Blog - The Purbottar

19 May

IIT-Guwahati achieves major boost in green hydrogen production efficiency through new innovation

Paromita EditorGuwahati

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have developed a new composite coating technology capable of improving the efficiency and durability of solar-driven water splitting systems used for green hydrogen production.Published in the prestigious international journal, Small, the findings of this research have been reported in a paper co-authored by Prof. Uttam Manna and Prof. Mohammad Qureshi, along with Dr Hrisikesh Sarma, and research scholars, Alpana Sahu, Anshika Chaudhary, Sumanta Sarkar, Sourav Mandal and Lingaraj Sahoo from IIT Guwahati.In recent years, green hydrogen has emerged as a significant clean energy source for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.Conventional hydrogen production methods release…

19 May

PepsiCo India Eyes Long-Term Growth with ₹5,700 Crore Investment across Three States

nanika EditorBusiness

Food and beverages giant PepsiCo India has announced a major investment plan of up to ₹5,700 crore by 2030. The massive capital injection will primarily focus on ramping up the manufacturing capacity of its foods business across the country. Speaking on the initiative, PepsiCo’s India and South Asia CEO, Jagrut Kotecha, emphasized that India remains one of the company's top 13 global markets, offering immense potential driven by rising consumer incomes and a stable economic environment. The planned investment will be directed toward three key manufacturing facilities. These include a strategic concentrates plant in Madhya Pradesh and advanced snacks plants…

19 May

Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens first Assam showroom in Guwahati

Business BureauBusiness

Jewellery retailer Malabar Gold & Diamonds today launched its first showroom in Assam at Guwahati, marking a major step in the company’s expansion across East India. With the opening, the brand’s presence in the eastern region has increased to 21 showrooms. Spread across 8,000 square feet, the new outlet has been designed to offer a premium jewellery shopping experience with spacious displays, modern interiors and personalised customer service. The showroom was inaugurated by SonuSood along with O. Asher, Managing Director, India Operations, in the presence of senior company officials, customers and members of the local community. The showroom features a…

19 May

Sikh Marriages to Get Legal Recognition Under Separate Law in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central Government has announced that the Anand Marriage Act, which allows Sikh couples to officially register marriages conducted through the traditional Anand Karaj ceremony, will come into force in Sikkim from June 1, 2026.The decision was notified by the Union Law Ministry through an official notification issued on May 14. The move is expected to provide legal recognition to Sikh marriages in the state under a separate framework specifically meant for the Sikh community.Until now, Sikh couples in Sikkim were required to register their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, for legal recognition, despite marriage ceremonies being conducted…

19 May

MLA Raj Kumari Thapa Promotes Maternal Care Facility in Yangang Constituency

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A new Breastfeeding Corner was inaugurated at Ravangla Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Sikkim’s 15-Rangang Yangang Constituency as part of an initiative aimed at promoting motherhood support and child welfare in the region.The facility was donated by Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and MLA of 15-Rangang Yangang Constituency, Raj Kumari Thapa. The Breastfeeding Corner has been set up to provide mothers visiting the health centre with a safe, comfortable and dignified space to breastfeed and care for their infants.The facility was inaugurated by a breastfeeding mother in the presence of members of the Zilla Panchayat from Rabong Samdung…

19 May

Oil Shock Triggers Historic Plunge: Indian Rupee Slumps to All-Time Low of 96.45 Against US Dollar

anuprova EditorBusiness

The Indian rupee plummeted to a historic low of 96.45 against the US dollar, driven down by soaring global crude oil prices and intensifying geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. As Brent crude surged past $111 per barrel following a drone strike on a UAE nuclear power plant and stalled US-Iran peace talks, concerns over India’s expanding import bill and widening current account deficit escalated sharply. Because India relies on imports for nearly 90% of its crude requirements, higher energy costs are heavily straining domestic macroeconomic stability, accelerating wholesale inflation to 8.3%, and triggering substantial foreign investor outflows from local…

19 May

Tiwa, Bodo Groups Oppose Proposed Satellite Township in Morigaon

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government has halted an ongoing survey for a proposed satellite township near the upcoming Tata semiconductor project in Morigaon district following protests by Tiwa and Bodo community organisations. An official order issued by Morigaon District Commissioner Anamika Tewari on May 18 stated that the survey work connected to the proposed township had been cancelled with immediate effect after objections were raised by several groups and local residents. The district administration had earlier started survey work in Sindhisar, Naldhara and Bihita villages near Jagiroad as part of preparations for a relocation and rehabilitation proposal linked to the planned township…

19 May

Adi Sewa Kendras to Lead Welfare Awareness Campaign Across Kamrup

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan aimed at strengthening the delivery of government welfare schemes and addressing public grievances in tribal areas was officially launched in Kamrup district on May 18. The campaign will continue till May 25 across different parts of the district.The launch programme was held at the Conference Hall of the District Commissioner’s office at Amingaon and was chaired by District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra. Boko-Chaygaon MLA Raju Mesh attended the programme along with several senior district officials. Among those present were Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Siddharth Goswami, District Development Commissioner Sushanta Kumar Dutta, Additional Deputy Commissioners…

19 May

Elephant carcass recovered in Kalibor; electrocution feared behind death

riya EditorAssam

A wild elephant was found dead early on May 19 at Lengteng No. 2 Basti in Kaliabor, triggering concern among local residents and forest authorities. According to preliminary information, the elephant’s carcass was discovered by villagers early in the morning. A section of local residents alleged that unidentified miscreants may have electrocuted the animal by illegally connecting a power source, resulting in its death. However, the exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed. Following the incident, officials from the Western Range of the Salan Forest Division reached the site and initiated preliminary investigation procedures. Forest personnel are…

19 May

Guwahati set to get Water Metro under Centre’s phase-one expansion plan, says Sonowal

riya EditorAssam

The Centre has advanced plans to roll out Water Metro services in 18 cities, with Guwahati among those identified for Phase I, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said while chairing a review meeting on the rollout of the much-anticipated Water Metro services in the country. Cities including Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are also part of Phase I, while Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam have been proposed for Phase II of the project. The Ministry has simultaneously circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 for inter-ministerial consultations, indicating a push to formalize a national…