Blog - The Purbottar

03 Feb

Union Budget 2026 signals strong push for infrastructure, defence and industrial self-reliance

Business BureauBusiness

The Union Budget 2026 underlines the government’s intent to build long-term economic resilience through higher public spending, strategic investments and measures aimed at crowding in private capital, according to Sushant Sarin, Managing Director – Strategy & Commercial Risk Solutions, India, Aon. In his response to the Budget, Sarin said the allocation of Rs. 12.2 lakh crore towards capital expenditure reflects India’s determination to invest in future-ready infrastructure, while the Rs. 7.5 lakh crore earmarked for defence reinforces the government’s focus on national security and strategic preparedness. A key announcement highlighted in the Budget is the proposed Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund,…

03 Feb

Tata Motors posts 29.9% jump in commercial vehicle sales in January

Business BureauBusiness

Tata Motors Limited reported total commercial vehicle sales of 41,549 units across domestic and international markets in January 2026, registering a strong year-on-year growth of 29.9 per cent compared to 31,988 units sold in the same month last year. According to company data, domestic sales stood at 38,844 units during the month, up 29.1 per cent from 30,083 units in January 2025, while international business rose sharply by 42 per cent to 2,705 units. Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) truck sales grew by 41.2 per cent to 12,691 units, while Intermediate and Light Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) truck sales increased by 33.5…

03 Feb

Hardeep Singh Puri launches Jio-bp ACTIVE Technology petrol, promises up to 100 km extra drive annually

Business BureauBusiness

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has launched Jio-bp’s petrol with revolutionary ACTIVE Technology at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, setting a new benchmark in fuel performance for Indian motorists. The newly introduced petrol, marketed by Jio-bp, is designed to actively clean critical engine parts by removing existing deposits, thereby restoring and sustaining engine performance. According to the company, the advanced fuel can help two- and four-wheelers travel up to 100 km more per year compared to regular petrol, based on typical Indian driving patterns, at no additional cost. Developed using bp’s global fuel research…

03 Feb

Air India Orders Fleet-Wide Fuel Switch Checks After Dreamliner Snag on London–Bengaluru Flight

editorACCIDENT

Air India has initiated precautionary fleet-wide inspections of fuel control switches on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft after a malfunction was reported on a London Heathrow–Bengaluru flight. The issue was flagged by a pilot after the completion of the international service, prompting immediate action by the airline’s engineering team.According to sources, the reported defect involved the fuel control switch on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Air India has escalated the matter to Boeing for priority evaluation to determine whether the problem is a broader technical concern or an isolated incident. Until a response is received, engineers have begun re-inspecting fuel control…

03 Feb

Assam government opens 67 educational buildings and establishes the framework for 61 more

Banasree SarkarAssam

The Assam government lay the foundation stones for 61 more school buildings throughout the state and opened the recently built 67 government schools as part of a significant effort to improve the state's educational infrastructure. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma formally launched the initiative at the central launch function in Sonapur, Kamrup Metropolitan district. Live coverage of the event was available throughout Assam. In accordance with the central program, Sonitpur district also hosted constituency-specific inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremonies under a number of programs, such as the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-XXIX), the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for the…

03 Feb

GCPL welcomes MAT credit relief in new tax regime, says move to boost corporate cash flows

Business BureauBusiness

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has welcomed the Union Budget provision allowing companies to set off up to 25 per cent of their tax liability against accumulated Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) credits under the new tax regime, terming it a positive step for corporate India. Commenting on the announcement, Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, said the move would significantly ease the transition to the new tax structure for companies carrying legacy MAT credits. “We particularly welcome the MAT credit set-off being allowed up to 25 per cent of the tax liability under…

03 Feb

Jamiat Moves Apex Court Challenging Assam CM’s Statements

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has petitioned the Supreme Court of India, contesting remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, which they label as communal, divisive, and inconsistent with the Constitution’s principles. The petition, filed by Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, calls for the formation of strict guidelines for officials in constitutional positions to prevent the misuse of public office for spreading hatred against any community. It references a speech from January 27, 2026, where Sarma suggested removing a significant number of so-called "Miya" voters from electoral rolls and expressed opposition towards the Miya community. This term is considered derogatory…

03 Feb

Assam–Bhutan Railway Project on Track, Completion Expected in 3 Years

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava announced that the railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan is expected to be completed within three years. This project includes a 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu line and a 20-km connection between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan). Chief Administrative Officer, NFR (Construction), Hitendra Goyal, noted that the Assam project will proceed swiftly once construction begins, supported by a positive state government. However, the West Bengal segment is experiencing delays due to land acquisition issues. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously highlighted these projects' potential to enhance trade, tourism, and bilateral…

03 Feb

Supreme Court Stays High Court Decision Cancelling Bail of IAS Officer Talo Potom

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Supreme Court has provided interim relief to IAS officer Talo Potom by staying a Gauhati High Court order that had revoked his bail. The original bail was granted on November 4, following his remand to judicial custody on October 27, but was cancelled by the Gauhati High Court on January 23. A division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, issued the interim order, halting the high court's decision and allowing four weeks for the filing of counter affidavits, with the matter to be revisited in six weeks. Additionally, Potom was permitted…

03 Feb

East Khasi Hills Cracks Down on Illegal Fish Imports from Bangladesh

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In East Khasi Hills, the District Magistrate has enacted an immediate ban on the transportation, storage, sale, and distribution of illegally imported fish from Bangladesh. This order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, prohibits any movement or marketing of such fish without appropriate legal documentation, and forbids the use of vehicles for these activities. The directive responds to significant reports of fish smuggling through various routes, citing risks to public health, legal compliance, biodiversity, and economic stability. Violators will face serious legal consequences under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, as…