Blog - The Purbottar

16 Feb

Bharatiya Janata Party-Led Government to Present Vote-on-Account Before Elections

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began today at a time when the political environment across the state is gradually becoming active ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections expected in March–April. The present session is considered important because it is likely to be the last sitting of the current government before voters go to the polls to elect a new Assembly. The four-day session started with the customary address by the Governor, which traditionally outlines the government’s achievements, policy priorities and administrative plans. The address formally set the tone for the legislative proceedings and also marked the beginning…

16 Feb

IRS 2026: Navigating Tax Law Changes Under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

editorBusiness

The 2026 tax filing season is officially underway, with the IRS now accepting 2025 federal income tax returns as of January 26. To ensure a smooth experience, taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and choose direct deposit, as the agency continues its transition toward a paperless system under the "Modernizing Payments" executive order. For most Americans, the deadline to file and pay any taxes owed is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This year brings several significant updates from the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," including adjusted standard deductions of $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, taxpayers…

16 Feb

The new terminal at Guwahati airport will open to travelers on February 22

Banasree SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the recently built terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport will open on February 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously opened the state-of-the-art Integrated Terminal 2 (T2) on December 20 with the goal of greatly increasing airport capacity and passenger convenience. The construction of the new facility is a significant step toward bolstering the Northeast's aviation infrastructure. The contemporary terminal, which was built at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore, is intended to accommodate 13.1 million people a year. It is anticipated that the terminal will significantly lessen traffic at…

16 Feb

Nihar Naturals launches ‘Fit Chul, Hit Chul’ campaign, blends music and haircare to engage consumers

Business BureauBusiness

Marico Limited has launched a new digital campaign for Nihar Naturals Hair Oil titled “Fit Chul, Hit Chul,” unveiling an original music track aimed at promoting healthy hair through a culturally rooted, youth-focused approach. Inspired by West Bengal’s musical heritage, the campaign highlights hair fitness as a symbol of confidence, self-expression, and modern lifestyle, reinforcing Nihar Naturals’ leadership as the number one hair oil brand in eastern India. The track, composed by regional artists Mrinmay MS and Shreya Basu, is supported by influencer-led promotions and celebrity brand ambassador Rukmini Maitra to drive engagement across reels and short-video platforms. According to…

16 Feb

Cardiology expert highlights laser that melts plaques in heart vessels

Business BureauBusiness

During a recent conclave in Guwahati, cardiac specialists showcased a laser-based treatment that vaporizes obstructions in heart blood vessels. The technique, known as laser therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure which involves guiding a thin, specialized catheter through the artery to the site of the blockage. The catheter emits controlled bursts of high-energy laser light that melts away the blockage from within. Once upon a time, treating blocked heart arteries meant open surgery, visible scars and long recovery periods. Today, doctors use bursts of laser light to clear plaque buildup -- a transformation that shows just how far heart care…

16 Feb

Assam Assembly Budget Session Begins

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The four-day Budget Session of Assam Legislative Assembly got underway today. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog will present the vote-on-account for the fiscal 2026-27 in the Assembly tomorrow. Since assembly elections are due in the state this year, a vote-on-account or interim budget will be presented instead of a full- fledged budget. The new government to be formed after the polls will present a full-fledged budget later. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika said that the Governor will give his speech today and there will be a discussion on his speech. "Tomorrow, the proceedings will begin with Question Hour followed by…

16 Feb

Bhupen Borah Quits Assam Congress, Sparks Political Buzz

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Congress party in Assam faces a significant challenge ahead of the Assembly polls as Bhupen Kumar Borah, the former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has resigned. He submitted his resignation to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing differences with the state leadership, particularly APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, regarding the formation of electoral alliances. Efforts are being made to convince Borah to reconsider his resignation, with Congress leader Mira Borthakur visiting him to persuade him to withdraw it. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Borah may be planning to join the BJP, potentially along with other Congress members from Lakhimpur…

16 Feb

Northeast Frontier Railway to Run Four Pairs of Holi Special Trains

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Northeast Frontier Railway will operate four pairs of Holi Special Trains to accommodate increased festive travel from February to March 2026. The routes include: Narangi to Gorakhpur (Special Train Number 05633) and back (05634), running Thursdays and Fridays respectively, with six trips each. The Narangi departure is at 1:20 PM, arriving in Gorakhpur at 1:00 PM the next day; the return train departs Gorakhpur at 4:55 PM, arriving in Narangi at 9:40 PM the following day. Katihar to Amritsar (Special Train Number 05736) and back (05735), operating Wednesdays and Fridays with six trips each. Train 05736 leaves Katihar at 9:00…

16 Feb

Governor Highlights Rich Legacy of Assamese Cinema at State Film Awards

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 9th Assam State Film Awards ceremony held at the Sri Sri Damodardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati on Sunday. Congratulating the award winners, the Governor described the ceremony as a living symbol of Assam’s artistic consciousness, creative spirit, and vibrant cultural celebration. He said that the land of Assam, known for its natural beauty and rich traditions, has always preserved its identity through language, folk arts, and storytelling, and that cinema has given new dimensions to these traditions by taking them to wider audiences. Recalling the glorious journey of Assamese cinema, the Governor paid…

16 Feb

Tension Grips Ruksin After Violent Protests Over Silicon Factory; Three Security Personnel Injured

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Tension arose in Ruksin, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday due to violent protests by local residents against the proposed silicon factory at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre. The protests escalated, resulting in injuries to two police constables and one officer from the CRPF, leading to the detention of two individuals accused of inciting unlawful activities among the protesters. This unrest coincided with an effort by district administration and police to comply with an interim order from the Gauhati High Court, which instructed local authorities to facilitate the transportation of materials to the silicon factory. The High Court had…