the US, Russia welcomes them,” said Roman Babushkin, Chargé d'Affaires at the Russian Embassy, as quoted by ANI. Commenting on India’s oil trade, Babushkin highlighted that Russia is a major producer and India a key consumer. He warned that unilateral actions destabilise pricing, create supply issues,…

20 Aug

Golaghat Nagarik Mancha urges DC to control prices during Bhadoh month

editorAssam

The Golaghat Nagarik Mancha asked the Golaghat district's district commissioner to make sure that during the Assamese month of "Bhadoh," the cost of necessities like gram pea, moong, and edible oil doesn't go up. The mancha's president, working president, and general secretary signed a memo that was delivered to the Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday. The memorandum made clear that the average person had suffered as a result of the recent increase in the cost of necessities. The price rise would make it more difficult for devotees to give prayers and carry out rituals at namghars, mandirs, and temples during the…

20 Aug

U.S. Air Force’s X-37B Spacecraft Gears Up for Mission 8

Mohini BarmanNASA

Set for launch on August 21, 2025, the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (Mission 8) will ride a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is testing next-gen technologies including laser-based communications and a quantum inertial sensor optimized for space operation. The tests aim to boost data security and improve satellite communication resilience. South Asian space agencies—from ISRO in India to emerging programs in Nepal and Bhutan—are watching these developments as they shape future regional collaboration in secure space tech.

20 Aug

The new government will determine the future of VCDCs in Bitcoin, according to Himanta

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the fate of the Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) will be determined only by the government elected after the upcoming assembly polls.Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma stated, “Whether VCDC should be scrapped or not will be decided only by the government that forms here. BJP is not the enemy of anyone.” His remarks come amid rising political discussions in the BTC region, where the relevance and functioning of VCDCs have become key talking points ahead of elections. The Chief Minister emphasized the BJP’s focus on…

20 Aug

$1 Million Challenge Opens for Revolutionary Infrastructure Ideas

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S. Department of Transportation, through ARPA-I, has announced a new $1 million “Ideas Challenge” to encourage breakthrough innovations in public infrastructure. Open to individuals, startups, and academic teams, the competition seeks concepts that improve commuting safety, efficiency, and affordability—from smart road management to predictive maintenance systems. Ten finalists will present proposals in early 2026, vying for significant funding and development support. South Asian urban planners—especially from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal—are watching closely, considering similar innovation contests to solve transit challenges in growing metropolitan hubs.