Blog - The Purbottar

11 Jun

British Schools Roll Out Virtual Teachers to Support Human Staff

Mohini BarmanInternational

In an ambitious pilot programme, over 50 public schools across England have introduced AI-powered teaching assistants to aid educators in lesson planning, grading, and student feedback. The digital assistants, developed by a UK-based ed-tech firm, use large language models to support teachers with real-time suggestions and classroom engagement tools. The Education Department says this move will reduce workload stress and improve learning outcomes. While teacher unions have cautiously welcomed the innovation, they demand transparency in AI usage and data privacy. "Technology must supplement, not replace, human teachers," said a spokesperson for the National Education Union. Several schools in India and…

10 Jun

New York Implements Citywide Drone Surveillance

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a groundbreaking move, New York City has started deploying surveillance drones for routine monitoring of public spaces. The NYPD confirmed the rollout aims to curb rising street crimes, particularly in subway stations and major parks. The initiative, launched under the “Safe Skies NYC” program, has already sparked privacy debates. While authorities claim the drones are equipped with motion sensors, not facial recognition, civil liberty groups are demanding clearer usage protocols. “Technology can be a partner in public safety, but it must not intrude on civil rights,” said NYCLU director Anthony Romero. The drones will operate under strict time-bound schedules…

10 Jun

Air India names Boeing 777 ‘Sikkim’ to mark 50th statehood day

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Air India has honoured Sikkim by naming one of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft ‘Sikkim’. The move by India’s national carrier is being hailed as a celebration of diversity and unity, especially as it coincides with the 50th Statehood Day of Sikkim. The newly christened aircraft, emblazoned with the name ‘Sikkim’ in bold letters near its nose, is not just a mode of transport; it is a flying tribute to the spirit of the Indian Union. For the people of Sikkim, this act has stirred deep emotions, as their small but vibrant state finds a place of honor in the skies…

10 Jun

Air India marks the 50th anniversary of statehood by naming the Boeing 777 “Sikkim”

Banasree SarkarSikkim

In recognition to Sikkim, Air India named one of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft "Sikkim." Given that it falls on Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day, the action by India's national airline is being praised as a celebration of diversity and solidarity. Not only is the recently christened aircraft a means of transportation, but it is also a flying homage to the spirit of the Indian Union, with the name "Sikkim" displayed in bold lettering near its nose. As their tiny but dynamic state gains a place of honor in the skies and in the hearts of millions, the people of Sikkim are…

10 Jun

DSP Mutual Fund unveils index funds in IT and healthcare to tap defensive sector strength

Business BureauBusiness

DSP Mutual Fund has launched two new index funds—the DSP Nifty IT Index Fund and the DSP Nifty Healthcare Index Fund—offering investors a strategic opportunity to participate in sectors known for resilience during market downturns. The New Fund Offer (NFO) for both schemes is open from June 2 to June 16, 2025. Defensive sectors like IT and Healthcare have historically shown lower beta and steadier performance during economic shocks. During the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, both Nifty Healthcare and Nifty IT indices registered smaller drawdowns and faster recoveries than the broader Nifty 500. With global markets contributing…

10 Jun

Two-wheeler sales to rose 8-9% in FY26

editorBusiness, News

Mumbai, June 10 Domestic two-wheeler sales are expected to grow 8-9 percent this fiscal, surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels, a report said on Monday. This includes several other factors including moderating inflation and the possibility of a favourable monsoon.The CareEdge Ratings report also mentioned that the domestic two-wheeler industry has maintained a healthy growth of 8 percent, 10 percent and 11 percent in FY23, FY24 and FY25, respectively.Sales growth in FY25 was supported by a 21 percent export recovery and a 9 percent growth in domestic sales. It said the improvement in exports was led by stability in key markets impacted by…

10 Jun

Flipkart and West Bengal government empower Kalna artisans through e-commerce integration

Business BureauBusiness

Flipkart, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal, conducted a capacity-building workshop for over 50 artisans and weavers in Kalna. The initiative, part of Flipkart’s nationwide Samarth program, aimed to equip local producers with the tools to access wider online markets and leverage the e-commerce platform for business growth. The session focused on easing the onboarding process to Flipkart's marketplace, covering crucial aspects such as product listing, logistics management, and scaling operations. Senior officials including Shri Shubham Aggarwal (SDO, Kalna), Shri Krishna Chandra Munda (Deputy Magistrate), and district-level officers from the handloom and khadi sectors were present at the…

09 Jun

Nissan drives green with solar-powered dealerships and eco-initiatives on World Environment Day

Business BureauBusiness

Nissan Motor India marked World Environment Day 2025 with a series of impactful sustainability initiatives, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. The company has installed solar power systems across seven dealerships, including those in Baroda, Mehsana, Kerala (three locations), Jalandhar, and Jaipur. These systems now power 100% of dealership operations, with surplus energy redirected to the grid. Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa stated, “Our actions today shape the world tomorrow. At Nissan, sustainability is a core philosophy, guiding us toward reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.” On June 5, Nissan organized a nationwide tree-sapling drive at all its dealerships and…

09 Jun

Assam reels under floods, over 24,000 in relief camps

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The flood situation in Assam has turned increasingly grim, with three more lives claimed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of flood-related deaths this year to 20. The latest bulletin from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) paints a distressing picture as tens of thousands grapple with displacement, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of property.Despite the fact that no rivers are currently flowing above the danger level, the widespread impact of the deluge continues to disrupt normal life across several districts. As per official data, the floods have ravaged 11 districts including Hailakandi, Sribhumi, Morigaon, Kamrup,…

09 Jun

Matarbari Port Expected to Transform Bay of Bengal Trade

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first deep-sea port at Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar, a $4.5 billion project funded through Japanese investment and national infrastructure bonds. Capable of handling the world’s largest cargo ships, the port is expected to reduce reliance on Chittagong and ease pressure on inland transport. It will serve as a vital hub for regional trade, connecting India’s Northeast, Bhutan, and Nepal to global shipping routes. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called it “a landmark in our economic history.” The port is projected to boost Bangladesh’s GDP by at least 2% over the next five years. Indian, Bhutanese, and Nepalese…