Blog - The Purbottar

26 Mar

Coke Studio Bharat Season 4 opens with ‘Ae Ajnabee’, blend folk roots with modern pop

Business BureauBusiness

Coke Studio Bharat has launched Season 4 with its first track Ae Ajnabee, bringing together singer Aditya Rikhari, folk maestro Kutle Khan, and producer Ravator in a collaboration that bridges generations and musical styles. The song centres on the timeless emotion of longing, presenting it through both traditional and contemporary lenses. Ae Ajnabee reflects how expressions of love have evolved—from handwritten letters and quiet glances to unsent messages and late-night texts—while retaining the same emotional core. Musically, it blends folk melodies with modern pop production, creating a track that resonates with diverse audiences. Shantanu Gangane, IMX Lead at Coca-Cola India…

26 Mar

BHIM rolls out biometric UPI payments, targets faster and secure transactions up to Rs 5,000

Business BureauBusiness

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has introduced biometric authentication for UPI payments on the BHIM Payments App. The feature enables users to approve transactions up to ₹5,000 using fingerprint or facial recognition, aiming to make digital payments faster and more secure. The facility is available on both Android and iOS devices that support biometric capabilities. With this update, users can complete transactions without entering a UPI PIN for smaller payments, reducing failed transactions caused by incorrect PIN entries. The feature can be used across multiple use cases, including…

26 Mar

Restoring Peace: Coordinated Security Operations Target Illegal Fortifications in Manipur Hills

nanika EditorManipur

In a decisive blow to armed elements operating in the sensitive hill tracts of Manipur, security forces have successfully dismantled six illegally constructed bunkers in the Ukhrul district. The operation, which began on March 24, focused on the upper village areas of Litan and Mongkot Chengpu—regions that have seen a sharp spike in violence over recent days. According to official police reports, the targeted action has effectively rendered the majority of fortified positions in the Litan area "ineffective." This breakthrough is expected to significantly weaken the operational capabilities of armed groups suspected of involvement in recent gunfights and arson. The…

26 Mar

BPCL-Sembcorp JV wins 10KTPA green hydrogen deal from Numaligarh refinery

Business BureauBusiness

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has secured a major boost to India’s clean energy push after its joint venture, NeuEN Green Energy Pvt. Ltd., won a contract to supply 10,000 tonnes per annum (10KTPA) of green hydrogen to Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) in Assam. NeuEN, a 50:50 joint venture between BPCL and Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India, will develop a green hydrogen production facility at NRL with a long-term offtake agreement. The project is slated to begin commercial operations in 2028 and will integrate renewable energy with advanced storage systems to ensure round-the-clock operations. The contract was awarded at what BPCL…

26 Mar

BJP Strengthens Base in Rongkhang with New Entrants

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a key political development ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, around 400 Hindi-speaking leaders, workers and supporters joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Karbi Anglong district.The joining programme was held at the party’s district office in Ghelani, Donkamokam. Several senior BJP leaders were present at the event. Among them were Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and BJP candidate from the 111-Rongkhang Legislative Assembly Constituency, and district BJP president Radip Ronghang. All the new members are said to be voters from the Rongkhang constituency, where polling is scheduled as part of the…

26 Mar

Election Commission Tightens Preparedness for Peaceful Assam Elections

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

With Assam heading for Assembly elections on April 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked voters to come out and vote without fear. The Commission said all steps are being taken to ensure a safe and peaceful polling process across the state.In the run-up to the polls, the ECI held an online review and training meeting with senior officials from across Assam. District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and other administrative and police officials took part in the meeting. The focus was on reviewing law and order, polling arrangements, and overall preparedness.Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh…

26 Mar

99-Year-Old War Veteran Felicitated by Territorial Army, Padma Shri Awardee Honored

riya EditorAssam

The Territorial Army, alongside the 23 Sector Assam Rifles, commemorated the 99th birthday of Havildar Lalbiakthanga Pachuau (Retd), a notable veteran of the 3rd Battalion, The Assam Regiment. Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat highlighted Pachuau’s embodiment of the Indian Army's traditions. With a distinguished military career, including World War II service, Pachuau transitioned to journalism and social service after retiring from the Army after 17 years. Awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for his contributions to Literature and Education, Pachuau is recognized as India's oldest working journalist, dedicated to truthful reporting and community development in Mizoram. The event, themed…

26 Mar

Govt Calms Shortage Concerns Amid Petrol Panic Buying in Guwahati

riya EditorAssam

Despite government assurances of adequate stock, significant panic buying of petrol and diesel occurred in Guwahati and other regions of Assam, resulting in long queues at fuel stations. Rumors of shortages and potential price increases contributed to this unrest, leaving many fuel pumps empty. Dealers reported that the surge in demand confronted issues with delayed stock replenishment due to the requirement for advance payments from oil companies before dispatching fuel. Additionally, many consumers also lined up at gas agencies for LPG cylinders. In response, Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota confirmed that following discussions with oil marketing companies and individual…

25 Mar

Assam Elections: Prohibition On Exit Polls, Display Of Opinion Polls

Paromita EditorAssam

The Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Anurag Goel has urged all media houses, agencies and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the state.The appeal comes in the wake of a notification by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the period during which the conduct and dissemination of exit polls has been prohibited.The ECI had issued the notification in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-Section 1 of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and having regard to…

25 Mar

Life Insurance sector pays ₹6.30 lakh crore in FY25, signals strong fundamentals amid rising protection gap

Business BureauBusiness

India’s life insurance sector reported total benefit payouts of ₹6.30 lakh crore in FY2024-25, reflecting strong fundamentals and its growing role in household financial planning, according to the IRDAI Annual Report 2024-25. The data highlights a structural shift in the market, with 92% of payouts attributed to living benefits, indicating increased adoption of life insurance as a long-term savings and liquidity instrument. Industry metrics such as robust persistency ratios, near 100% claim settlement and solvency levels above the regulatory threshold of 1.50 underscore operational stability. Withdrawals and surrenders accounted for ₹2.33 lakh crore, up 1.77% year-on-year, suggesting planned lifecycle exits…