Blog - The Purbottar

19 Feb

MSDE showcases inclusive AI skilling vision at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Business BureauBusiness

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has set up a dedicated pavilion at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, placing skilling at the centre of India’s inclusive artificial intelligence strategy. The pavilion, located at Booth Nos. 3F 26 and 3F 20, highlights the theme “AI for Inclusive Development” and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance livelihoods rather than displace jobs. Addressing the summit, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, said hosting one of the largest AI gatherings in the Global South reflects India’s commitment to building a responsible and…

19 Feb

Assam to start first-level verification of EVMs, VVPATs in Tamulpur district on Feb 21

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In view of the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the First-Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units under lower Assam’s Tamulpur district will be conducted in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of India from February 21 to 24. The FLC process will be conducted at Tamulpur Higher Secondary School from 9am to7pm each day. During the period, the EVMs and VVPATs will undergo physical verification, cleaning, deletion of old data, functionality testing, and mock poll exercises. Engineers deputed from Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad, will conduct…

19 Feb

Teen exercise linked to healthier breast development

Banasree SarkarHealth

A new study suggests that recreational physical activity during the teenage years may play a protective role in breast health by influencing breast tissue composition and reducing biological markers linked to stress. Researchers found that teenage girls who regularly took part in leisure-time physical activities such as sports, dance, or gym workouts had lower water content in their breast tissue — a marker associated with lower breast density — along with reduced levels of stress-related biomarkers. Lower breast density has previously been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. The findings, published in Breast Cancer Research, highlight adolescence as…

19 Feb

ManipalCigna expands Northeast footprint, boosts healthcare access with ‘Sarvah’ plan

Business BureauBusiness

ManipalCigna Health Insurance has strengthened its presence in Northeast India with the expansion of its award-winning health insurance product, ManipalCigna Sarvah, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across the region. The product was recognised as Product of the Year 2025 – Health Insurance following a consumer survey conducted by NielsenIQ. The company said the Sarvah range has been designed to make health insurance more accessible, offering flexible coverage options tailored to the needs of families, including plans with zero waiting period benefits and comprehensive protection features. To support regional expansion, ManipalCigna has scaled its network to eight branches across…

19 Feb

Nuvoco launches triple-protection wall putty with advanced anti-microbial technology

Business BureauBusiness

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., one of India’s leading building materials companies and the fifth-largest cement producer by capacity, has launched Nuvoco Zero M Triple Shield Putty, positioning it as India’s first triple-protection wall putty designed to provide anti-microbial, waterproofing and anti-efflorescence performance in a single solution. The premium white cement-based product incorporates Silver Ion Technology to resist the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae. It also features an advanced hydrophobic polymer formulation using German active silanes and siloxanes, offering strong resistance to dampness, cracks and white salt deposits, thereby ensuring long-lasting wall protection. Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces,…

19 Feb

Amit Shah to launch Vibrant Villages Prog–II in Assam tomorrow

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will launch the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Assam tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen border villages and promote inclusive development in border areas. The programme will be formally launched at Nathanpur village in Cachar district on Friday. Vibrant Villages Programme–II is designed to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development of border villages through a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach. It focuses on improving essential infrastructure, enhancing access to basic services, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, thereby fostering secure, resilient and prosperous border communities in alignment with the…

19 Feb

PM flags off 200 JBM electric buses from Guwahati, boost India’s green mobility push

Business BureauBusiness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off 200 JBM Ecolife electric buses from Guwahati under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, marking a major step in India’s transition toward clean and sustainable public transport. The deployment spans Guwahati, Bhavnagar and Nagpur, with 100 buses allocated to Guwahati and 50 each to the other two cities. With this rollout, JBM’s total electric bus fleet in India has crossed 3,200 buses operating across multiple states. The 9-metre low-floor, air-conditioned buses are designed for intra-city operations and come equipped with commuter-centric amenities such as CCTV cameras, automatic doors and accessibility features for senior citizens…

19 Feb

L&T Finance doubles gold loan network to 260+ branches, expands presence across India

Business BureauBusiness

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) has expanded its gold loan operations nationwide, scaling its dedicated branch network to more than 260 locations within eight months of entering the segment. The company had initially entered the gold finance business through the acquisition of 130 branches in June 2025 and has since added another 130 branches, reflecting an aggressive retail expansion strategy. The Non-Banking Financial Company said the expansion spans the North, West, East, and South regions, with the gold loan business now present in 18 States and Union Territories. LTF has also marked its strategic entry into key markets including Assam, Karnataka,…

19 Feb

Relief for Hasila Beel evicted families as HC steps in, seeks basic amenities from state

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Gauhati High Court has issued a directive to the Assam government to ensure that evicted families from Hasila Beel in Goalpara district receive essential services such as ration, medical assistance, drinking water, and sanitation facilities while they reside in makeshift camps. This action follows a writ petition filed by sixty petitioners, who argue that the evictions that occurred on June 16, 17, and 18 were unlawful and contrary to Supreme Court judgments. As a result of the eviction, 566 families, including children, have taken refuge on privately-owned land and have lived in destitution for over eight months, lacking access…

19 Feb

Thums Up leverages India–Pakistan T20 showdown with Hanumankind anthem activation

Business BureauBusiness

Beverage major Thums Up transformed the high-voltage India–Pakistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter into a high-energy cultural spectacle, bringing its iconic “Aaj Kuch Toofani Karte Hain” philosophy alive inside a packed stadium. Hip-hop artist Hanumankind headlined the match-day entertainment, performing the brand’s latest anthem Taste the Thunder alongside select tracks, amplifying the electrifying atmosphere of the marquee clash. The performance featured signature static-glitch visuals across LED screens, a dramatic countdown, and coordinated lighting, smoke, and aerial choreography, culminating in a high-energy finale led by dance crew Kings United India. Hanumankind said performing during such a match was “incredible,” adding…