Blog - The Purbottar

05 Jul

KAAC to review legality of mining in Karbi Anglong on July 7

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) convened a high-level preparatory meeting on Thursday evening at the KAAC Secretariat’s CEM Block. The meeting, chaired by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang, laid the groundwork for a comprehensive review of mining operations across the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, scheduled for July 7. The closed-door session saw the participation of key decision-makers including Executive Members Tiluttoma Hasnu and Prabhat Chandra Taro, Principal Secretary Mukul Kumar Saikia (IAS), senior-most Secretary Si-im Taro, various department secretaries, and senior officials from the forest, mining, and environment departments. Also present was the Principal Chief…

05 Jul

California Declares Emergency Over Extreme Heatwave

Mohini BarmanInternational

A severe heatwave is gripping California and much of the U.S. West Coast, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in inland areas. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to free up resources and support for power grid stabilization and firefighting services. Hospitals are reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses, while wildfires have erupted in several counties. The farming sector is also under pressure, with irrigation systems failing and crops drying prematurely. The situation serves as a climate warning for South Asian regions increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns, especially as heatwaves intensify in places like Delhi, Dhaka, and…

05 Jul

“Bodoland Speaks” will be launched in Guwahati by Assam CM

Banasree SarkarAssam

"Bodoland Speaks: From Vision to Action," a historic program that unites the goals, accomplishments, and voices of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), will be hosted by the Bodoland Territorial Council. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma will officially launch the event on July 6 at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati, with BTR CEM Pramod Boro and other dignitaries in attendance. The program's main goal is to showcase BTR's transformation from isolation to inclusion and from conflict to cooperation through grassroots involvement, culture, language, and government. The ceremonial release of books like "Transforming Bodoland: A Journey of Change in…

05 Jul

Crude oil futures downgrade amid weak demand

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, Crude oil futures on Friday fell by Rs 20 to Rs 5,704 per barrel as participants offloaded their positions due to weak demand in the spot market. Crude oil contracts for July delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange fell by Rs 20, or 0.35 percent, to Rs 5,704 per barrel in a business turnover of 11,943 lots. Analysts said prices were impacted as participants offloaded their positions amid weak demand in the spot market. Globally, West Texas Intermediate crude was trading 0.36 percent lower at $66.76 per barrel, while Brent crude was down 0.47 percent at $68.48 per…

04 Jul

Rupee upgrade 31 paise to 85.31 against US dollar

editorBusiness, News

New Delhi, The rupee on Thursday recovered from early losses to close 31 paise higher at 85.31 (provisional) following a weakening of the dollar against major currencies overseas and a fall in US Treasury yields. Forex traders said the dollar declined due to weaker-than-expected ADP non-farm employment data from the US. They said a fall in global crude oil prices also supported the local currency. The domestic currency opened at 85.69 against the US currency at the interbank foreign exchange market and touched an intra-day high of 85.19 and a low of 85.70 during the session. The local currency finally…

04 Jul

Medanta launches ‘Honouring the Oath’ film on National Doctor’s Day, reinforces commitment to ethical healthcare

Business BureauBusiness

The Medicity, India’s leading super-speciality hospital and ranked Best Private Hospital by Newsweek for six consecutive years, today announced the release of its new brand film ‘Honouring the Oath’ to mark National Doctor’s Day 2025. The film is a tribute to doctors who live their medical oath every day with compassion, integrity, and responsibility. Drawing inspiration from Bharat Ratna Dr. B.C. Roy, the film brings the Indian Medical Council’s Code of Ethics to life through compelling visuals that reflect non-discriminatory care, patient dignity, and confidentiality. The initiative highlights Medanta’s core philosophy—where medicine is not just a profession but a lifelong…

04 Jul

Škoda Auto India achieves highest-ever half-yearly sales, climbs to top 7 in Indian auto market

Business BureauBusiness

Škoda Auto India announces a historic milestone with its highest-ever half-yearly sales of 36,194 units in the January–June 2025 period, registering an impressive 134% growth over H1 2024. This achievement coincides with the brand’s 25th anniversary in India and 130th globally, reflecting the strong demand and customer trust in Škoda’s evolving product portfolio. With this record performance, Škoda Auto India has ascended to the top seven automotive brands in the country, up from 11th place last year. Key contributors to this growth include the launch of the Kylaq, the brand’s first sub-4m SUV, and the new-generation Kodiaq luxury SUV, complemented…

04 Jul

Permanent Universal Lunch Access for All Public School Students

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States has made its pandemic-era free school lunch policy permanent, ensuring every public school student across the nation has access to free meals, regardless of household income. The policy, passed with bipartisan support, aims to combat food insecurity among children and reduce stigma around free meals. Education experts say the move is expected to improve classroom focus, attendance, and health outcomes. Local districts are also encouraged to source food from regional farms, supporting sustainable agriculture. This policy may inform discussions in South Asian education systems where midday meals are already central but inconsistently implemented.

04 Jul

London Launches AI-Powered Trash Bins in Public Spaces

Mohini BarmanInternational

The city of London has introduced AI-powered “smart bins” in key public areas to combat litter and improve waste collection efficiency. These bins are equipped with sensors and image recognition technology that alert sanitation teams when full or when unusual waste items are deposited. Officials from the London Waste Management Authority said the system reduces collection costs and encourages public participation in recycling. Residents can also track bin status via a mobile app. This initiative could inspire similar urban smart waste management solutions in Asian metro cities like Kolkata or Dhaka struggling with public cleanliness.

04 Jul

Renowned writer Shankardev Dhakal honoured with Bhanu Award

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim has announced the list of awardees for the 211th Bhanu Jayanti celebration, to be held on July 13. The annual state-level event commemorates the birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a revered figure in Nepali literature who famously translated the Ramayana from Sanskrit into Nepali, giving the language a spiritual and literary foundation. Every year, Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated with grandeur across Sikkim and other Nepali-speaking regions, bringing together poets, artists, writers, and cultural practitioners. The celebrations include cultural performances, poetry recitations, and public tributes, with awards being the highlight of the event. These honours…