Blog - The Purbottar

23 Jul

Bangladesh Launches Satellite-Based Crop Monitoring Program to Fight Food Insecurity

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has rolled out a satellite-driven crop monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking of rice, jute, and wheat yields across all divisions. Developed in partnership with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and BARI, the system aims to improve food security and reduce import dependency. Farmers will receive harvest forecasts and pest alerts via mobile apps. The Agriculture Ministry believes this will help smallholders improve output and protect against climate shocks. The model is being watched by West Bengal and Bihar, which face similar agrarian challenges. India’s Ministry of Agriculture has expressed interest in data-sharing agreements, especially for border districts reliant on…

23 Jul

Record Surge in Migrant Crossings at U.S.-Mexico Border Raises Political Tensions

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S.-Mexico border is witnessing a dramatic increase in migrant crossings, with over 8,000 people arriving daily, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many are fleeing climate-related disasters in Central America, while others come from as far as South Asia and Africa. President Biden’s administration faces mounting pressure ahead of the 2024 election, as Republican leaders blame weak border policies. The crisis is also creating humanitarian concerns, with record heatwaves causing multiple migrant deaths in Arizona and Texas. With South Asian nationals increasingly using Latin American routes to reach the U.S., several regional embassies have issued advisories, warning citizens…

23 Jul

Sikkim MP urges centre to speed up development work

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha from Sikkim called upon the Central Government to fast-track infrastructure development in the Himalayan state. As Sikkim marks 50 years of its statehood, Lepcha said this is the right time for the Centre to prioritise the state’s development, especially in view of its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure challenges. “Sikkim is celebrating its golden jubilee, but the benefits of development have yet to fully reach our people,” Lepcha stated in the Upper House. He highlighted the state's sensitive geographical position, sharing borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal, which demands stronger connectivity and robust civic infrastructure…

23 Jul

Sikkim Athlete Bags Silver

Purbalee DuttaNational, News, Sikkim

Manoj Kami, a talented long-distance runner from Sikkim, secured a silver medal in the 1500-metre race at the Indian Open Athletics Meet 2025. The prestigious national athletics competition was hosted earlier this month in Patna by the Bihar State Sports Authority in collaboration with the Bihar Athletics Association. Manoj, 21, finished second in the 1500 m track event, earning the silver medal. He hails from Bongten, Dentam in West Sikkim and currently trains at the Bright Future Athletic Club located in Reshithang near Gangtok. The athletic club extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Sports Department, and…

23 Jul

Five Dibrugarh footballers selected for Assam squad in B C Roy trophy 2025–26

editorAssam

Five young Dibrugarh football players have been chosen to play for Team Assam in the Junior Boys National Football Championship for the B C Roy Trophy 2025–26, which is a noteworthy accomplishment. The esteemed competition will be held at Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, from July 27 to August 5, 2025. The chosen athletes, who have earned this opportunity with perseverance and steady performance at the grassroots level, were formally named by the Dibrugarh District Sports Association (DDSA). Durlov Jyoti Gogoi of Namrup Town Club, Tanmoy Baruah of Namrup Town Club, Monsoon Gogoi of Namrup Town Club, Pradumna Changmai of Timoma Football…

23 Jul

Chupa Chups unveils ‘Samajh Ke Bahar’ campaign, blends sweet & sour chaos with fun

Business BureauBusiness

Chupa Chups, the iconic confectionery brand from Perfetti Van Melle India, has launched a quirky new campaign titled “Samajh Ke Bahar Hai”, celebrating the unpredictable fusion of sweet and sour flavours. Anchored by a lighthearted TVC, the campaign captures how the brand’s Sweet & Sour Belts can transform even mundane moments—like a friendly game of carrom—into a hilarious whirlwind of chaotic fun. The TVC shows a group of friends enjoying carrom, only to be thrown into a surreal spiral of rule-breaking amusement once they taste the jellies. It mirrors the core campaign message: “Samajh Ke Bahar Hai, Jaise Chupa Chups…

23 Jul

Himanta flags off Rs 9 crore heritage project in Sadiya, signals fresh eviction drive in Upper Assam

Banasree SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced the state government’s renewed focus on removing encroachments from government land in Upper Assam, starting with a fresh phase of evictions in Golaghat district. His statement came during a day-long visit to Sadiya, where he also launched a significant ₹9 crore heritage project to restore the historic Burha Burhi Than. Speaking to the media and local residents at the revered site, the Chief Minister said the eviction process has already begun in Margherita and will gradually expand to other parts of Upper Assam. “We have information that many people have…

22 Jul

Coriander futures prices upgrade on higher demand

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, Coriander prices rose by Rs 6 to Rs 7,726 per quintal in futures trade on Tuesday as speculators increased their positions following a firm trend in the spot market. At the NCDEX, coriander contracts for August delivery rose by Rs 6, or 0.08 percent, to Rs 7,726 per quintal with a turnover of 15,675 lots. Market analysts said coriander prices rose on a firm trend in the spot market and restricted supplies from producing regions.

22 Jul

Manipal Hospitals rebrands medica units in Siliguri and Rangapani to expand superspecialty care in North Bengal

Business BureauBusiness

Manipal Hospitals has formally rebranded Medica North Bengal Clinic and Medica Cancer Hospital, Rangapani as Manipal Hospital Siliguri and Manipal Hospital Rangapani. This follows last year’s acquisition of MedicaSynergie and marks Manipal Hospitals’ strategic expansion in Eastern India. Established in 1976, the newly christened Manipal Hospital Siliguri has served over 36 lakh patients and is known as the region’s first multi-specialty hospital. With 60 specialist doctors, the facility is now expanding key departments such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Critical Care, alongside upcoming Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology units. Meanwhile, Manipal Hospital Rangapani continues to operate as the region’s only comprehensive…

22 Jul

Kiwi can aid with bodily relaxation for restful sleep

Purbalee DuttaHealth

Kiwis are a nutritious fruit that is high in vital nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins. They contain the hormone serotonin, which controls sleep. Before going to bed, eating kiwis can help people fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep longer, and have higher-quality sleep. The body and mind are also calmed and relaxed by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. The brain chemical serotonin, which controls sleep-wake cycles, is abundant in kiwis. Eating kiwis before bed can help those with insomnia sleep for longer periods of time overall. Antioxidants including vitamins C and E, which fight inflammation and oxidative stress,…