Blog - The Purbottar

07 Oct

Bridge construction in Majuli-Jorhat picks up steam after the Center issues an acceptance letter

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The long-cherished dream of the people of Majuli to have a permanent road link with Jorhat has taken a decisive step forward. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially issued the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for completing the remaining work of the ambitious Majuli-Jorhat bridge project across the Brahmaputra River — a move that promises to transform connectivity and socio-economic life in one of Assam’s most unique regions. According to the notification issued by the Chief Engineer of MoRTH’s Northeast Zone, the contract for the completion of the balance work has been awarded to M/s SPS Construction…

07 Oct

Millions Starve as Aid Cuts and Climate Shocks Combine

Mohini BarmanInternational

Afghanistan is reeling under a severe hunger crisis, with over 22 million people—more than half the population—now facing acute food insecurity, according to the latest IPC (Integrated Food Security Classification) estimates. The crisis stems from a combination of economic collapse, sharp reductions in international aid, climate extremes, and mass displacement. Rural areas are hardest hit, with drought destroying crops and driving families to rely on unsafe coping strategies. UN agencies warn that malnutrition rates among children under five are soaring; around 3.5 million children are already suffering from acute malnutrition. Aid organizations say funding shortfalls are hampering relief; the World…

07 Oct

Mirchi Iconic Puja honors Zubeen Garg’s legacy, brings joy to Guwahati’s senior citizens

Business BureauBusiness

This year’s Durga Puja in Guwahati bore a bittersweet note as it marked the first celebration without Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg. Yet, his spirit of compassion and humanitarianism was deeply felt as Mirchi, in collaboration with the Amrit Foundation, organized pandal visits for senior citizens from Ashray Sewa Home, Santaneer Old Age Home, and Mother Care Centre on Sashti and Saptami (28-29 September). Over 40 elders were accompanied by NGO staff to iconic Guwahati pandals, including Triangular Park, Nambari, and Rest Camp Kalibari, where they experienced the vibrant colors, lights, and dhak rhythms. The initiative began with a tribute…

06 Oct

West Bengal Police bust counterfeit Goodknight unit in Ranaghat, seize thousands of fake products

Business BureauBusiness

In a major crackdown against counterfeit household insecticides, West Bengal Police, in collaboration with Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), successfully raided an illegal manufacturing unit in Ranaghat, West Bengal. The operation led to the seizure of over 1,700 finished Goodknight flash 2 refill packs, 1,256 filled bottles, thousands of empty bottles, labels, and packing boxes, highlighting a well-organized counterfeit operation. An FIR has been registered under Section 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act 2023, and authorities are now tracing the distribution networks linked to the unit to curb further circulation of hazardous products. Shilpa Suresh, Head of…

06 Oct

Seeds Can Encourage Hormonal Balance

Banasree SarkarHealth

Hormones are vital chemical messengers controlling bodily functions like metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep-wake cycle, and mood. Hormonal imbalances can lead to hormone-related conditions, some temporary and others chronic. Diet plays a significant role in restoring hormonal balance, with certain foods rich in beneficial compounds promoting overall health. Some hormonal imbalances may require medical treatment, while others may be temporary. Flaxseeds are a rich source of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals, and vitamins, which are essential for hormonal balance due to their high content of lignans, which support estrogen metabolism and reduce gut inflammation. These phytoestrogens, particularly beneficial for…

06 Oct

Fortis, Max Healthcare, other hospital stocks rise up to 7%

Purbalee DuttaBreaking News

Hospital stocks surged up to 6% on October 6 after the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) announced a revision in rates for nearly 2,000 medical procedures, effective October 13, 2025. Fortis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, and Max Healthcare gained 7%, 2.3%, and 4.3%, respectively, with Max Healthcare emerging as the top Nifty 50 gainer. The Nifty Healthcare index rose 0.6%, while Narayana Hrudalaya and Yatharth Hospitals climbed 5% and 4%. Macquarie expects procedure rates in key areas like cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics to increase by 5–30%, potentially boosting EBITDA for Max and Apollo by mid-single digits. CGHS, which serves over…

06 Oct

Rajinikanth’s Spiritual Journey Shines Through Simple Meal on Leaf Plate

editorEntertainment

Rajinikanth was depicted in one of the stills dressed in white and consuming food from disposable leaf plates (pattal) on a stone surface by the road. A car was seen parked against a hilly backdrop in the background. Superstar Rajinikanth took a brief respite from his overwhelming work commitments and headed to the Himalayas for some spiritual rejuvenation. According to the reports, Rajinikanth paid a visit to the Swami Dayananda Ashram in Rishikesh and paid his respects to Swami Dayananda. Thalaiva was reported to have meditated by the Ganga's banks and taken part in the Ganga Aarti while he was…

06 Oct

India’s veterinary vaccine makers form VVIMA to boost innovation and global reach

Business BureauBusiness

In a landmark move for India’s animal health sector, leading veterinary vaccine manufacturers have come together to form the Veterinary Vaccine India Manufacturers Association (VVIMA). The non-government, not-for-profit body aims to serve as the collective voice of India’s veterinary vaccine industry, collaborating with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to foster innovation, quality manufacturing, and global competitiveness. The Indian veterinary vaccine market is estimated at INR 2,000 crore, while the global market exceeds INR 1 lakh crore. India produces vaccines for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and pets, with eight private manufacturers and several state-owned units. VVIMA plans to align with the…

06 Oct

Vi Business IoT Innovation Lab empowers enterprises to innovate and grow

Business BureauBusiness

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of telecom leader Vi, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), has officially launched the Vi Business IoT Innovation Lab. The Lab is a state-of-the-art hub for IoT-driven enterprise innovation, aimed at supporting start-ups, device makers, and enterprises in designing, testing, and scaling next-generation IoT solutions. The Mumbai-based facility demonstrates connected vehicles, smart grids for energy optimization, smart manufacturing for real-time monitoring, and edge AI-powered IoT solutions. By combining Vi Business’ robust connectivity, AWS’s cloud and AI capabilities, and C-DOT’s standards expertise, the Lab enables enterprises to…

06 Oct

Amar Subba, the “Marathon Man” of Sikkim, excels at the Malaysia Ultra Trail 2025

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Amar Subba, fondly known as the “Marathon Man of Sikkim,” has once again brought pride to the state and the nation by delivering an impressive performance at the Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB 2025. Competing in the 50 km category, Subba secured 11th position in his world age group with a finish time of 10 hours, 3 minutes, and 21 seconds, ranking 121st overall among 700 finishers. Among the three Indian participants in the category, Subba emerged as the highest-ranked finisher, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most consistent long-distance runners. The Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB is recognized…