Blog - The Purbottar

06 May

17% of Winning Candidates in Assam Have Criminal Cases: ADR Report

Paromita EditorAssam

A report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms has revealed that 17 per cent of winning candidates in the recent Assam Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves, highlighting the continuing presence of candidates with legal backgrounds in the electoral process. According to the report, which is based on self-affidavits submitted by candidates, 21 out of 126 winning candidates have disclosed criminal cases, while 19 of them, accounting for 15 per cent, face serious criminal charges. Among the serious cases, three winning candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal…

06 May

Bengal Standoff: Mamata Refuses to Resign

anuprova EditorWest Bengal

West Bengal is facing a strange political deadlock after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared she will not step down, despite her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), losing the 2026 assembly elections. While the BJP secured a strong majority with 207 seats compared to the TMC’s 80, Mamata Banerjee has rejected the results, calling them a "conspiracy" rather than a fair vote. She claims the entire election process was rigged and has stated she will not go to the Raj Bhavan to submit her resignation. This decision has caused confusion, as the state is now in a waiting game. Constitutionally, the…

06 May

Dream Sports launches DreamStreet to boost retail investing participation

Business BureauBusiness

Dream Sports has announced the launch of DreamStreet, a new-age broking platform aimed at simplifying investing and expanding demat account penetration across India. The platform integrates AI-driven insights with access to SEBI-registered Research Analysts and Investment Advisors to help users make informed investment decisions. Designed primarily for first-time investors, DreamStreet will initially offer investments in stocks and ETFs, with Futures & Options (F&O) and IPO services expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks. Key features include expert-backed stock insights, AI-enabled data access, and an in-built AI assistant “Veda” to provide analysis and guidance. Rahul Mirchandani, Co-Founder and CEO…

06 May

CM Sangma Announces Infrastructure Overhaul to Elevate Meghalaya on the Global Tourism Map

nanika EditorMeghalaya

In a major move to solidify its position as a premier travel destination, the Meghalaya government has unveiled a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at expanding community-led tourism and boosting youth employment. During a “Tourism Champions” event held at the Orchid Lake Resort in Umiam, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira detailed a multi-pronged strategy to transform the state’s hospitality landscape. Central to this push is the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission. The government handed out sanction letters to the inaugural batch of applicants, marking the start of an ambitious journey to establish 3,000 new…

06 May

Organisers Ramp Up Preparations for Sikkim Kalakar Sammelan, Focus on Workshops and Artist Felicitation Events

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A coordination meeting of the Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan Committee was held in Gangtok to review preparations for the upcoming Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan, with organisers announcing that the annual event has been postponed and will now be held on May 14 and 15. The meeting was chaired by former Namchi-Singithang MLA Krishna Kumari Rai and attended by members associated with the organisation and preparation of the cultural programme. During the meeting, Chairman of the Sikkim Art, Culture and Heritage Board Sanjay Dilpali Rai informed members that the event schedule had been revised due to the official engagements of Chief…

06 May

#NowForClimate campaign launched: Bhamla Foundation flags off mega tree plantation drive for World Environment Day 2026

Business BureauBusiness

The Bhamla Foundation has announced the launch of a large-scale tree plantation drive for World Environment Day 2026 under its #NowForClimate campaign, in collaboration with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, United Nations Environment Programme and Godrej Industries Group. Godrej L’Affaire will serve as the digital amplification partner. The initiative aims to expand Mumbai’s green cover while encouraging citizens, youth and communities to take part in climate-positive actions through plantation drives across key locations in the city. The flag-off event will be attended by public figures including Malaika Arora, Sachiin J Joshi, Sadia Khateeb, Shaan,…

06 May

Five more minutes of sleep could add a year to your life

Sonakshi SarkarHealth

Simple lifestyle changes such as sleeping a few minutes longer, adding light exercise, and improving diet may significantly extend lifespan and improve overall health, according to recent long-term research. One large study that tracked around 60,000 people over eight years found that just five extra minutes of sleep combined with two minutes of moderate physical activity—such as brisk walking or climbing stairs—could add up to a year to a person’s life. Researchers also noted that adding half a serving of vegetables per day could deliver similar benefits, particularly for people with the poorest sleep, exercise, and dietary habits. The findings…

06 May

Vi enters microdrama space, offers bullet app content free on movies & TV platform

Business BureauBusiness

Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced its entry into the fast-growing microdrama segment through its content platform Vi Movies & TV, offering content from Bullet Microdrama App free of cost. The move targets rising demand for mobile-first, short-format serialised content among India’s smartphone users. Microdramas, which are gaining traction rapidly, saw India account for 11% of global downloads in Q1 2025, touching 35 million installs. Industry estimates project the market to grow to $1.5 billion by 2026 and $4.5 billion by 2030, driven by increasing consumption in Tier II and III markets and younger audiences. Daily watch time ranges…

06 May

Nissan launches GRAVITE CNG with twin-cylinder tech, targets 7-seater efficiency segment

Business BureauBusiness

Nissan Motor India Private Limited on Monday launched a government-approved CNG retrofitment kit for the all-new Nissan GRAVITE, introducing a segment-first twin-cylinder setup aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency without compromising space. Priced at an introductory ₹82,999, the kit will be available across 60 cities in 16 states through authorised dealers. The GRAVITE CNG features two 25-litre cylinders, enabling full 7-seater functionality while retaining boot space and comfort. Developed and quality assured by Motozen, the kit comes with a third-party warranty of three years or 1,00,000 km. Nissan said the solution offers lower running costs and supports environmentally conscious mobility. Senior…

06 May

Improved Law and Order, Investment Growth Mark Assam’s Progress Under Current Government: AGP Chie

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president and Bokakhat MLA-elect Atul Bora has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the implementation of the Assam Accord, saying several important responsibilities linked to the Accord now rest with the Central government.Speaking after the declaration of the Assam Assembly election results, Bora said the Assam government has already taken several steps connected to the Accord, but major matters such as border sealing, protection of indigenous people and implementation of Clause 6 recommendations fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said the AGP remains committed to ensuring that all provisions of the Accord…