Blog - The Purbottar

20 Jun

Kenya’s Mobile Clinics Tackle Maternal Mortality in Remote Villages

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya has deployed 50 new mobile clinics to serve pregnant women and new mothers in remote rural regions, where maternal mortality remains high. The solar-powered vans offer prenatal checkups, emergency care, and baby vaccinations. Launched by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF and the Gates Foundation, the initiative is already seeing success in the Rift Valley and Nyanza regions. Officials report a 40% increase in safe deliveries within weeks of launch. South Asian health ministries—including those in Nepal and Bhutan—are exploring similar mobile clinic models to improve access in hilly and hard-to-reach areas.

20 Jun

Germany Announces Free Public Transport for Youth Under 18

Mohini BarmanGermany

Germany has launched a pilot scheme offering free public transport to all residents under 18 years of age across major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, encourage public transport use, and relieve financial pressure on families. Transport Minister Volker Wissing announced that the plan will be evaluated for nationwide rollout after a year. Early data shows increased ridership among school students and reduced private car usage. The move is being closely watched by urban planners in South Asia, including Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, as they look for low-cost, high-impact solutions for traffic congestion…

19 Jun

Coriander futures prices upgrade due to high demand

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, June 19: Coriander prices rose by Rs 12 to Rs 7,008 per quintal in futures trade on Thursday as speculators increased their positions in view of a firm trend in the spot market. Coriander contracts for July delivery rose by Rs 12, or 0.17 percent, to Rs 7,008 per quintal on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, with a turnover of 17,705 lots. Market analysts said coriander prices rose due to a firm trend in the spot market and limited supplies from producing regions.

19 Jun

Almonds for Asanas: Celebrate Yoga Day with protein-packed nutrition

Business BureauBusiness

As the world gears up to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21, health experts and fitness icons are urging people to complement their yoga practice with a balanced diet—highlighting almonds as an ideal choice. Known for their high protein content and 15 essential nutrients, almonds have emerged as a natural ally for yoga enthusiasts seeking improved performance and muscle recovery. Commenting on this International Yoga Day, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, “As a mother and a working woman, yoga has been my anchor for years. It not only helps me stay centered but has also brought incredible health…

19 Jun

Mastercard & EVA Live bring star-studded music fest to India, promises priceless experiences for cardholders

Business BureauBusiness

Mastercard has joined hands with premier live entertainment firm EVA Live to roll out over 20 high-profile music and performing arts events across India between October and December 2025. The landmark collaboration, Mastercard’s first-ever performing arts sponsorship in South Asia, promises electrifying performances from global icons like Enrique Iglesias, A.R. Rahman, and DJ Tiësto. The series kicks off in Mumbai on October 30 with Enrique Iglesias’ return to Indian stages after 13 years. Mastercard cardholders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and abroad will enjoy early ticket access, exclusive lounges, meet-and-greets, and a 10% post-presale discount. Tickets are available to all…

19 Jun

KBC Global sets up Dharan Infra Solar to drive green energy push

Business BureauBusiness

KBC Global Ltd, a key player in India’s infrastructure and EPC sector, has announced the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary—Dharan Infra Solar Private Limited—to deepen its commitment to renewable energy. The move, approved by the board on June 13, marks a strategic expansion into solar and hybrid energy solutions under its rebranded identity, Dharan Infra-EPC Limited. The new subsidiary will focus on the design, development, and execution of solar modules, photovoltaic systems, and hybrid energy solutions. It will also undertake manufacturing, trading, importing, exporting, and maintenance of solar energy components, aiming to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end clean energy solutions. “This…

19 Jun

Sikkim begins sustainable tourism drive with ₹50 entry fee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s newly introduced Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting its fragile Himalayan environment has collected over ₹40,000 since its rollout in March, state tourism officials said on Wednesday. As per the notification issued on March 5, 2025, tourists visiting Sikkim are required to pay an entry fee of ₹50, which will be used to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure environmental conservation. However, the response has been modest so far. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, acknowledged that only 28 to 30 hotels have begun collecting the fee. “This is…

19 Jun

Birla Fertility & IVF launches India’s first toll-free support line for fertility guidance

Business BureauBusiness

Birla Fertility & IVF has unveiled Fertility Circle, India’s first toll-free, stigma-free fertility support line, at 1800 123 1515. Designed to provide unrecorded and confidential fertility guidance, the service is available in English and Hindi on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM. The initiative aims to offer judgment-free support to individuals and couples navigating fertility-related concerns—whether planning for parenthood or undergoing treatment. The support line addresses a critical gap, as an internal study revealed that 90% of people facing fertility challenges feel emotionally exhausted, yet only 29% seek timely help. Fertility Circle ensures callers get compassionate, expert-led counselling without…

19 Jun

Nigeria to Train 30,000 Youth in Solar Panel Installation

Mohini BarmanInternational

The Nigerian government has launched an ambitious program to train 30,000 young people in solar panel installation, aiming to improve rural electrification and youth employment. Launched under the Solar Power Naija initiative, the training spans all 36 states, with international support from the EU and World Bank. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in photovoltaic technology, safety, and entrepreneurship. Governments in Bhutan and Nepal—with similar mountainous energy needs—are following Nigeria’s model closely for its potential to address both energy access and rural employment.

19 Jun

ONGC tries to control Assam well leak with expert help

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a high-stakes response to a significant natural gas leak at a well site in Assam’s Sivasagar district, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has brought in international well control specialists to assist in taming the week-long blowout. The incident, which began during routine servicing of Well No. RDS-147 on June 13, has drawn both public concern and government scrutiny due to fears of environmental and safety risks. The leak started around 11:45 AM on June 13, releasing an uncontrolled stream of natural gas into the atmosphere. While no injuries have been reported so far, the leak remains unsealed…