Blog - The Purbottar

11 Apr

Axis Mutual Fund launches Defence Index Fund, opens NFO on April 10

Business BureauBusiness

Axis Mutual Fund has announced the launch of its new offering — the Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund — an open-ended index fund designed to track the performance of the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index (TRI). The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open for subscription on April 10 and close on April 24, 2026. The fund aims to provide returns, before expenses, that closely correspond to the underlying index, offering a low-cost and transparent route for investors to tap into India’s growing defence sector. The move comes amid rising global defence spending, which crossed USD 2.7 trillion in…

11 Apr

Purabi crosses Rs 400 crore turnover in FY26; farmer network expands to 58,000

Paromita EditorAssam

The annual pre-Rongali Bihu celebrations at Purabi Dairy on Saturday brought together employees and members of the media at the dairy’s premises, where the cooperative also marked a key milestone in its growth journey. On the occasion, Purabi Dairy said it has crossed an annual turnover of Rs 400 crore in the financial year 2025–26.The cooperative’s expansion continues to be driven by its growing farmer base, which now includes over 58,000 dairy farmers across Assam. Average milk procurement has risen to 1.6 lakh litres per day with peak procurement crossing 2LLPD, reflecting both increased participation and strengthening of the rural…

11 Apr

Honda hits 10 million sales milestone in East, strengthens grip in key markets

Business BureauBusiness

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has achieved a major milestone of 10 million cumulative sales in India’s East region, underlining its growing dominance across states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and the North-East. The company said the achievement reflects steady expansion across metro and semi-urban markets, where two-wheelers remain central to daily mobility. The East has emerged as a key growth engine for HMSI, driven by strong demand in cities like Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati. Popular models such as the Honda Activa and Honda Dio in the scooter segment, along with Honda SP125 and Honda…

11 Apr

Gangtok Faces Severe Water Crisis Across Multiple Localities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Several areas of Gangtok are facing a serious water shortage, with residents reporting major disruption in daily life due to irregular and insufficient supply.Localities such as Dara Gaon, Tadong and 6th Mile, along with nearby areas, have been among the worst affected. Residents said the water distribution system has failed in recent days, forcing many families to struggle for basic drinking water.The shortage has also affected students and small business owners. With academic schedules underway, many students are finding it difficult to manage studies without access to clean water. Locals said the situation has added to stress and inconvenience, especially…

11 Apr

Ablaze 2026 Grand Finale Held at Nar Bahadur Bhandari College, Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The grand finale of Ablaze 2026 was held with much enthusiasm at the auditorium of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College in Gangtok, bringing together students, teachers and guests for a full day of cultural programmes and competitions.Justice A.P. Subba, Chairperson of Lokayukta, Sikkim, attended the event as the chief guest, while Arjun Kumar Ghatani, Advisor to the AYUSH Department, Government of Sikkim, was the guest of honour. The programme began with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by the national anthem and a welcome address by Vice Chancellor Jagannath Patnaik of ICFAI University Sikkim. The formal session included felicitation of guests,…

11 Apr

ZOYA goes Pink: ABD Maestro unveils mix berries gin amid premium spirits boom

Business BureauBusiness

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers, has launched ZOYA Pink Mix Berries Gin, expanding its premium ZOYA portfolio with a small-batch, craft-led offering. The launch comes at a time when India’s premium spirits segment is witnessing strong growth, driven by younger consumers exploring craft beverages and experimental cocktails. Industry trends show rising demand for flavour-forward spirits with strong visual appeal and elevated drinking experiences, positioning India as a key global market. ZOYA Pink Mix Berries Gin blends a classic juniper base with strawberry, cranberry, blackberry, and raspberry, creating a visually striking,…

11 Apr

Jio-bp Absorbs Costs as International Crude Hits $100

nanika EditorBusiness

In a significant move for Indian consumers, Jio-bp, the fuel retailing joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd. and BP Plc, has announced it will not raise petrol and diesel prices immediately. This decision comes despite a sharp spike in international crude oil prices, driven largely by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking on the sidelines of a recent industry event, Jio-bp Chief Executive Akshay Wadhwa clarified the company’s stance, stating, "We are in this with the country." By maintaining current retail rates, Jio-bp joins public sector oil marketing companies in a collective effort to shield the domestic economy from…

11 Apr

UGC Nod Gives Assam College Academic and Curriculum Freedom

Business BureauAssam

University Grants Commission has granted autonomous status to Gauhati Commerce College for a period of five years, marking a significant step for higher education in Assam. The new status will be effective from the academic session 2026–27 and will continue till 2030–31. Officials said the decision reflects the college’s steady performance in academics and its efforts to maintain quality education over the years. With this recognition, the college will now have the freedom to design its own syllabus, introduce new courses, and conduct examinations independently. However, it will continue to remain affiliated with its parent university. The autonomous status is…

11 Apr

Repoll Held in Assam’s Sribhumi After Voting Irregularities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Repolling was held on April 11 at a polling station in Assam’s Sribhumi district after reports of irregularities and disturbance during the earlier phase of voting. The fresh polling took place at Babyland English High School in the Karimganj North area, where the Election Commission stepped in to ensure a fair process. Voting began at 7 am amid strong security presence. Officials said additional forces were deployed at the booth to prevent any untoward incident and to maintain order throughout the day. The repoll was ordered after a tense situation was reported on April 9, when allegations of vote rigging…

11 Apr

BIBA launches summer festive edit for Poila Boishakh, blend tradition with contemporary style

Business BureauBusiness

BIBA has unveiled its summer festive edit to mark Poila Boishakh, aligning with the cultural spirit of renewal and celebration across Bengal. The collection captures the essence of the occasion, where traditional motifs meet modern silhouettes, catering to the evolving style preferences of the modern Indian woman. The edit reflects the customary preference for white and red—symbolic of celebration—through kurta sets featuring bold tones and contemporary prints. Designed for comfort during the warm April weather, the collection incorporates breathable fabrics such as cotton and mul. It includes printed suit sets with floral and earthy accents, sharara sets, A-line silhouettes, and…