Blog - The Purbottar

26 Aug

India launches SOAR program to equip students with AI skills

Business BureauBusiness

India has taken a decisive step towards preparing its next generation for an AI-powered future with the launch of the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) program by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The initiative, designed for students from classes 6 to 12 as well as teachers, aims to bridge the growing skill gap in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Under the program, students will learn the fundamentals of AI through stories, games, and case studies, progressing to advanced activities such as coding, data analysis, and chatbot creation. Ethics will remain a core element, ensuring responsible use of…

26 Aug

Long COVID leaves lasting damage, study finds

Banasree SarkarHealth

While many now view COVID-19 as a mild, short-term illness, a new Australian study reveals a very different reality for those living with long COVID—ongoing symptoms lasting three months or more after infection. The study surveyed 121 adults across Australia who had COVID between February 2020 and June 2022. Most were never hospitalised, yet months or even years later, they continued to struggle with significant fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness—symptoms that deeply affect daily life. Using recognised health surveys, researchers found that 86% of participants met the threshold for serious disability—compared to just 9% of the general population. Many reported…

26 Aug

BPF gains momentum in Rowta as 200 new members join during office inauguration

editorAssam

As more and more people voluntarily join the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) every day, the party continues to gain support from the general public in the Rowta constituency. As supporters show their loyalty to Mazbat MLA Chandan Boro, the development demonstrates the party's increasing organizational strength in the region. An important boost came on August 24, when Chandan Boro, MLA for the 47 Mazbat Legislative Assembly Constituency, formally opened the BPF sub-office in Saikia Chuburi, Orang. Two hundred persons joined the BPF at the inauguration, demonstrating their belief in the party's ideals and philosophy. With more than 500 people in…

26 Aug

Energypac Ships $24M in Transformers to Empower Nepali Grid

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh’s Energypac Engineering has exported $24 million worth of power transformers and substation equipment to Nepal's Electricity Authority. This export strengthens Nepal’s urban and rural electricity transmission and highlights Bangladesh’s growing manufacturing capabilities in regional electricity markets. This collaborative success encourages further industrial and infrastructure ties between the two countries and points the way for broader South Asian power cooperation.

26 Aug

Flipkart and NEDFi collaborate to empower Assam’s MSMEs and artisans through digital platforms

Business BureauBusiness

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce giant, in partnership with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), organized a workshop in Guwahati to enhance digital market access for local MSMEs and artisans. The session, attended by over 100 participants, aimed to equip weavers and artisans with the skills and knowledge to scale their businesses through Flipkart’s marketplace. Shri P V S L N Murthy, Chairman and Managing Director of NEDFi, highlighted that the Flipkart Samarth program seeks to bridge the digital divide and create sustainable livelihoods for underserved communities. He also hinted at plans for a Common Facility Centre for packaging…

26 Aug

Safe return of 48 pilgrims, 2025 End of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim concluded successfully on Sunday, as the 10th and final batch of 48 pilgrims returned safely, officials confirmed. The pilgrims were accorded a warm reception by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) at a valedictory function marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage. In total, around 500 devotees undertook the arduous spiritual journey this year. STDC Chairman Lukendra Rasaily expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the yatra, crediting the seamless coordination of STDC officials, paramilitary forces, and other agencies for ensuring safety and comfort. “Their dedication made the…

26 Aug

Court Challenge Launched Against Reversal of 2015 Power Plant Rules

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is under scrutiny after announcing plans to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a key piece of climate legislation from 2015. Environmental groups have swiftly filed a lawsuit, arguing the rollback will increase carbon emissions and harm public health—especially in communities already vulnerable to air pollution. The court case brings attention to the mounting conflict between environmental safeguards and regulatory rollback, especially during global climate discussions. Environmental planners in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal say such developments might impact overseas climate finance flows and international negotiation dynamics.

26 Aug

Bajaj Pulsar unveils festive hattrick offer across India, boost rider benefits

Business BureauBusiness

Bajaj Auto Ltd., India’s leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, today launched its Festive Hattrick Offer, providing customers with triple benefits on the Pulsar range. The limited-period initiative, covering Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, North East, and Uttar Pradesh, delivers advantages worth ₹10,000 through cashback, insurance savings, and zero processing fees. Coinciding with its new campaign, “Duniya Dekhti Hai Tu Dikha,” the offer encourages India’s youth to showcase their daring spirit while enjoying the performance and pride of owning a Pulsar motorcycle. Bajaj Auto emphasizes the alignment of the Hattrick offer with India’s festive calendar, from Navratri…

26 Aug

HDFC Bank Share Price Falls

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

HDFC Bank shares slipped over 1% on Tuesday after turning ex-date for its recently announced bonus issue. The stock fell as much as 1.45% to ₹968 on the BSE. The bank had declared a 1:1 bonus issue alongside its quarterly earnings last month, meaning shareholders will receive one bonus share of face value Re 1 for every fully paid-up share held. August 26, 2025, is the record date to determine eligible shareholders. While share prices typically adjust on the ex-date to reflect the bonus, the overall value of an investor’s holdings remains unchanged. Prashanth Tapse of Mehta Equities noted that…

26 Aug

Sarma, Pramod Boro, and Hagrama are holding high-pitched rallies as the Bitcoin poll campaign heats up

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

With the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections fast approaching, political temperatures in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) are rising rapidly. Leaders of three major parties—the BJP, UPPL, and BPF—have hit the campaign trail with massive rallies aimed at winning the confidence of voters in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested elections in recent years. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing large gatherings in Kalipukhuri under Salakati BTC constituency and Khasiyabari in Jamduar BTC constituency as part of the BJP’s Sankalp Samabekh on Monday, launched a scathing attack on both the current BTC administration…