Blog - The Purbottar

10 Feb

RBI policy outlook: Limited scope for further rate cuts, says Kotak Mahindra Bank Economist

Business BureauBusiness

The Reserve Bank of India’s latest monetary policy decision has broadly aligned with market expectations, with economists indicating limited room for further rate reductions amid emerging inflationary risks. Reacting to the policy announcement, Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) delivered decisions “completely in line with expectations” in terms of both the policy rate and overall stance. Bhardwaj noted that the inflation outlook for the first half of FY27 has been revised marginally upward, reflecting concerns over external price pressures and currency movements. She highlighted that uncertainty persists regarding growth and inflation projections…

10 Feb

1,000 Students Sensitised on Rhino Conservation Near Manas National Park

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A comprehensive series of 'Rhino Goes to School' awareness programmes took place over four days across four schools situated in the fringe areas of the Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve (MNP&TR) in Assam, specifically targeting the Bhuyanpara, Kokilabari, and Panbari forest ranges. The initiative reached approximately 1,000 students, emphasizing the significance of wildlife conservation, particularly for the Great one-horned rhinoceros. Led by Dr. C. Ramesh, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of MNP&TR, alongside Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, Deputy Director of the Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) at Aaranyak, the programme was implemented in collaboration with…

10 Feb

Kotak launches India’s first fully digital FPI registration with e-signature onboarding

Business BureauBusiness

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced that it has become the first custodian in India to enable Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) registration and account opening through electronic signatures, marking a significant step in the digitisation of India’s capital markets. The bank has already issued the first two FPI licences based entirely on digitally signed documentation, aligning the initiative with SEBI’s broader digital-transformation agenda under the FPI framework. The new system allows execution of all onboarding and account-opening processes without physical paperwork, eliminating wet signatures, reducing operational risk and enabling faster access for global investors seeking entry into Indian markets. Kotak said…

10 Feb

Rare Hoolock Gibbon Dies After Coming in Contact with Live Railway Line in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

In a distressing event that has raised alarm among conservationists, an endangered hoolock gibbon was electrocuted on a railway line those traverses one of Assam's biologically significant forests. This incident underscores the critical threats that the electrified railway poses to wildlife, particularly to tree-dwelling species such as hoolock gibbons. The recent electrification of the railway line, executed without adequate protective measures, has exacerbated the risks to these animals. Forest officials confirmed that the deceased was an adult male gibbon found in the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Mariani in Jorhat district. Arboreal species like gibbons typically avoid descending to…

10 Feb

Middle Subansiri Project Gets Green Signal as Lower Subansiri Units Begin Power Generation

Sonakshi SarkarNews

With two units of the Lower Subansiri Hydro Power Project already generating commercial electricity and a third unit set to come online shortly, NHPC has received all necessary clearances from the Central Government to begin construction of the Middle Subansiri Hydroelectric Project. At the same time, preliminary studies are underway for the proposed Upper Subansiri project. Official sources confirmed that the Government of India has granted investment clearance for the Middle Subansiri project, which is expected to generate more than 1,600 MW of power. Environmental clearance has also been secured, and the tendering process for construction has already begun. Regarding…

10 Feb

Tawang Hosts Capacity Building Programme on Bio-Fortified Rice

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A day-long capacity building training and interaction programme focusing on bio-fortified rice varieties was held at Zomkhang Hall in Tawang, organized by KVK Tawang in association with ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad Telangana. The event featured Keertika Kashyap from NABARD as the chief guest, alongside guest of honour Nawang Chonzom and several other dignitaries including Dr. C. N. Neeraja, Dr. Jyoti Badri, Dr. Kalyani M, Dr. Veerendra Jaldhani, Tashi Lungtan, and Jambey Tenzin. Farmers were educated about the suitability and benefits of bio-fortified rice varieties for hilly regions, focusing on their nutritional and agronomic advantages. The programme commenced with…

10 Feb

Indian Space Programmed Built on Cooperation, Not Competition: ISRO Chief

editorEconomy

India’s space programmed was founded as a people-centric and application-driven initiative rooted in international cooperation rather than rivalry, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said on Tuesday (February 10, 2026).Reflecting on six decades of India’s space journey, Mr. Narayanan noted that the programmed began with modest resources but a clear vision to serve societal needs. Over the years, it has grown into a globally respected ecosystem supporting communication, navigation, disaster management, climate studies and scientific research.He stressed that collaboration with international partners has remained a core philosophy, enabling India to contribute meaningfully to global space efforts while keeping humanity at the Centre…

10 Feb

UMEED 2026 Empowers Class XII Students with Career Guidance and Leadership Skills

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Education Department of the Government of Sikkim successfully organised and concluded “UMEED 2026,” a two-day Leadership and Career Advancement Conclave, at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Assam Lingzey in Pakyong district on February 7 and 8. The programme was conducted by the PM Shri Section of the department with the objective of guiding Class XII students who are preparing to move from school education to higher studies and professional careers. The conclave was designed keeping in mind the challenges that students usually face during the transition from school to college. Many students often feel uncertain about career choices, higher…

10 Feb

Sikkim Youth Urged to Participate Actively in Community Development and Democratic Processes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Youth Council of the Citizen Action Party–Sikkim (CAP–Sikkim) held an important meeting on Sunday at Mellidara in South Sikkim, where party leaders and council members gathered to discuss issues related to youth welfare, social responsibility, and the constructive role of young people in society. The meeting was chaired by Party President Ganesh K. Rai and saw the participation of several Youth Council members who shared their views and suggestions on strengthening youth engagement across the state. According to the party, the meeting was organised with the objective of creating a platform where youth representatives could openly discuss the challenges…

10 Feb

Maharashtra orders crackdown on illegal mosquito agarbattis ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sleep Well’

Business BureauBusiness

The Maharashtra Department of Agriculture has ordered a statewide crackdown on the illegal sale of mosquito agarbattis marketed under the brand names “Comfort” and “Sleep Well,” directing insecticide inspectors to initiate raids, seizures, and prosecution of violators under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the Insecticides Rules, 1971. Retailers and distributors across the state have been instructed to immediately stop stocking and selling the products, with authorities mandated to report enforcement actions to the Commissionerate of Agriculture. The action follows earlier investigations that detected unapproved insecticides in the two products through laboratory testing in Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai, prompting regulatory scrutiny.…