Blog - The Purbottar

15 Dec

From Today, Indians Can Visit Historic Doklam and Cho La as Sikkim Launches Regulated Battlefield Tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim will open two of its most sensitive and historically important border areas; Doklam and Cho La for domestic tourists from today marking a significant step in India’s expanding battlefield tourism initiative. The decision allows Indian citizens to visit locations that have played a crucial role in the country’s military history but have so far remained largely closed to the public due to their strategic importance. The move is part of the central government’s wider Ranbhoomi Darshan programme, which aims to give people an opportunity to learn about major conflict sites across India and understand the sacrifices made by soldiers…

15 Dec

Veteran Journalist and Assam Tribune Chairman Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passes Away at 93

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Prafulla Govinda Baruah, one of Assam’s most respected journalists and the long-time Chairman of The Assam Tribune Group, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 93. He breathed his last at around 9.30 pm at a private hospital in Guwahati, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments for the past few days, family sources said. Baruah’s death marks the end of an era in Assam’s journalistic history. Widely regarded as the doyen of journalism in the state, he played a key role in shaping responsible, balanced and principled reporting in the Northeast over several decades. He…

15 Dec

Johns Hopkins University, great learning launch AI in healthcare program; strong interest in Kolkata

Business BureauBusiness

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has partnered with Great Learning to launch a 10-week AI in Healthcare program, a move that has drawn strong attention from Kolkata’s growing medical and health-tech community. The online program, designed by JHU faculty, enables healthcare professionals to apply artificial intelligence to preventive care, diagnostics, operations, and decision-making. The course does not require coding knowledge and is aimed at doctors, researchers, pharmaceutical professionals, consultants, and policymakers. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Johns Hopkins University along with six Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Industry observers in Kolkata say the city’s hospitals and tech-enabled diagnostic centers are…

15 Dec

Turkish Airlines launches Phnom Penh flights, boost connectivity for Kolkata travellers

Business BureauBusiness

Turkish Airlines has expanded its global footprint by launching flights to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, marking a significant boost for travelers from Kolkata who increasingly rely on Istanbul as a key transit hub. With this addition, Cambodia becomes the airline’s 132nd country and the 11th city it serves in Southeast Asia. The new route strengthens commercial ties between Türkiye and Cambodia and expands the carrier’s Far East network to 20 cities. For Kolkata passengers, the development offers improved one-stop access to Cambodia; an emerging tourism and business destination known for its cultural heritage and growing trade links. The…

15 Dec

Turkish Airlines opens first European lounge abroad; Kolkata flyers to benefit from enhanced connectivity

Business BureauBusiness

Turkish Airlines has opened its first-ever European lounge outside Türkiye at Edinburgh Airport, strengthening its global premium service network and offering enhanced travel comfort for passengers from cities like Kolkata who frequently use Istanbul as a major international transit point. The lounge, inaugurated on December 10, spans 673 sq. metres and accommodates 149 guests with facilities such as Turkish pide service, buffet dining, relaxation zones, Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, baby-care rooms and accessible restrooms. The airline, operating flights to more countries than any other carrier, said the move reinforces its commitment to European markets. Chief Operations Officer M. AkifKonar stated that…

15 Dec

Kolkata sees employers brace for higher health costs as India’s 2026 medical trend hits 11.5%

editorNorth East

Employers across Kolkata are preparing for another year of rising employee healthcare expenses, as India’s medical trend rate is expected to reach 11.5% in 2026, according to Aon’s latest Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The projection marks a slight moderation from 13% in 2025 but still remains above the global average of 9.8%. Local HR managers and insurance brokers say this rise is already influencing budgeting discussions in major Kolkata business districts such as Sector V and Dalhousie. Companies are reassessing benefit plans as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues and cancer continue to be the biggest cost drivers. Hypertension and poor…

15 Dec

Seven Rohingyas apprehended in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Seven members of the Rohingya community were detained in Assam's Cachar district while allegedly attempting to cross illegally into Bangladesh from India. The group, comprising one man, three women, and three children, was apprehended at Hilara railway station. Local residents became suspicious of their movements and reported them to the police, who confirmed that the group would be "pushed back" to Bangladesh after necessary verification procedures were completed.

15 Dec

Mukul Dismisses Speculation Over Joining NPP

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Mukul Sangma, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, dismissed rumors about joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), calling them 'wishful thinking.' He responded to speculation following his presence in New Delhi, coinciding with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong's visit. Mukul asserted he was in his constituency, Songsak, engaging with residents and focusing on strengthening his party amidst poor phone connectivity. He emphasized that interactions with Conrad and Prestone are common among colleagues and do not signify a political alignment, highlighting differences in their political ideologies. Furthermore, he mentioned the challenges…

13 Dec

Manipal Hospitals launches ‘Anveshana’ in Darjeeling to strengthen regional cancer care

Business BureauBusiness

With cancer cases rising across North Bengal and the hill districts, Manipal Hospitals Siliguri and Rangapani organised an awareness programme in Darjeeling on Friday under its flagship initiative ‘Anveshana – Medical Education for Media’. The hospital group also announced free teleconsultation for first-time patients and free second opinions for cancer surgeries, aimed at improving access to specialist care in remote hill regions. The session was addressed by Dr Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer (East), Manipal Hospitals, and Sanjay Singh Mahapatra, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospitals Siliguri. They highlighted the importance of early cancer detection, emergency care and timely medical intervention.…

13 Dec

Doctors stress early detection as digestive and joint problems rise in Contai

Business BureauBusiness

Medical experts have stressed the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle changes as gastrointestinal and orthopaedic problems continue to rise in Contai and nearby areas. Speaking at an awareness session organised by Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria under the Anveshana initiative, doctors said many digestive and bone-related conditions remain untreated until they become serious.Gastroenterologist Dr Goutam Das said diseases such as fatty liver, acid reflux and intestinal infections often develop silently, but early evaluation can prevent long-term complications.Orthopaedic specialist Dr Vikrant Sinha Roy said joint pain and reduced mobility are increasing due to ageing and lifestyle changes, urging people not to ignore…