Blog - The Purbottar

08 Aug

TCS Layoffs Herald AI Shakeup Of $283 Billion Outsourcing Sector

Purbalee DuttaLatest

Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) decision to cut over 12,000 jobs marks the beginning of a larger AI-driven transformation in India’s $283 billion IT sector, experts say. While TCS attributed the 2% workforce reduction to skill mismatches, analysts believe this signals a deeper shift that could lead to the loss of up to 500,000 jobs in the next 2–3 years. The layoffs, primarily affecting middle and senior management, are the largest ever by India’s top private employer. AI is increasingly replacing roles in coding, manual testing, and customer support, impacting a sector that employs 5.67 million people and contributes over 7%…

08 Aug

Court steps in to speed up cases against Assam leaders

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Gauhati High Court has directed the Public Prosecutor to present a detailed roadmap to fast-track all pending criminal cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The court has fixed August 20, 2025, as the deadline for the submission of the action plan. The directive was issued during a recent hearing amid growing public concern over the slow pace of justice in politically sensitive matters. Official data indicates that Assam continues to witness a large number of unresolved cases against legislators, with Dibrugarh and Nagaon districts recording the highest pendency. The bench emphasised that…

08 Aug

Nairobi Introduces Green Hydrogen Buses in Public Transport Fleet

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya has launched the continent’s first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Nairobi, marking a leap toward green public transport. Developed by Japanese and South Korean partners, the buses run silently with zero tailpipe emissions. The initiative is part of Kenya’s Vision 2040 to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable urban mobility. The government plans to install hydrogen refueling stations at six locations over the coming year. East African cities like Uganda's Kampala and Rwanda’s Kigali, along with South Asian metros, are watching closely for possible adaptation of hydrogen technology in mass transit systems.

08 Aug

Atlantic Storm Season Arrives Early, Forecasters Warn of Intensity

Mohini BarmanInternational

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has started early, with tropical Storm Aurora forming weeks before the official June 1 start date. Meteorologists now predict an above-average season, with up to 20 named storms and as many as 10 reaching hurricane strength. Climate scientists attribute the early formation to record-warm ocean temperatures and weaker wind shear. Coastal states from Texas to Florida are ramping up preparedness, deploying aid stores and reinforcing infrastructure. With similar trends appearing in the Bay of Bengal region—where tropical cyclones threaten Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka—regional disaster agencies are coordinating enhanced early warning systems ahead of the…

07 Aug

Silver futures prices upgrade: Rs 1,14,623 per kg

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, Silver prices rose by Rs 968 to Rs 1,14,623 per kg in futures trade on Thursday as participants increased their deals. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, the price of silver contracts for September delivery rose by Rs 968, or 0.85 per cent, to Rs 1,14,623 per kg in a business turnover of 16,647 lots. Analysts said fresh deals by participants led to the rise in silver prices. However, silver was trading 0.85 per cent higher at $38.15 an ounce in New York.

07 Aug

Nissan rolls out all-black Magnite KURO Special Edition at Rs 8.30 lakh

Business BureauBusiness

Nissan Motor India has launched the New Magnite KURO Special Edition, an all-black, feature-rich variant of its popular compact SUV, priced from ₹8.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings are now open at all Nissan dealerships and online via the company’s official website for just ₹11,000. Inspired by the Japanese word for “black,” the KURO Special Edition showcases a bold all-black exterior and interior, complemented by premium design touches such as Signature Black LED headlamps with LightSabre Turn Indicators, a Sable Black wireless charger, Advanced Driver Assist Display, and a Premium i-Key with Walk Away Lock and Approach Unlock. Nissan has also…

07 Aug

slice Small Finance Bank ramps up hiring in Northeast to boost digital banking reach

Business BureauBusiness

In a strategic move to expand its footprint across the Northeast, slice Small Finance Bank (slice SFB) has launched an extensive recruitment drive across Assam and neighbouring states. The bank is hiring for a wide range of branch and field-level roles including Zonal Recovery Manager, Zonal Credit Manager, Branch Head, Asset Officers, and Relationship Officers, aimed at strengthening operations in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim. This hiring initiative aligns with slice SFB’s mission to simplify everyday banking through digital-first solutions and improve financial literacy in underserved regions. Over the past year, the bank has generated more than 400…

07 Aug

NHIDCL extends closure of NH-10 from Sevoke to Chitrey till August 8

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a crucial development impacting connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim, traffic movement along the vital National Highway-10 (NH-10), specifically the stretch between Coronation Bridge in Sevoke and Chitrey, will remain suspended until 9 AM on August 8. The decision comes after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) extended the earlier restriction, initially imposed from August 3 to 6, citing persistent safety concerns. The NHIDCL, through an official notification issued under Section 33 of the National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, announced the extension to safeguard public safety. The affected section is a critical corridor for…

07 Aug

Truecaller joins hands with Khyaal to safeguard seniors from rising digital scams

Business BureauBusiness

In a bid to protect India’s senior citizens from the rising threat of cyber fraud, global communications platform Truecaller has partnered with Khyaal, the country’s leading app for elderly well-being. The collaboration aims to empower seniors with both technological tools and practical knowledge to navigate digital spaces safely. The partnership brings together Truecaller’s advanced caller identification and spam blocking features with Khyaal’s deep engagement and outreach within the senior community. As part of the initiative, all Khyaal members will get a 50% discount on Truecaller Premium, which includes enhanced protection against fraudulent calls. Beyond the technology offering, the two companies…

07 Aug

Rajasthan to honor Assamese hero Lachit Borphukan with monuments in Jaipur and Kota

editorAssam

The Rajasthan Foundation (Assam & Northeast Chapter) has suggested erecting monuments of the renowned Assamese warrior Lachit Borphukan in Jaipur and Kota as a potent symbol of cultural pride and national unity. Assamese patriotism and bravery are exemplified by Lachit Borphukan, the 17th-century Ahom general who was renowned for his valiant resistance against the Mughal Empire during the Battle of Saraighat. A major cultural effort aimed at integrating his tale into India's larger historical fabric is represented by the proposed sculptures in Rajasthan, one in the state capital Jaipur and another in Kota, a center of scholastic brilliance. The government…