Blog - The Purbottar

04 Jul

Permanent Universal Lunch Access for All Public School Students

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States has made its pandemic-era free school lunch policy permanent, ensuring every public school student across the nation has access to free meals, regardless of household income. The policy, passed with bipartisan support, aims to combat food insecurity among children and reduce stigma around free meals. Education experts say the move is expected to improve classroom focus, attendance, and health outcomes. Local districts are also encouraged to source food from regional farms, supporting sustainable agriculture. This policy may inform discussions in South Asian education systems where midday meals are already central but inconsistently implemented.

04 Jul

London Launches AI-Powered Trash Bins in Public Spaces

Mohini BarmanInternational

The city of London has introduced AI-powered “smart bins” in key public areas to combat litter and improve waste collection efficiency. These bins are equipped with sensors and image recognition technology that alert sanitation teams when full or when unusual waste items are deposited. Officials from the London Waste Management Authority said the system reduces collection costs and encourages public participation in recycling. Residents can also track bin status via a mobile app. This initiative could inspire similar urban smart waste management solutions in Asian metro cities like Kolkata or Dhaka struggling with public cleanliness.

04 Jul

Renowned writer Shankardev Dhakal honoured with Bhanu Award

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim has announced the list of awardees for the 211th Bhanu Jayanti celebration, to be held on July 13. The annual state-level event commemorates the birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a revered figure in Nepali literature who famously translated the Ramayana from Sanskrit into Nepali, giving the language a spiritual and literary foundation. Every year, Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated with grandeur across Sikkim and other Nepali-speaking regions, bringing together poets, artists, writers, and cultural practitioners. The celebrations include cultural performances, poetry recitations, and public tributes, with awards being the highlight of the event. These honours…

04 Jul

On World Skin Health Day, nourish your skin with healthy California almonds

Business BureauBusiness

This year, on World Skin Health Day, the theme “No Health Without Skin Health” emphasizes the role of skin in overall wellness. Skin health now goes far beyond external skincare routines—it begins from within, with daily dietary choices. Including skin-friendly foods like California almonds, rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, support skin health and help you look and feel your best. California almonds are a powerhouse of 15 essential nutrients, many of which help with improved skin texture and tone. In addition to modern nutritional science, traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani have long recognized almonds for…

03 Jul

HOPECON’25 concludes in Kolkata, sets new benchmark for multidisciplinary healthcare collaboration

Business BureauBusiness

The fourth edition of HOPECON – the National Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Medi-Edu-Care Conference – wrapped up in Kolkata with record-breaking participation, marking a major milestone in India's healthcare dialogue. Organized by the Kolkata Nurture Foundation (KNF) under the leadership of Dr. Payodhi Dhar, the event brought together over 1,000 eminent medical professionals and more than 6,500 delegates from across India. Held at ITC Royal Bengal, the three-day conference saw six parallel academic halls, live workshops, and wide-ranging sessions spanning 38 medical specialties. From cardiology to digital health, and psychiatry to climate change, HOPECON’25 served as a convergence point for critical issues…

03 Jul

Mansion house brandy retains no. 1 spot in India, ranks 2nd globally in 2024

Business BureauBusiness

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI), one of India's leading IMFL manufacturers, has announced that its flagship product, Mansion House Brandy, has once again emerged as the top-selling brandy in India and the second highest-selling globally by volume in 2024. The recognition comes from the prestigious ‘The Millionaires’ Club’ report by Drinks International, released in June 2025. With a remarkable sale of 7.8 million cases, Mansion House now ranks 29th among the world’s top alcohol brands. Meanwhile, TI’s Courrier Napoleon Brandy posted a stellar 25% year-on-year growth with 2.0 million cases sold, earning it the title of the world’s third fastest-growing brandy…

03 Jul

Nykaa block deal: Shares downturn 4% as 2.3% equity changes hands

editorBusiness, News

Nykaa block deal: Shares of FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd, commonly known as Nykaa, traded 4% lower at ₹203.10 per share on the NSE in morning trade on Thursday, July 3, after a block deal was witnessed in the company. According to a TV report, six crore shares representing 2.3% equity changed hands through the block deal during the block deal window in the morning session. Earlier, reports said that Harinderpal Singh Banga and Indra Banga are likely to sell 2.1% equity of Nykaa through the block deal. The Banga family is one of the early backers of Nykaa. The family…

03 Jul

University Offers Full Scholarship

Purbalee DuttaSikkim

The Hero Group's BML Munjal University has granted a full scholarship to Karma Kalzang T. Lepcha, of Singhik, North Sikkim. The scholarship, which is worth around Rs 22 lakh, would pay for his undergraduate tuition at the university for the full time. The Hero Group founded BML Munjal University, which is situated in Sidhrawali in the Gurgaon region of Haryana. Karma intends to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree. He is eligible for financial assistance for all costs, including tuition, housing, meals, and registration fees. Instead of money, the assistance is given in the form of fee exemptions. With…

03 Jul

For 2G handset customers, Vi Guarantees 24 days additional validity

Business BureauBusiness

In a move aimed at supporting its 2G handset user base, leading telecom operator Vi has introduced the Vi Guarantee Programme, offering 24 extra validity days annually on unlimited voice prepaid packs priced at ₹199 and above. Customers will receive two additional days of validity with each qualifying recharge, spread over 12 months. This initiative targets voice-centric or low-data users who often face service disruption due to the traditional 28-day recharge cycle, which can require two recharges within a single month. With the Vi Guarantee Programme, customers will now enjoy a full 30-day cycle with every recharge, enhancing convenience and…

03 Jul

ITA takes part in Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York

Banasree SarkarAssam

On invitation from the Government of Assam, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) took part in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, which was hosted at the Javits Centre in New York, marking a significant occasion honouring India's rich tea heritage. This unique event honoured the 200th anniversary of the Assam Tea Industry, which has influenced tea culture worldwide and continues to be a timeless representation of India's agricultural and exporting legacy. With the help of Maniram Dewan's indigenous expertise, Major Robert Bruce found wild tea plants growing in the upper Brahmaputra Valley in 1823, marking the beginning of Assam tea.…