Blog - The Purbottar

23 May

The number of Asiatic lions in India has increased significantly to 891

Banasree SarkarNational

As a "landmark success" in wildlife conservation, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav praised the notable increase in India's lion population, which he stated has grown to 891 from 674 in 2020. Yadav attributed this accomplishment to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who served as both the Indian Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gujarat, in a post on X. He also commended wildlife enthusiasts, environmentalists, and forest officials for their contributions to this achievement. The fact that there are now 891 lions in India, up from 674 in 2020, is incredibly encouraging. The remarkable conservation result may…

23 May

Sikkim’s 50-year journey celebrated as national milestone

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee is a moment of national pride, not just a state celebration, said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang while addressing the India Today State of the States Conclave: Sikkim @50 – The Glorious Journey & The Illustrious Road Ahead on Wednesday. Marking 50 years since Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, Tamang called it a “historic milestone for the entire nation.” He announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state on May 29 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations. “From a small kingdom to becoming a shining example of progress in the Indian Union, Sikkim…

23 May

Rule 201 ignored? bar near Gauhati University triggers protests

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A recent decision by the Assam Excise Department to issue a liquor licence to a bar and restaurant near Gauhati University has sparked a wave of protests from the university administration and local residents, who allege it violates existing laws meant to protect educational zones. The licence in question was granted to Smti Kaberi Das for her establishment, M/S Angel Bar & Restaurant, located in Pandu Sadilapur under Ward No. 01 of Guwahati. The bar, situated along the NH-37 Bypass in Jalukbari, has been allowed to operate under Rule 116 of the Assam Excise Rules, 2016 (as amended). The premises…

22 May

PNB donates mortuary van to Siliguri District Hospital under CSR initiative

Business BureauBusiness

Punjab National Banks Circle Office in New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri) reaffirmed its commitment to community welfare by donating a mortuary van to Siliguri District Hospital on Thursday as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.The formal handover took place at the hospital premises, in the presence of key dignitaries including Siliguri Mayor Shri Gautam Deb, Dr. Tulsi Pramanik, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Darjeeling District, and Dr. Chandan Ghosh, Superintendent of the hospital. Senior PNB officialsShri Sanjiv Kumar, Zonal Manager of Durgapur Zone, and Smt. Sarita Singh, Circle Head of the New Jalpaiguri Circlewere also present. The donated mortuary…

22 May

NALCO Q4 profit inflation 100% to Rs 2,067 crore

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, May 21: State-owned NALCO on Wednesday reported a more than two-fold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,067.23 crore for the March quarter 2025 on the back of higher revenue from operations.The company had posted a profit of Rs 996.74 crore in the same period a year ago, National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) said in a BSE filing.Revenue from operations in January-March FY25 rose to Rs 5,267.83 crore from Rs 3,579.05 crore a year ago.The PSU's profit in FY25 rose to Rs 5,267.94 crore from Rs 1,988.46 crore in FY24. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 16,787.63…

22 May

Dhaka Metro to Launch Smart Ticketing System by December

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh is upgrading its urban transport with a smart ticketing system for the Dhaka Metro. The new system, based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, will allow passengers to pay digitally using mobile phones and smartcards. The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has partnered with a Japanese firm to develop the system. Trials begin in August, and full implementation is expected by December 2025. The initiative aims to ease congestion, reduce fare fraud, and encourage more people to use public transit. Indian and Nepalese urban planners have shown interest in similar models for metro projects in Kathmandu and Tier-2 Indian…

22 May

UK Passes Historic AI Regulation Bill in Parliament

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom has passed its first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Regulation Bill, aiming to set ethical and operational standards for AI development and usage. The legislation, approved by the House of Commons on Monday, mandates transparency in AI training data, bans biometric surveillance in public places, and introduces penalties for AI misuse. The bill is being hailed as a blueprint for Europe, drawing praise from tech giants and human rights organizations alike. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a forward-thinking framework to guide innovation responsibly.” Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese tech sectors—many of which supply AI labor and services to…

22 May

Smart strategies for parents to support children with diabetes at school

Business BureauBusiness

As the new school year begins in Guwahati, parents of children with Type 1 diabetes face unique challenges ensuring their kids’ health and safety. Type 1 diabetes requires constant blood sugar monitoring due to the body’s inability to produce insulin. Dr. Abhamoni Baro, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetes Specialist, Pratiksha Hospitals, Guwahati, said, “Incorporating a regular routine and physical activity into the daily routine of a child with Type 1 diabetes is important for their health and well-being. For parents, integrating structured measures such as diet, exercise and continuous monitoring can positively impact their child’s blood sugar control. It also enhances…

22 May

Haibargaon Railway Station become first redeveloped station in Assam, PM inaugurates it

Mohini BarmanAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Thursday attended the inaugural programme of the redeveloped Haibargaon Railway Station in Nagaon district as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the railway station. This event stands out as a landmark in the national rollout of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), as Haibargaon becomes the first railway station in Assam, among 50 stations identified in the state, inaugurated under this ambitious scheme. The inauguration is part of a nationwide event covering 103 redeveloped stations, where Haibargaon's inclusion, constructed at a project cost of approximately Rs. 15.85 crore, signals the beginning of a new…

22 May

AIPL starts a 1 MW solar power facility at Jayshree Tea Estate

Banasree SarkarAssam

Arrays Ingenieria Private Limited (AIPL), founded and maintained by ex-servicemen, successfully erected a 1 MW solar power plant at Jayshree Tea Estates in Sonari, Charaideo district, as part of Tata Power's EPC contract. Arrays has also successfully installed and commissioned a 535 kWp ground-mounted on-grid solar power plant at Towkok Tea Estate and a 500 kWp plant at Manjushree Tea Estate. Both tea plantations are owned by Jayshree Tea & Industries Limited (Towkok Group of Tea Plantations), a subsidiary of the BK Birla Group of Companies. This remarkable project was implemented to commemorate Jayshree Tea & Industries Limited's 80th anniversary,…