Blog - The Purbottar

12 Dec

Soren to Send Special Team to Assam as Tea Garden Adivasis Raise Issues of Wages, Land Rights and Identity

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

An organisation representing Assam’s tea garden workers met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren this week and highlighted the long-standing social, economic and identity-related struggles faced by Adivasi communities working in Assam’s tea plantations. The delegation from Adivasi Samanvaya Samiti Bharat (Assam) told the chief minister that decades of neglect by successive governments in Assam have left the tea tribe population marginalised in almost every sector of life. According to a statement issued by the Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Office, the group explained how Adivasi workers continue to face barriers in wages, land rights, education, healthcare, and recognition of their identity. The…

12 Dec

Millie Bobby Brown films Stranger Things themed content at Yas Island, calls the experience “amazing”

Business BureauBusiness

Hollywood actor Millie Bobby Brown has filmed new Stranger Things–themed content at Yas Island Abu Dhabi and described the experience as “amazing”, according to a video released this week. The footage shows her relaxing on a pool float and joking that she is “upside down once again,” linking the location with references from the Netflix series. The shoot features Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Beach, with the storyline teasing mystery elements, including a walkie-talkie message and the phrase “Code Red”. The content will continue in upcoming episodes filmed across multiple attractions. For fans in Kolkata, the involvement of…

12 Dec

Massive Guwahati Commercial Complex Fire Contained After 40 Hours; Safety Checks Underway

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A massive blaze that swept through a commercial complex housing a shopping mall and two SBI branches in Guwahati was finally brought under control on Thursday evening—nearly 40 hours after it began—officials said. Fire tenders from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Guwahati Refinery joined the state fire services in the prolonged operation. The fire broke out around 12.30 am on Wednesday at Swagata Square Complex, located at ABC Point. The building includes the premium and commercial banking branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) as well as the popular shopping mall Sohum Emporia. A senior Fire and…

12 Dec

Govt Extends Financial Grants to 442 Former BLT Cadres Living Beyond BTR Limits

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government on Thursday distributed financial grants to 442 former Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) members at a ceremony organised by the State Home Department and the Special Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary handed over the cheques as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into mainstream society. Senior officials, including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari, and Special ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath, were present at the event. Each former cadre received ₹2 lakh, aimed at…

12 Dec

Balipara Foundation Awards 2025 Celebrate Kaziranga’s ‘Van Durgas’ for Their Frontline Conservation Work

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve stands strong because of the unwavering dedication of its frontline staff. Among them shines a remarkable group of women known as the Van Durgas — fearless forest frontliners recognised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for their exceptional service to nature. With a force of around 108 women, these frontline heroes work as foresters and forest guards, forming the backbone of Kaziranga’s protection system.Their days begin with anti-poaching patrols and end with addressing human–wildlife conflict, eco-development work, and community engagement. Their courage reflects not only professional discipline but also a deep love for the wilderness…

12 Dec

220 Black Softshell Turtle Hatchlings Released at Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a significant conservation effort for Assam's endangered Black Softshell Turtle, the second batch of 110 hatchlings was released into Sildubi Wetland, Panpur, following the initial release of the same number at Roumari Beel on October 24, 2025, totaling 220 hatchlings. The release event was attended by MLA Shri Padma Hazarika, who emphasized the critical role of freshwater turtles as indicators of wetland health and integral parts of river ecosystems. He commended the partnerships among the Nagshankar Temple Committee, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), and the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP). This initiative, led by the…

12 Dec

16th Under The Sal Tree Theatre Festival Begins December 15 in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Badungduppa Kalakendra, a notable theatre institution in Rampur, Goalpara, is celebrating its ongoing legacy with a special one-day edition of the 'Under the Sal Tree' theatre festival on December 15, following its Silver Jubilee last year. Established over 25 years ago by the late Sukracharya Rabha, the institution is known for its innovative physical theatre style, which emphasizes minimal dialogue and expressive body language, earning both national and international recognition. The festival, now in its 16th edition, traditionally features performances conducted in a natural setting without artificial enhancements, attracting thousands of visitors. This year's event will be a single-day occasion…

11 Dec

Senco Gold & Diamonds launches new wedding collection with Kiara Advani

Business BureauBusiness

Senco Gold & Diamonds has announced its latest wedding collection, presented through the brand’s new campaign titled “Vivaah”. The range celebrates diverse Indian bridal traditions while offering contemporary jewellery designs for modern brides. According to the brand, the collection combines handcrafted work in gold, diamonds, polki, antique, temple and jadau styles created by its in-house karigars. Senco, which has an 85-year legacy rooted in craftsmanship, said each piece reflects traditional artistry while adapting to current bridal preferences. The campaign led by brand ambassador Kiara Advani highlights the emotional connection brides share with their wedding jewellery and emphasises individuality within traditional…

11 Dec

Aqua North East Summit on Dec 12 to Spotlight Aquaculture Growth in the Region

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Aqua North East Summit 2025, organized by Aqua Doctor Solutions and Fishery.News, will take place on December 12 in Guwahati. This event aims to transform the aquaculture landscape in Northeast India by focusing on technology-driven practices, stakeholder coordination, and investment promotion. It will address critical issues such as productivity gaps, scientific adoption, market linkages, value-chain inefficiencies, and climate vulnerabilities. Participants include government bodies, institutions, startups, cooperatives, and progressive farmers. Key topics will cover species diversification, cold-chain development, AI and IoT technologies, sustainability, and financial inclusion via government schemes like PMMSY. The summit will feature networking sessions, product showcases, and…

11 Dec

Insurance players expect travel insurance to find more takers after IndiGo fiasco

Purbalee DuttaBusiness

IndiGo’s large-scale flight cancellations last week have pushed travel insurance into the spotlight, as insurers report a noticeable rise in demand. Thousands of passengers were stranded nationwide after the airline failed to adjust its crew schedules to new fatigue-management norms, leading to ruined holidays, missed family events and disrupted medical appointments. Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO of Go Digit General Insurance, said uncertainty usually prompts travellers—who often ignore insurance—to reconsider. Events like mass cancellations, severe weather or peak-season delays encourage people to seek protection against unexpected disruptions. Industry experts note that only 7–8 out of every 100 domestic or international travellers currently…