Blog - The Purbottar

16 Jun

Assam CM criticizes UPA’s resource allocation based on Sachar report

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a sharp political critique, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 15 launched a scathing attack on the resource allocation policies of the previous UPA government, particularly those influenced by the Sachar Committee report. Speaking at a public event, Sarma questioned the Congress-led government’s decision to prioritize minority communities in development schemes, arguing that the rightful claim to national resources should lie with tribal and indigenous populations. Recalling the UPA era, Sarma pointed out that the Sachar Committee — formed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure — had laid the groundwork for directing government resources towards religious minorities.…

16 Jun

Apple Unveils AI-Powered iOS 18 at WWDC 2025

Mohini BarmanInternational

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California, Apple launched iOS 18, featuring an all-new AI assistant called “Apple Intelligence.” Unlike competitors, Apple promises on-device processing and strict user privacy—clearly differentiating itself from Google’s cloud-based approach. Tim Cook emphasized, “We believe privacy is a fundamental human right. AI should not come at the cost of your data.” The update introduces smart message summarization, context-aware Siri, and on-screen real-time translation in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi and Bengali. Apple’s new AI strategy is likely to appeal to growing markets in South Asia, where data protection is becoming a policy priority.

16 Jun

Raju Dhakal emerges as a pillar of hope for Assam’s Gorkhas

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), one name that is making a quiet but strong impact is Raju Dhakal. Known for his humility and determination, Dhakal has become a respected leader for the Gorkha community and beyond. He serves as the General Secretary of the Assam Gorkha Sammelan (AGS), the oldest and most influential Gorkha organization in the state. He is also the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Through these roles, Dhakal is playing a key part in shaping a more inclusive and fair future for thousands of…

14 Jun

SpiceJet Q4 results: PAT upsurge 174% y-o-y to ₹324.87 crore; posts first annual profit in seven years

editorBusiness, News

SpiceJet on Saturday reported a nearly three-fold jump in its standalone net profit for the fourth quarter of FY25. The budget carrier reported a standalone net profit of ₹324.87 crore in the March 2025 quarter, a 174% rise from ₹118.9 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. The company's operating revenue declined 16% y-o-y to ₹1,446.37 crore from ₹1,719.37 crore in the fourth quarter of FY25. SpiceJet achieved a passenger load factor (PLF) of 88.1% in Q4FY25, while revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) stood at ₹5.33 during the quarter. SpiceJet FY25 Results For the full financial year…

14 Jun

SATYA MicroCapital’s collateral-free loans uplift rural women entrepreneurs in Assam

Business BureauBusiness

SATYA MicroCapital Limited, a leading microfinance institution in India, is driving financial inclusion for rural women in Assam through its collateral-free loan model. The company has supported over 1.6 million women across rural and semi-urban India, enabling them to start small businesses and achieve financial independence. In Biswanath, Sumitra Devi, once a homemaker, became an entrepreneur with a ₹40,000 loan from SATYA. Unable to access formal credit due to lack of collateral, Sumitra launched a tailoring business from her home. With steady repayments, she qualified for higher loans, expanded her inventory, and now earns about ₹1,100 per day. She has…

14 Jun

Škoda Auto gears up for landmark 2025 with bold India growth strategy

Business BureauBusiness

Škoda Auto India has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen its presence in the Indian automotive sector, targeting 2025 as its “biggest year” yet. Celebrating 130 years globally and 25 years in India, the company aims to accelerate growth through a robust product lineup, rapid network expansion, and enhanced customer engagement. Brand Director Ashish Gupta emphasized India’s strategic importance, stating, “India is the most important growth market for Škoda Auto outside Europe. With clarity of vision and agility in execution, 2025 will mark a major leap for us in India.” Škoda’s aggressive product strategy includes expanding its SUV portfolio —…

14 Jun

Photos from Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s wedding have gone popular online

Banasree SarkarEntertainment

NFL quarterback Josh Allen and Sinners star Hailee Steinfeld wedded vows in a lovely wedding in California. Fans have been raving about the couple's chemistry and Hailee's bridesmaid appearance in their adorable wedding pictures. Josh couldn't take his hands off his bride, and Hailee looked lovely in a white wedding gown in pictures posted by wedding photographer Jose Villa. The newlyweds are shown going hand in hand down the aisle while guests applaud them in one photo, while another shows the couple raising a champagne toast. Hailee adds to the day's fairytale magic by giving Josh a tender peck on…

14 Jun

Tokyo Trials Robot Staff in Convenience Stores Amid Labour Shortage

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Tokyo has begun deploying humanoid robots in 20 of its convenience stores as part of a trial to combat the country’s deepening labor shortage. The robots, built by Japanese tech firm Telexistence, can stock shelves, answer customer questions, and even perform security checks. Store managers say the bots work three times faster than humans and can operate round the clock. “We’re not replacing workers; we’re filling gaps no one wants to work,” said a FamilyMart spokesperson. India’s retail tech sector is watching closely, especially large urban stores in metros like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where staffing remains a challenge. Discussions around…

14 Jun

US to Curb Microchip Exports to China Amid Rising Tensions

Mohini BarmanInternational

The Biden administration is moving to further restrict the export of advanced AI and semiconductor chips to China, citing concerns over national security and military use. The new rules target Nvidia and AMD’s top-tier chips used in large-scale computing and defense-related AI systems. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, “We must safeguard American innovation from being misused.” The move is expected to escalate trade tensions between the two nations, which are already locked in disputes over tech and cybersecurity. India, which recently launched a semiconductor mission, is being courted by both US and Chinese firms as a neutral ground for production…

14 Jun

Pakistani climber upsets Sikkim’s religious beliefs

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has raised serious concerns over the ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by Pakistani climber Naila Kiani, calling it a violation of the sacred mountain and a potential threat to national security. Speaking to the media, SIBLAC General Secretary Sangay Gyatso Bhutia described the May 23 summit as “deeply disrespectful” to the religious sentiments of the indigenous people of Sikkim. “Khangchendzonga is our guardian deity. It is not just a peak — it is sacred. Traditionally, climbers avoid stepping on the actual summit out of respect. This act has hurt our beliefs,” Bhutia said. He…