Blog - The Purbottar

16 Apr

Digital Shops Empower Bangladeshi Women Amid Economic Shifts

Sonakshi SarkarBangladesh

In Bangladesh, a growing number of women are launching online businesses through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. From fashion boutiques to home-based catering, the trend is reshaping traditional ideas of women’s work in urban Dhaka and beyond. The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) reports that over 15,000 new women-led digital businesses were registered in the last 18 months. Platforms like Daraz and Evaly are also helping small female-run businesses reach wider audiences. Many of these women are homemakers, college students, or retired professionals who turned to digital entrepreneurship during the pandemic and continued as…

16 Apr

Redmi A5 launched in India: A game changer in entry-level smartphones

Business BureauBusiness

Xiaomi India has unveiled the much-anticipated Redmi A5, setting a new benchmark in the entry-level smartphone segment. Packed with cutting-edge features such as a 120Hz high-refresh-rate display, a 32MP AI dual camera, and a powerful 5200mAh battery, the Redmi A5 promises to offer smooth performance and immersive user experiences at an unbeatable price. Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer of Xiaomi India, shared, “The Redmi A5 reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value in the entry-level market. Its large 120Hz display, AI-powered 32MP camera, and long-lasting battery ensure that users can enjoy premium features without compromising on affordability.” Designed for everyday…

16 Apr

In Assam, the world’s first boilerless sugarcane processing facility was established

Banasree SarkarAssamsugarcane plant

The establishment of the world's first boilerless sugarcane processing machine, designed by Punjab-based Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SEDL) in partnership with Ecotech Agro Mills, is bringing a new era of sugarcane growing to the farmers of Assam. Located in the Hojai district's Bamungaon, close to Lanka, this state-of-the-art facility can crush 500 tonnes per day (TCD). This new facility is entirely carbon neutral because it doesn't utilize any fossil fuels, unlike traditional sugar mills that require burning bagasse to power boilers. The factory transforms sugarcane into high-quality jaggery without any smoke, steam, or trash, which represents a significant advancement in…

16 Apr

Raju Bista applauds Govt move to cancel anti-waqf rally

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

People across Siliguri, Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars have expressed a sense of relief and gratitude after the cancellation of a proposed rally against the Waqf Amendment Act that was planned by certain Islamist organisations. The rally was scheduled to take place in Siliguri but was called off after intervention from the West Bengal government and local administration. BJP MP from Darjeeling and national spokesperson of the party, Raju Bista, welcomed the decision. He said it was a wise step and praised the administration for convincing the organisers to cancel the rally. “I am grateful that good sense has prevailed.…

16 Apr

Sikkim BJP flags ‘serious lapse’ in STNM hospital services

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sikkim, has voiced strong concern over the recurring disruption in water supply at the STNM Hospital in Sochakgang, terming it a serious failure in basic public service delivery. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, BJP Sikkim State President Dr. Thapa condemned the ongoing irregular water supply at the state’s premier government hospital, stating that the issue has become a weekly ordeal for patients and their families. “A hospital requires 24/7 water access for hygiene, care, and patient dignity. The current state of affairs is unacceptable,” Thapa said, questioning whether the problem stems from departmental…

16 Apr

Artemis III Astronauts Begin Final Phase of Lunar Training

Sonakshi SarkarNASA

NASA’s Artemis III mission is entering its final preparation phase as astronauts gear up for what will be the longest human stay on the Moon to date. Scheduled for late 2026, this mission aims to establish a permanent lunar research base as a stepping stone to Mars. The crew, including astronauts from the U.S. and Canada, will conduct geological research and test long-duration life-support systems. Unlike previous missions, Artemis III will land at the Moon’s south pole, an area rich in water ice. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that international collaboration is key to the mission. Japan, the UK, and…

16 Apr

Sikkim’s Nathula corridor closed after heavy snowfall

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Heavy snowfall along the Nathula-Tsomgo Lake corridor in East Sikkim on Tuesday left hundreds of tourists stranded, prompting an urgent rescue response by district authorities and emergency teams. Officials confirmed that over 1,500 vehicles with valid permits were allowed to access the popular tourist route earlier in the day. However, the sudden intensification of snowfall, particularly near Changu Lake and Nathula Pass, caused severe road blockages and traffic congestion. Rescue operations were swiftly launched to aid the stranded tourists. Local authorities deployed road-clearing equipment and coordinated with police and paramilitary forces to evacuate people from affected zones. The priority remains…

16 Apr

Rider registration opens for Season 2 of Indian Supercross Racing League

Business BureauBusiness

The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), India’s premier franchise-based Supercross platform, is gearing up for an even bigger and more thrilling Season 2. With the rider registration window opening on 24th April 2025, the league promises heightened competition, new international faces, and returning global stars. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural season, which attracted over 100 athletes from nine countries, ISRL is rapidly solidifying its position as a global motorsport hub. Notable updates for Season 2 include the inclusion of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the official brand ambassador, amplifying the league’s reach and appeal. "Season 1 was just…

16 Apr

NSDC International strengthens global skill partnerships during delegation to Germany

Business BureauBusiness

NSDC International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), recently led a delegation to Germany to explore cross-border skill partnerships aimed at preparing the global workforce for the rapidly evolving demands of industries. The visit included participation in the prestigious OAV Conference in Hamburg, attended by delegates from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The key focus of the visit was to bridge the gap between industry requirements and educational providers globally, with an emphasis on Germany’s leadership in workforce development. NSDC International CEO, Shri Alok Kumar, highlighted the importance of fostering new-age skills to…

16 Apr

Thousands protest in Assam over alleged police assault on innocent youth

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A day that began in celebration of Bohag Bihu—the Assamese New Year—took a dramatic and violent turn in Duliajan, Assam, as thousands of protestors stormed the Naholia Police Station following allegations of police assault on a local youth. The unrest reportedly stemmed from a late-night confrontation involving a vehicle transporting cattle. According to local sources, the dispute escalated quickly, and in the confusion, an innocent youth was allegedly beaten by police personnel. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 15, quickly spread through word of mouth, triggering widespread anger among members of the local Adivasi community. By…