Blog - The Purbottar

15 Jan

Budget Countdown: Telecom Players Demand Sharper Cuts in Licence Charges

Preeti SinghBusiness

The telecom industry is lobbying the finance ministry for significant reductions in licence fees and a temporary suspension of compulsory contributions to the Digital Bharat Nidhi in the forthcoming Union Budget. They assert that the existing regulatory fees are hindering their ability to invest in next-generation networks. According to industry recommendations submitted in advance of the Budget, there is a request to reduce the licence fee from the current rate of 3% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to a range between 0.5% and 1%. Additionally, it is proposed that the 5% AGR contribution to the Digital Bharat Nidhi be temporarily…

15 Jan

Samsung announces the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship SIC programme

Business BureauBusiness

Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand, on the occasion of National Youth Day, has announced the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s youth-skilling efforts in the state. The certification ceremony was held at the City Group of Institutions in Lucknow, in the presence of Smt. Rajni Tiwari, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with academic leaders and programme partners. With this cohort, the total number of students trained under Samsung Innovation Campus in Uttar Pradesh has reached 3,900, making it one…

14 Jan

ARMED FORCES VETERANS DAY CELEBRATED IN GUWAHATI

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated at the Air Force Station in Guwahati on Wednesday by paying tributes to the valiant veterans of the Indian Armed Forces.The event was graced by Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command as the chief guest, who lauded the enduring legacy of selfless service and sacrifices made by ex-servicemen in safeguarding the nation, a statement issued by the PRO Defence on Wednesday said.The ceremony commenced with a wreath-laying at the War Memorial by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.Addressing over 1500 veterans, serving personnel, veer naris and families,…

14 Jan

BJP slams Assam Cong over now-deleted Bhogali Bihu post

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The BJP today launched a scathing attack on the Assam Congress for posting an AI-generated image on X showing the Assam BJP headquartersi in flames.However, the post was later deleted.The BJP’s Assam unit shared a screenshot of the deleted post on X and said removing it did not change the message the Congress was trying to convey.“Deleting the post doesn't nullify what you are trying to imply @INCAssam. You're EXPOSED,” the party said.The BJP accused the Congress of using a cultural greeting to push a provocative political narrative.As per the screenshot, the post featured the burning image of BJP sate office in…

14 Jan

Namami Gange Mission gains momentum in West Bengal with two major sewerage projects going live

Business BureauBusiness

West Bengal has strengthened its push for river rejuvenation and urban sanitation with the operationalisation of two major sewerage treatment projects under Phase II of the Namami Gange Mission during the financial year 2025–26. The projects aim to significantly reduce the flow of untreated wastewater into the Ganga River, officials said. The first project, commissioned at Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas district, has been developed at an estimated cost of ₹286.97 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model. It includes an Interception, Diversion and Treatment system along with a modern Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of 35 MLD capacity, catering to Maheshtala…

14 Jan

Barshana Mukhia Becomes Sikkim’s First Woman Hybrid Athlete at National Fitness Event

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has added a new chapter to its sporting history with fitness coach Barshana Mukhia becoming the state’s first woman hybrid athlete. Her achievement marks an important moment for competitive fitness in the state and highlights the growing presence of women in demanding endurance sports. Barshana, who is a professional fitness coach, has made a successful shift from bodybuilding to hybrid endurance events that combine running with strength-based challenges. This transition reflects years of hard work, discipline, and steady preparation across different fitness formats. Her latest achievement came at the Main Yoddha Race, one of India’s toughest ultimate fitness challenges.…

14 Jan

Bandhan Mutual Fund announces the launch of the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF, two open-ended schemes designed to provide investors with an easy, transparent, and cost-efficient way to participate in gold and silver. The New Fund Offers (NFOs) open on Monday, 12 January 2026, and close on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Investments in the Bandhan Gold ETF FoF and Bandhan Silver ETF FoF can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors, investment advisors, online platforms, or directly at https://bandhanmutual.com/campaign/nfo/ Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, commenting on the launch, said, “Gold and silver can play a…

14 Jan

Ananya Panday embraces simple, sustainable habits to start 2026 on a mindful note

Business BureauBusiness

Actor Ananya Panday has chosen a refreshingly simple approach to welcome the New Year, stepping away from big resolutions and focusing instead on everyday habits that are easy to maintain. In a new Instagram reel shared in collaboration with California Almonds, the actor opens up about the pressure that often comes with the idea of “new year, new me.” In the candid video, Ananya is seen speaking to herself in front of a mirror, acknowledging how quickly time passes and how New Year resolutions can sometimes trigger anxiety. Rather than aiming for perfection, she stresses the importance of consistency and…

14 Jan

Makar Sankranti 2026: California Almonds add a healthy touch to harvest festivities

Business BureauBusiness

Makar Sankranti, which marks the arrival of longer days and the harvest season, is being celebrated across India with traditional fervour. Known by different names such as Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu, the festival symbolises abundance, gratitude and new beginnings. As families prepare festive dishes and sweets, experts are highlighting the importance of mindful nutrition during celebrations. Nutritionists and health experts have pointed to the role of California Almonds in adding balance to festive meals. Rich in protein, healthy fats and antioxidants, almonds are known to support immunity, provide sustained energy and help manage blood sugar levels when consumed…

14 Jan

Bengal and Assam will shortly see the introduction of nine Amrit Bharat Express trains

Banasree SarkarAssam

With a renewed effort to enhance the rail travel experience for both regular and long-distance customers, Indian Railways is poised to reach a major milestone in the next year. Indian Railways plans to launch nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Assam and West Bengal, combining comfort and affordability to expand the network of contemporary, non-AC long-distance services targeted directly at the average traveler. By traveling through heavily populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and reaching distant locations in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, these new services would improve connectivity from the eastern and northeastern areas to important parts…