Blog - The Purbottar

11 Nov

U.S. Election 2025: Early Polls Show Tight Race Between Democrats and Republicans

Mohini BarmanInternational

The upcoming 2025 U.S. presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in recent history. Early national polls show both the Democratic and Republican nominees running neck and neck, with less than a two-point difference in voter support. Economic uncertainty, immigration policy, and healthcare reforms are among the major issues dominating voter sentiment. Political analysts believe that younger voters and suburban women could decide the outcome, as both parties ramp up digital outreach and local campaigning. The Democrats are focusing on protecting democracy and climate policy, while the Republicans are promising stricter border controls and…

11 Nov

Bajaj Finance shares fall 8%

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

Shares of Bajaj Finance Ltd., one of India’s leading non-bank lenders, tumbled up to 8% on Tuesday, November 11, after the company reported its September quarter results post-market hours on Monday. The management reduced its full-year Assets Under Management (AUM) growth forecast to 22–23% from the earlier 24–25%, citing slower growth in mortgage and SME segments. SME growth is now expected at 10–12%, with MSME performance likely to bottom out in the first quarter of FY26. Credit costs are projected to stay at the upper end of the 1.85–1.95% range before improving next year, prompting a 25% cut in unsecured…

11 Nov

From Fursatganj to Faith: How Bunty Aur Babli and Black Redefined Hindi Cinema

editorEntertainment

The 'small town' genre saw a resurgence, with romantic comedies set abroad from the same studio. Popular pairs included Abhishek and Rani, or Saif and Preity. Loud comedies dominated 2005, but the year also featured 'Black,' which introduced discussions on disability to a wider audience. Bunty aur Babli transformed the small town through a YRF-led designer enhancement. You contemplate whether Kanpur native Shaad Ali would identify his city in his film, which centers on two small-town youths who leave home in pursuit of greater opportunities and dreams. In this analysis, the film is credited with reviving the 'small town' aesthetic…

11 Nov

Medanta expands North India presence with 550-bed Noida hospital, Q2 revenue rises 15%

Business BureauBusiness

Medanta Global Health Limited (NSE: Medanta) has strengthened its leadership in Delhi/NCR with the launch of a 550-bed super-specialty hospital in Noida. Operational since September 2025 with 226 beds, 81 ICU beds, and five operating theatres, the hospital has onboarded 151 doctors and deployed advanced medical technology to deliver world-class care. For Q2 FY2026, Medanta posted a consolidated total income of INR 11,189 million, up 14.8% year-on-year and 6.4% quarter-on-quarter. EBITDA excluding Noida rose 13.7% to INR 2,804 million, while net profit surged 21.1% to INR 1,584 million, reflecting robust volume growth with inpatient and outpatient counts increasing 12.7% and…

11 Nov

Lhabab Duchen celebrated with devotion at Alley Dechen Choling Gumpa in Namchi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Alley Dechen Choling Gumpa in Namchi witnessed a spiritually vibrant celebration of Lhabab Duchen, drawing monks, devotees, and well-wishers to participate in a two-day ceremony dedicated to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all sentient beings. The sacred event was presided over by His Eminence Kyabje Dhakpo Rinpoche, featuring traditional rituals such as Rewa Sangh, Solkha, and Tse-wang offerings, performed with deep reverence and devotion. The ceremonies commemorated the Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realms, reinforcing the spiritual significance of Lhabab Duchen in the Buddhist calendar. In addition to the religious observances, the celebration paid heartfelt tribute to the…

11 Nov

Assam CM supports the “Nation First” vision while empowering women entrepreneurs in Dhubri

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday disbursed financial assistance to women entrepreneurs in Dhubri under the state’s flagship Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), reinforcing his commitment to inclusive development and the ‘Nation First’ principle. The event took place in a constituency considered politically challenging for the ruling party, where the Congress had recorded a decisive victory by nearly 10 lakh votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. Sarma stated, “This is Dhubri — where most people are not our traditional voter base, and Congress won by 10 lakh votes in 2024. Yet for us,…

11 Nov

Born in Assam, Built for India: slice Small Finance Bank marks one year of growth, innovation and inclusion

Business BureauBusiness

In just one year since its inception, slice Small Finance Bank (SFB) born in Assam and built for India has emerged as a model of modern banking rooted in community trust, technology, and inclusion. Founded on the strong values of Assam’s resilience and spirit of innovation, the bank has successfully merged traditional banking principles with a digital-first approach, creating a lasting impact both in the Northeast and across India. During its first year of operations, slice SFB demonstrated solid financial growth and reinforced its commitment to the people of Assam through sustainable governance, innovation, and job creation. The bank has…

10 Nov

Coke Buddy revolutionizes India’s kirana stores with smart digital platform

Business BureauBusiness

Coca-Cola India is transforming neighborhood kirana stores into smart retail hubs with its AI-enabled digital platform, Coke Buddy. Designed to streamline daily operations, the platform allows retailers to place orders anytime, track deliveries, and access real-time pricing and promotions through a single app. Since its launch, Coke Buddy has reached over 10 lakh retailers, achieving one of the fastest scale-ups of any FMCG eB2B platform in India. Retailers have welcomed the app for its ease of use and efficiency. “Coke Buddy has changed the way we do business, bringing transparency into our work. I can place orders anytime with deals…

10 Nov

Aadhar Housing Finance reports 21% AUM growth, 18% PAT rise in H1 FY26

Business BureauBusiness

Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd has posted robust financial results for the quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2025, reflecting steady growth in its affordable housing finance portfolio. The company reported a 21% year-on-year (YoY) growth in Assets Under Management (AUM), reaching ₹27,554 crore, while Profit After Tax (PAT) rose 18% YoY to ₹504 crore in H1 FY26 from ₹428 crore in H1 FY25. In the July–September quarter, Aadhar Housing Finance recorded a PAT of ₹266 crore, up 17% YoY. Its total income climbed 18% to ₹899 crore in Q2FY26, while net worth stood at ₹6,894 crore, bolstered by IPO proceeds…

10 Nov

Shanti Rai of Sikkim wins the 70-kilometer Kohima Ultra Trail, inspiring young people with her tenacity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s trail runner Shanti Rai has brought pride to her state by securing first place in the Kohima Ultra Trail 70 km open female category at the Trail Run Championship held in Kohima, Nagaland, on November 8, 2025. She completed the challenging 70-kilometre run in 10 hours and 52 minutes, earning applause from fellow runners, sports enthusiasts, and people across Sikkim. The Kohima Ultra Trail is known for its tough route, steep hills, and rough mountain paths that test both physical strength and mental endurance. Competing against experienced runners from across the country, Shanti displayed remarkable stamina, focus, and willpower…