Blog - The Purbottar

21 Jul

People who lost land now losing It again in Nagaon

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Tensions are running high in Raha under Nagaon district’s Raha Revenue Circle, as indigenous residents have raised serious allegations of harassment and land encroachment. The conflict is centered around the Dangori Beel Kichamukh area, where government-rehabilitated families now find themselves once again fighting for the very land that was legally allotted to them years ago. Local residents claim that a group of illegal occupants has re-entered and seized large parts of land which had earlier been cleared of encroachments by the state government. These lands were part of a resettlement initiative for landless indigenous (Khilonjiya) families. However, despite previous eviction…

21 Jul

Nissan rolls out flood relief program for affected car owners across India

Business BureauBusiness

In response to widespread flooding across several Indian states, Nissan Motor India has announced a full-scale customer support program aimed at aiding vehicle owners whose cars have been damaged by floodwaters. The initiative features free towing, extended workshop hours, repair discounts, and insurance assistance. Nissan has activated a dedicated flood support helpdesk (1800 209 3456) to provide timely assistance to affected customers. The company is offering complimentary towing of damaged vehicles to authorized service centers, along with a 10% discount on engine oil, oil filter replacements, and floor carpet changes. Additionally, a full vehicle health check-up will be provided to…

19 Jul

Sunfeast Mom’s Magic sparks nationwide conversation on adoption, celebrates motherhood beyond bloodlines

Business BureauBusiness

ITC’s Sunfeast Mom’s Magic hosted a powerful panel discussion in Kolkata, championing the cause that “every child deserves a mother’s magic.” Held in collaboration with the upcoming film Dear Maa, the event featured voices from cinema and social welfare, including actor Mandira Bedi, filmmaker Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, actor Jaya Ahsan, ISSA Secretary Soumeta Medhora, and ITC Foods' Chief Digital Marketing Officer Shuvadip Banerjee. The campaign centered around normalizing adoption and honoring adoptive mothers, whose love, the brand emphasized, is no less than that of biological mothers. A poignant highlight was the unveiling of a poem titled “Dil Se Maa”, paying…

19 Jul

Young Live are lost to Japanese Encephalitis in Jamugurihat, Assam sees an alarming increase

Banasree SarkarAssam

In Jamugurihat, a young guy named Arup Nath passed away from Japanese encephalitis, which is a tragic development given the virus's apparent rapid spread throughout Assam. Authorities are stepping up surveillance and preventive measures as a result of the incident's increased public health concerns. New instances keep appearing in different districts in spite of continuous awareness campaigns and medical procedures. The public has been urgently urged by health officials to take the essential precautions, such as avoiding mosquito bites, using nets coated with insecticide, and practicing good hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, residents are being urged to get medical help right…

19 Jul

SRK adds ‘Wow’ to every bite; Sunfeast Wowzers unveils new campaign with Shah Rukh Khan

Business BureauBusiness

ITC’s Sunfeast Wowzers has roped in Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as its brand endorser, aiming to deepen consumer engagement with a fresh burst of charm and indulgence. The cracker brand, known for its bold cheesy flavor and unique 14-layer crispy texture, is redefining the snacking experience with a promise of “Wow” in every bite. The campaign, featuring a vibrant TVC conceptualized by Ogilvy and launched across digital platforms, showcases Shah Rukh Khan’s signature charisma under the tagline, “Iske Har Bite Mein Hai Wow!” The actor’s association is set to enhance brand recall and position Sunfeast Wowzers as a top…

19 Jul

Gorkhas to get multipurpose hall, handloom hub in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

Chairman of the Gorkha Development Council (GDC), Prem Tamang said that two important facilities, a Gorkha Multipurpose Complex Hall and a Gorkha Handloom Centre will soon be set up for the benefit of the community.Speaking exclusively to Echo of India, Tamang said that these projects are part of his long-term vision to serve the Gorkhas of Assam, a community he deeply cares for and feels responsible towards.Prem Tamang, who has been at the helm of the GDC since 2020, said that it is his “sole duty and responsibility” to work for the welfare of the Gorkhas of Assam. He believes…

19 Jul

2 d*ad, several injured in clash during Goalpara eviction

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Tensions erupted in Assam’s Goalpara district on July 18 during an eviction drive in the Paikan forest area, leading to a violent confrontation between alleged encroachers and security forces. The clash resulted in the death of two individuals and injuries to several police and forest department officials. As of Friday, nine people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack on police personnel. According to official sources, the eviction operation was being jointly conducted by the Assam Police and the Forest Department to clear illegal settlements from reserved forest land in the Paikan region. The drive was part…

19 Jul

Gangtok clash sparks political dispute in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Political tensions flared in Sikkim after a reported violent incident near Gangtok’s Sadar Police Station on the night of July 17, involving members of the Citizen Action Party (CAP). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come down hard on the Sikkim Police, accusing them of negligence and demanding full disclosure, including CCTV footage from the site. The incident, which reportedly took place within or near the premises of Sadar Police Station, has reignited debate over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. BJP spokesperson Passang Gyali Sherpa, addressing the media in Gangtok, condemned the alleged attack and questioned…

19 Jul

Lagos Hosts Africa’s First Smart City Hackathon

Mohini BarmanInternational

Lagos has become the first African city to host a continent-wide Smart City Hackathon, drawing over 800 participants from 14 countries. The event, co-organized by the African Development Bank and Google Africa, aims to address urban issues using technology. Winning projects included an AI-powered drainage monitor to prevent floods and an app to optimize public transport routes. The Nigerian government plans to fund four of the top projects. Urban planners in South Asia, including in Kolkata and Kathmandu, are now looking at similar civic-tech hackathons to crowdsource urban innovation from youth.

19 Jul

California Declares Emergency Over Wildfire Season

Mohini BarmanInternational

California has declared a state of emergency after over 50 wildfires erupted across the state amid an intense heatwave. The largest, the Sunset Valley Fire, has already burned 70,000 acres near San Bernardino, forcing the evacuation of 25,000 residents. Governor Gavin Newsom activated the National Guard and requested federal disaster relief funds. Authorities blame the unusual spike in temperatures, prolonged drought, and strong winds for accelerating the crisis. Experts from South Asia are also watching the situation closely, as parts of India and Bangladesh face similar climate-induced wildfire risks in forested zones.