Blog - The Purbottar

11 Dec

World of Hyatt launches limited-period Club Suite offer for Visa premium cardholders

Business BureauBusiness

World of Hyatt has partnered with Visa to introduce a limited-period “World of Hyatt Club Suite Offer” for Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders across India and Southwest Asia. The offer provides a 15 per cent discount on Club-level rooms and Suites at participating Hyatt hotels, along with complimentary breakfast and evening happy hour for eligible guests. The scheme is valid for stays booked using qualifying Visa cards up to April 15, 2026. According to Hyatt, travellers can also earn five base points for every eligible US dollar spent on room bookings and incidentals. Hyatt officials said the collaboration aims…

11 Dec

Namdapha Intensifies Big Cat Monitoring Ahead of the 2025–26 National Census

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve is currently conducting an intensive field operation as part of the sixth All India Tiger Estimation 2025-26, facing significant challenges that test the resilience of its frontline protection teams. This extensive survey is critical to India’s wildlife conservation strategy, particularly for safeguarding its tiger population. The park's challenging environment, which includes dense forests and rugged terrain, coupled with unpredictable weather and communication difficulties, demands exceptional efforts from its staff, led by Field Director A. Deka. Historically, Namdapha was home to various big cats, including Bengal tigers and leopards, which have suffered from severe poaching…

11 Dec

Indra Hang Subba, a Sikkim MP, calls for cautious, technology-driven Lok Sabha election reforms

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba on Wednesday called for introducing technology-based improvements in India’s electoral system but reminded the Lok Sabha that such changes must be carried out with great care, especially for smaller and sensitive states like Sikkim. Speaking during a detailed discussion on Electoral Reforms, Subba said that reforms should not only improve efficiency and transparency but must also protect the unique demographic character of different regions. He explained that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls plays an important role in keeping voter lists accurate. However, he noted that in states with smaller populations, even small…

11 Dec

Axis Max Life’s e-commerce channel reports strong growth; digital buying rises in Northeast

Business BureauBusiness

Axis Max Life Insurance has reported a 52% two-year CAGR in its business sourced through the e-commerce channel during H1 FY26, making it one of the key players in India’s online insurance market. According to the company, the platform has now emerged as an important source for online protection and savings products. The insurer stated that 31% of new policies in FY25 and 35% of policies in H1 FY26 were sourced digitally, reflecting a strong behavioural shift in online buying. The direct-to-consumer web channel alone contributed ₹219 crore APE in H1 with 52% year-on-year growth. Company officials said the performance…

11 Dec

Assam CM Reviews Preparatory Arrangements Ahead of PM’s Visit to Namrup

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted a preparatory meeting on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Dibrugarh, involving various ministers, MLAs, and senior officials to review the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Namrup on December 21. Modi, during his visit to Assam on December 20 and 21, is set to inaugurate the new terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Borjhar, Guwahati, and unveil a statue of the esteemed Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. Furthermore, he will lay the foundation for a significant ammonia-urea project in Namrup, valued at approximately Rs 12,000 crore…

11 Dec

13th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum 2025 Kicks Off with Simultaneous Inaugurations Across Assam’s Top Universities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The 13th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™️ Forum (EHNF) 2025 commenced among four partner institutions: Gauhati University, Assam Royal Global University, IIT Guwahati, and Cotton University. Each university hosted thematic sessions focused on their strengths, such as sustainable land futures, social entrepreneurship, energy, water, forests, and biodiversity. Notable international figures, including Her Excellency May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, attended, highlighting the Forum’s global significance and promoting international environmental cooperation. Prominent companies like Tata Steel Foundation, SEROS, Coca-Cola, Google Singapore, and Tata Consumer Products Limited also contributed to the Forum, discussing their sustainability commitments within the Eastern Himalayan context. At Gauhati…

10 Dec

NHRCPO observed International Human Rights Day with a youth empowerment event at St. George High School

editorEducation, News

The National Human Rights and Corruption Prevention Organisation (NHRCPO), a NITI Aayog–recognized NGO founded in 2022, commemorated International Human Rights Day on 10th December at St. George's High School in Kolkata. Over 400 students, educators, and local residents participated in the event, themed "Rights for All: Ending Corruption's Grip," highlighting the link between graft and rights violations in everyday life.The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting and recitations from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Dr. Ruma Gomes, NHRCPO's National President, delivered the keynote: "In India, corruption undermines access to education and justice—our youth must champion transparency through awareness and…

10 Dec

India, Australia push skills mobility with focus on sports economy

Business BureauBusiness

India and Australia have agreed to deepen their partnership in skills development and workforce mobility during a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi as part of the 3rd Australia–India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting. The discussion was led by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Australian Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles. Both sides decided to fast‐track the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and design bridge courses to help Indian workers meet global standards, especially in advanced construction. The talks also highlighted new opportunities linked with India’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games…

10 Dec

Multi-storey commercial building gutted in Guwahati fire

Purbalee DuttaAssam

A major fire out at a multi-storey commercial building in the heart of Guwahati at the ABC area in the wee hours of Wednesday.Offices of State Bank of India and a popular apparel outlet called Sohum Emporia suffered extensive damage as the blaze rapidly engulfed all six floors of the building within minutes.However, there hasn't been any report of human casualty so far.Preliminary assessments indicate that cash, documents and property worth crores may have been lost in the incident.Several fire tenders were pressed into action, which took about hours to douse the flames.The cause of the fire is yet to…

10 Dec

Ambassador of Norway calls on Assam Health Minister

Purbalee DuttaAssam

Ambassador of Norway to India, Ms. May-Elin Stener, met Assam’s Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Irrigation, Ashok Singhal, at his office in the Assam Secretariat today and held discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest.During the meeting, the Ambassador showed keen interest in Assam’s diverse facets, interacting with the Minister on the state’s rich natural heritage, culture and its ongoing development journey. The Minister presented an overview of Assam’s potential, including its strides in sustainable development and public welfare initiatives.Both sides discussed strengthening mutual cooperation, with a special focus on women’s wellbeing, health systems strengthening and…