Blog - The Purbottar

20 Jan

WhatsApp emerges as Bharat’s digital backbone as non-metro consumers drive next growth phase: Rukam Capital Study

Business BureauBusiness

India’s consumption story is rapidly shifting beyond metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and small towns shaping the country’s next phase of growth, according to a new consumer study released by Rukam Capital. Titled Beyond Metros: The Real Story of Bharat’s Next 500 Million, the report finds that 84–89% of Bharat consumers now use WhatsApp as their primary digital platform, spanning communication, product discovery and even commerce. The study highlights a clear shift in influence and decision-making. Content creators have overtaken celebrities as trusted voices, with 22–23% of consumers relying on creator recommendations, while celebrity influence has fallen…

20 Jan

Bajaj Auto launches new Chetak C25 electric scooter at Rs 91,399

Business BureauBusiness

Bajaj Auto Ltd. on Friday announced the launch of the all-new Chetak C25, expanding its electric scooter portfolio with a younger and more city-focused offering. The new model is priced at ₹91,399 (ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available across all Chetak showrooms pan India. The Chetak C25 has been designed for everyday urban mobility, targeting customers looking for a light, agile and stylish electric scooter. While aimed at younger riders, the scooter retains Chetak’s core identity of solidity, reliability and a strong metal body, which has found acceptance among families, women and young couples. Featuring a neo-classic design, the scooter…

20 Jan

IndiaSkills North-East Meet begins in Guwahati, 162 youth compete across 26 skills

Purbalee DuttaBusiness

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the North-East was inaugurated on Sunday at Gauhati University, bringing together young participants from all eight North-Eastern states to compete across 26 skill categories. The event was inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who said that the youth of the North-East are prepared to take a leading role in India’s skilled workforce. Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the National Skill Development Corporation as the implementation partner, the competition is being held in the region for the first time. A total of…

20 Jan

Mob Violence in Kokrajhar: One Killed, Four Injured, 19 in Police Custody

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Police have detained 19 people in connection with the killing of a youth in a mob attack at Gouri Nagar under Kokrajhar Police Station on Monday evening. The incident, which took place on suspicion of cattle theft, has led to tension in parts of Kokrajhar district, especially in the Karigaon area.Superintendent of Police Akshad Garg said police have started a detailed investigation into the case. He confirmed that 19 individuals have been detained so far and are being questioned to establish their role in the incident. He added that the situation is being closely monitored.According to police sources, the incident…

20 Jan

Major Eviction Drive Clears Irrigation Land in Bakulia, 750 Houses Affected

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

More than 2,000 families are facing eviction after the district administration launched a large-scale drive to clear encroachments from government irrigation land in the Bakulia area of East Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday. The eviction operation, which began early in the morning, is being carried out on around 350 bighas of land that had been occupied over the years. According to official estimates, over 750 houses had come up on the land, which is officially recorded as irrigation property meant for public use The drive is being supervised by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, with support from the district administration…

20 Jan

Road Accident Triggers Violent Clash in Kokrajhar, One De*ad and Four Injured

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

One person was killed and four others were seriously injured after a violent clash broke out between two groups at Gaurinagar in the Karigaon area of Kokrajhar district on Monday evening, police said.The incident occurred at around 7.30 pm, leading to panic and tension in the locality. The deceased has been identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit. He was a resident of Bagaribari under Rupsi. According to preliminary information, an altercation between two groups escalated rapidly, turning violent within a short period.Eyewitnesses and local residents said the situation worsened when miscreants set a Scorpio vehicle on fire during the clash. The…

20 Jan

Kokrajhar Violence: One Dead, Four Seriously Hurt as Police Arrest 18

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

One person was killed, and four others were seriously injured in mob violence in Gaurinagar, Kokrajhar district, Assam, on January 19. The deceased, Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, was from Bagaribari. The violence erupted around 7:30 PM following an altercation between two groups, escalating when a Scorpio vehicle was set on fire. The injured individuals, including Mahesh Murmu, Sunil Murmu, and Jugiraj Brahma, are receiving critical care at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital. Initial investigations suggest the conflict may have originated from a road accident involving the Scorpio. Although police have arrested 18 individuals and intensified security in the area to maintain…

20 Jan

Ahead of Assembly Elections, Congress Plans Zonal Conventions in Assam Starting Jan 21

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Opposition Congress is set to conduct a series of strategic meetings in Assam starting January 21, aimed at strengthening the party's organizational structure ahead of upcoming Assembly elections. These meetings will be supervised by three special observers from the All-India Congress Committee (AICC): D.K. Shivakumar, Bhupesh Baghel, and Bandhu Tirkey. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has mandated zonal conventions for various Congress committees across the state. These conventions will take place in phases from January 21 to January 28, beginning in Howraghat for districts such as East Karbi Anglong and Nagaon, followed by Moran for Tinsukia and Dibrugarh…

20 Jan

Assam-Based Vehicle Theft Gang Busted in Aizawl, Four Arrested

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Police in Aizawl have arrested four suspects linked to vehicle thefts, originating from Karimganj and Patharkandi in Assam. The arrests occurred during the investigation of a two-wheeler theft reported at the Bawngkawn police station. All suspects reside in the Durtlang area of Aizawl and, during interrogation, admitted to their involvement in several thefts, stating they sold some stolen motorcycles in Silchar, Assam. On Monday, authorities recovered a stolen motorcycle from the Zuangtui area, along with two additional motorbikes stolen over the weekend. Police continue to work on recovering the remaining stolen vehicles.

19 Jan

IndiaSkills 2025–26 North East regional competition begins at Gauhati University

Business BureauBusiness

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will organise the North East Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025–26 at Gauhati University from January 19 to 22, marking a major step in strengthening skill development in the region. This is the first time a dedicated IndiaSkills regional competition is being held exclusively for the North Eastern states, with participation from all eight states. The competition will be inaugurated on January 19 by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The National Skill Development Corporation is the knowledge partner and implementing agency for the IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26. Youth…