Blog - The Purbottar

24 Mar

SVEEP Initiative Rolled Out in Assam to Encourage Informed Voting

riya EditorAssam

In the lead-up to the Assam Assembly elections, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme has launched various initiatives aimed at increasing voter awareness and turnout. These initiatives include a diverse range of activities such as street plays, drawing and rangoli competitions, slogan writing, digital poster making, wall writing, news presentations, and workshops. The Chief Electoral Officer of Assam stated that these activities are organized systematically across all districts to enhance awareness of citizens' democratic rights and responsibilities. To engage voters, districts have introduced various mascots, such as ‘Bakhar’ in Lakhimpur and ‘Ganabandhu’ in Sonitpur, while notable figures,…

24 Mar

ICONiQ White Whisky crosses 10 million cases, becomes world’s fastest growing millionaire spirits brand

Business BureauBusiness

Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD) has announced that its flagship brand, ICONiQ White International Grain Whisky, has crossed a landmark 10 million cases in FY26, marking one of the fastest growth trajectories in the global spirits industry. Launched in September 2022 through a digital-first debut on ABD’s MetaBar in the metaverse, the brand initially rolled out in select East and North Indian markets before expanding nationwide. The whisky recorded 0.32 million cases in FY23, surged to 2.27 million cases in FY24, and crossed 5.7 million cases in FY25. It was recognised as the fastest growing millionaire spirits brand globally…

24 Mar

Discovery Boosts Sikkim’s Known Dragonfly and Damselfly Count to 93

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A recent scientific study has reported 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies, together known as odonates, for the first time from the Sikkim Himalaya, bringing fresh attention to the region’s rich but still less-studied insect diversity. The findings have been published in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, one of the oldest scientific journals in the country. Researchers said the discovery adds important new information to the understanding of biodiversity in the Himalayan region. The study was carried out by Neera Rawat, a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Zoology at…

24 Mar

Police Probe Ongoing as Motive Remains Unclear in Sabitri Sharma Dea*th

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Yangang Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the suspected murder of former panchayat member Sabitri Sharma in Sripatam village near Yangang, officials said. According to police sources, Sharma, who was living alone at her residence, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The incident created panic in the locality, with neighbours and residents raising alarm after the body was discovered. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police detained Anuj Basnet, a neighbour of the deceased. He was later arrested in connection with the case. Police described Basnet as an alleged habitual offender. He is currently in police custody and…

24 Mar

Glenmark launches low-cost GLIPIQⓇ in India, aims to expand access to diabetes care

Business BureauBusiness

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Saturday announced the launch of GLIPIQⓇ (semaglutide) in India for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), positioning it as a more affordable entry into GLP-1 therapy. The company said weekly treatment with the drug will start at ₹325, significantly lowering cost barriers for patients. GLIPIQⓇ has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) after a multicentre, randomised, Phase III clinical trial in India showed favourable safety and efficacy outcomes. The drug is available in both vial and pre-filled pen formats, offering flexibility in dosing and long-term use. The vial-based formulation, supported…

24 Mar

Niva Bupa launches Coffee Table Book to honour advisors, pushes expansion of insurance ecosystem

Business BureauBusiness

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India’s health insurance sector, Niva Bupa Health Insurance has launched a Coffee Table Book highlighting the journeys of 40 advisors, recognising their role in supporting families during medical emergencies and strengthening financial protection. The book documents real-life instances where advisors went beyond policy sales to assist with documentation, hospitalisation, and claims, positioning them as key enablers in critical moments. The initiative comes amid a significant protection gap in India’s insurance landscape. According to IRDAI’s FY25 report, insurance penetration stands at 3.7% of GDP, far below the global average of 7.3%, while non-life penetration remains at…

24 Mar

Multi-Cornered Battles Set Across Six Seats in Key Upper Assam District

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The nomination process for the Assam Assembly elections ended with a rush of activity in Tinsukia district, as 27 candidates filed their papers on the final day, March 23. With this, the stage is now set for a tough and multi-cornered contest across six Assembly constituencies in the district, which is considered politically important in Upper Assam. Officials said candidates from all major political parties took part in the process. These include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Raijor Dal. A number of independent candidates also…

24 Mar

Ai+ Smartphone to launch Nova Series on April 9, expands flagship 5G portfolio

Business BureauBusiness

Ai+ Smartphone on Monday announced the launch of its Nova Series, introducing a new flagship 5G lineup aimed at delivering performance, design, and personalised user experience. The Nova 2 and Nova 2 Ultra will debut on April 9, 2026, via Flipkart and other retail channels, while three additional models—Nova 2 Pro, Nova 2 Neo, and Nova Flip—are scheduled for release in the coming months. The Nova 2 Ultra stands out as the most expressive device in the lineup, featuring a customisable back-panel lighting system that responds to calls, messages, music, and notifications. The Nova 2, meanwhile, is positioned as a…

24 Mar

Axis Bank drives large-scale forest restoration in Assam, West Bengal with 15.19 lakh saplings

Business BureauBusiness

Marking the International Day of Forests, Axis Bank has intensified its environmental sustainability push by supporting the plantation of over 15.19 lakh native saplings across 969 hectares in Assam and West Bengal. The initiative targets ecologically sensitive regions, aiming to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. In Assam, the bank is focusing on the Kartick Chapori landscape in Majuli district, a fragile river island ecosystem. Implemented with the Balipara Tract & Frontier Foundation, the project spans two phases and aims to restore over 785 hectares of degraded forest along with 65 hectares under agroforestry. The programme integrates…

24 Mar

BPCL assures uninterrupted fuel and LPG supply across West Bengal, urges public to avoid panic buying

Business BureauBusiness

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company, on Sunday assured uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel, CNG, and domestic LPG across its extensive network in West Bengal, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying. The company stated that all BPCL fuel stations and domestic LPG distributorships in the state are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet consumer demand. “There is no cause for concern. Our supply chain operations remain robust and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted supplies,” the company said in a statement. BPCL further appealed to customers to remain calm, reiterating its commitment to ensuring energy…