Blog - The Purbottar

06 Aug

From bullets to ballots: Assam CM credits BJP for ending BTR violence

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has praised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for bringing a major shift from violence to peace in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Speaking at a series of public meetings ahead of the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, Sarma said that under BJP's leadership, the region has seen a transformation unmatched in recent memory.“Earlier, people were forced to vote under the shadow of guns. Now, leaders come with folded hands seeking votes. This is the biggest achievement of our peace push in BTR,” Sarma said while addressing a gathering. He added that the BJP…

06 Aug

Assam to launch Nijut Moina Asoni 2.0 on Aug 6, empowering 10 lakh girls

editorAssam

GUWAHATI: The Assam government is set to launch the free form distribution programme under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Asoni 2.0 (MMNMA 2.0) on August 6, for the financial year 2025–26. The initiative aims to support 10 lakh girls in pursuing higher education by facilitating access to application forms for eligible students. In alignment with the state’s efforts, the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong district administrations will host the programme at six designated venues on the same day. The events will feature prominent dignitaries, including the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) at Diphu…

05 Aug

Silver futures upgrade: New deals push prices higher

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, Silver prices rose by Rs 26 to Rs 1,12,262 per kg in futures trade on Tuesday as participants increased their deals. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, the price of silver contracts for September delivery rose by Rs 26, or 0.02 percent, to Rs 1,12,262 per kg in a business turnover of 18,706 lots. Analysts said buying of new deals by participants led to the rise in silver prices. However, silver was trading 0.13 percent lower at $37.36 an ounce in New York.

05 Aug

Thalassemia: A Critical Healthcare Challenge for India That Can Be Managed Through Screening

Business BureauBusiness

Dr Satya Prakash Yadav, Senior Director, Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Medical Oncology, Medanta Gurgaon Thalassemia is a condition that impairs the body's ability to produce red blood cells, which results in patients needing regular blood transfusions for survival.In severe cases, this condition can also be fatal. The blood disorder is inherited – both parents need to be carriers of the gene mutation – and is highly prevalent in Indiaand is particularly rampant in North-East India – especially in Assam and Manipur. People, who inherit the gene from only one of their parents are called “carriers” or are said to be…

05 Aug

Sunscreen becoming important aspect of protectio these days

Banasree SarkarLifestyle

Indians often view sunscreen as a cosmetic accessory, not a daily health necessity. However, studies and dermatologists argue that regular sunscreen use is a preventive measure against skin cancer and premature aging, highlighting the need for urgent change. The Nambour trial in Australia found that daily sunscreen use reduced squamous cell carcinoma and invasive melanoma by 40% and 73% over long-term follow-up. Daily application also slows visible photoaging, with a nested Nambour trial showing 24% less skin ageing among sunscreen users. In Canada, sunscreen is promoted as a means of preventing skin cancers, sunburn, and skin photoaging due to its…

05 Aug

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with a healthy twist; Almonds take center stage for long-term wellness

editorBusiness

As Raksha Bandhan rings in the festive season, health is taking center stage in celebrations this year. Promoting a blend of tradition and wellness, experts and celebrities are advocating the inclusion of nutrient-rich California almonds in daily diets to support long-term health and prosperity. Almonds, known for helping manage blood sugar levels, reducing LDL cholesterol, and boosting heart health, are being hailed as a smart festive snack. Revealing how she celebrates Raksha Bandhan, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, "Raksha Bandhan is a special day for my family. I prepare healthy yet tasty treats like grilled almond burfee and almond…

05 Aug

Heavy rain damages NH-10, road shut until August 6

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The lifeline highway connecting Sikkim to the rest of India—National Highway 10 (NH-10)—has been completely shut down for three days following landslides and severe road damage triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The highway will remain closed to all vehicular traffic from 8 PM on August 3 to 6 PM on August 6, as urgent repair work is undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The most alarming development occurred in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district, where a major crack was detected near a landslide-prone stretch between Coronation Bridge and Chitrey. Officials stated that the closure is essential…

05 Aug

McDowell’s Soda Yaari Jam soars high and rocks Kolkata with musical tribute to friendship

Business BureauBusiness

House of McDowell’s Soda brought its signature event—Yaari Jam, India’s biggest branded live IP—to Kolkata, turning the city into a stage for music, memories, and pure Yaari. After making history with a mid-air jam session featuring KING and Karma at 36,000 feet, the brand has now landed in the cultural heart of Bengal with an electrifying on-ground concert. The Kolkata leg featured a star-studded lineup including KING, Fossils, Sanam, and Bharg Kale, promising a night packed with friendship-fueled performances. The event is produced and promoted by TribeVibe Entertainment, which has partnered with House of McDowell’s Soda since the inception of…

05 Aug

Chicago Becomes First US City to Ban Facial Recognition in Public Surveillance

Mohini BarmanInternational

The City Council of Chicago has passed a groundbreaking ordinance banning the use of facial recognition technology in public surveillance systems operated by law enforcement. Citing concerns over privacy, bias, and wrongful identification, the law has been welcomed by civil liberties groups across the USA. The law makes Chicago the first major American city to enforce such a sweeping digital rights measure. Exemptions are made for airport security and private businesses, but police departments must now rely on alternative tracking methods. Legal think tanks in India and Bangladesh, where facial recognition is expanding, are reviewing the implications. Experts suggest that…

05 Aug

Moon Mission Pushed to 2027 as Engineers Work on Safety Systems

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA’s much-anticipated Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, has been postponed from 2025 to 2027. The delay is due to ongoing concerns with the lunar lander system developed by SpaceX and spacesuit readiness. This mission is especially significant as it includes the first woman and person of color to set foot on the Moon. NASA officials said that the delay, while disappointing, is necessary to prioritize astronaut safety and mission success. Space enthusiasts and science students across South Asia—including from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh—have expressed continued excitement.…