Blog - The Purbottar

13 Jun

Famous dancer Sonal Mansingh honoured by Assam Government

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Renowned classical dancer and cultural icon Dr. Sonal Mansingh has been conferred with the Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023 by the Government of Assam in recognition of her lifelong dedication to Indian classical dance, cultural preservation, and social advocacy. The award was presented to her by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at a formal ceremony held in Guwahati. The Srimanta Sankardeva Award, named after the 15th-century saint, reformer, and cultural pioneer Srimanta Sankardeva, is one of Assam's most prestigious honours. It was instituted in 1986 to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of art, culture, and social…

13 Jun

ICICI Bank and TMC lay foundation for Rs 550-cr cancer care block in Visakhapatnam

Business BureauBusiness

ICICI Bank and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) have jointly laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art cancer care block at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Visakhapatnam. With an investment of over ₹550 crore, the upcoming ICICI Foundation Block for Child and Blood Cancer will significantly boost specialised healthcare capacity in eastern India. Spanning nearly 3.9 lakh sq ft, the eight-storey facility will house 215+ beds and is projected to treat over 3,000 patients annually upon completion in 2027. The project is part of ICICI Bank’s expanded ₹1,800 crore commitment to TMC, which includes similar cancer…

13 Jun

India’s retail inflation upturn to 2.82% in May, lowest in 6 years: Government data

editorBusiness, News

India's retail inflation fell to 2.82% in May from 3.16% in April, the lowest year-on-year rise in consumer prices since February 2019, government data showed on Thursday. This is the fourth consecutive month that inflation has been below the RBI's 4.0% medium-term target, the longest streak in nearly six years. The decline was mainly due to a sharp fall in food inflation, which eased to 0.99% in May from 1.78% in the previous month amid lower prices of pulses, vegetables, fruits, cereals, eggs, sugar and household goods. "The significant decline in core inflation and food inflation in the month of…

12 Jun

Pets propel mental health shift in India, Mars x Calm survey reveals

Business BureauBusiness

A groundbreaking global survey by Mars and Calm reveals that pets are playing a vital role in supporting mental health among Indians. Conducted by YouGov across 20 countries with over 31,000 pet owners, the study found 79% of Indian pet parents credit their pets for boosting mental wellbeing. During stressful times, 57% prefer their pet’s company over family or friends. Notably, 93% say their pets help them take work breaks, while 92% report a reduction in screen time, signaling pets’ role in digital detoxification. Additionally, 79% of Indian owners say pets improve their sleep, and 88% report relief from anxiety…

12 Jun

Chewang’s success in GATE 2025 brings pride to Lachung and Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a proud moment for North Sikkim, Chewang Laden Lachungpa (Khyoungbarpa), a resident of the remote high-altitude village of Lachung, has successfully cracked the prestigious GATE 2025 examination in Civil Engineering.Chewang, daughter of Kassang Chewang Khyoungbarpa, is an alumnus of Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok, and completed her engineering degree from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT). Her achievement has brought immense pride not only to her family and village but to the entire state. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of India’s toughest and most competitive exams, opening doors for postgraduate engineering courses and top positions in…

12 Jun

Kenya Launches Africa’s Largest Public Electric Bus Fleet

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark move for sustainable transport, Kenya has launched the largest public electric bus fleet in Africa. Over 200 e-buses began operating in Nairobi this week, reducing urban emissions and traffic noise. Manufactured locally with support from Swedish and Indian partners, the fleet features charging stations powered by solar grids. Commuters have welcomed the move, citing smoother rides and lower costs. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative is part of Kenya’s broader green transition and aims to set an example for the continent. The Indian Ministry of Urban Affairs is reportedly studying Nairobi’s model to adapt similar systems…

12 Jun

California Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfires

Mohini BarmanInternational

Massive wildfires have engulfed large swathes of northern and central California, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Fueled by record-high temperatures and dry winds, the fires have consumed over 80,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighting crews struggle to contain the blaze. Fire officials say it could take weeks to bring the situation under control. Smoke from the wildfires has affected air quality across multiple states, including parts of Nevada and Oregon. Climate scientists have linked the frequency of such fires to global warming, calling for stronger mitigation…

12 Jun

Copper futures upgrade on increased spot demand

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, June 12: Copper futures rose 0.13 percent to Rs 885 per kg on Wednesday due to increased spot demand. The copper contract for July delivery rose by Rs 1.15 or 0.13 percent to Rs 885 per kg on the Multi Commodity Exchange. 2,275 lots were traded in it. Analysts attributed the rise in copper prices to higher bets by participants.

11 Jun

Gold futures prices gain due to spot demand

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, June 11: Gold prices rose by Rs 154 to Rs 97,056 per 10 grams in futures trade on Wednesday as speculators created fresh deals due to strong spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the price of gold contracts for August delivery rose by Rs 154, or 0.16 percent, to Rs 97,056 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 13,323 lots. Analysts said fresh buying by participants led to the rise in gold prices. Globally, gold futures rose 0.49 percent to $3,359.90 an ounce in New York.

11 Jun

Germany Legalises Cannabis for Recreational Use

Mohini BarmanGermany

Germany has officially legalised the possession and private consumption of cannabis for adults. As of this week, individuals over 18 can carry up to 25 grams and cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use. The new law, passed by the Bundestag, also allows for “cannabis clubs” where members can grow and share the plant legally. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the legislation as “a step towards a more responsible drug policy.” The move has divided opinion in Europe and beyond. While medical professionals have raised concerns, civil rights groups have praised it as a progressive measure. In India,…