Business - The Purbottar

05 Mar

Skill Ministry makes 150-hour OJT mandatory for ITI trainees under CTS reform

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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has introduced a major reform in Industrial Training Institute (ITI) training by making 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or a Group Project compulsory under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). The guidelines were issued by the Directorate General of Training on March 3, 2026, and the provision has been effective since the 2022–23 academic session. Under the revised structure aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the annual CTS training duration has been reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours, with 150 hours reserved for structured OJT or project work. Trainees will be…

05 Mar

Gas Supply Disruptions Push Adani Total Gas to Hike Industrial Rates

nanika EditorBusiness

Adani Total Gas Limited (ATGL) has significantly increased gas prices for industrial customers, citing reduced availability of gas due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The decision was communicated to clients through a notice seen by Reuters.ATGL is a joint venture between the Adani Group and French energy major TotalEnergies.The price hike comes after escalating tensions in the region disrupted energy supply routes. Recent attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes from Tehran have affected shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor between Iran and Oman. The route carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil…

04 Mar

New Music Album by Srimalya Sen Brings Memories to Life

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One of the most precious assets in human life is memory. Some memories offer us sweetness, while others bring tears to our eyes. Srimalya Sen’s new music album, "Yaadon Ka Mela" (A Bunch of Memories), aims to bring those very memories back to life.The six songs in this album are likely to revive various chapters of our lives within our imagination.Raised in a culturally rich family environment in Kolkata, Srimalya Sen has been passionate about music since childhood. Although his business took him to North Bengal—where he has made significant contributions to the tourism industry and wildlife conservation in the…

04 Mar

Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water launches ‘The One And Only’ campaign celebrating distinctive success

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Blenders Pride Packaged Drinking Water has unveiled its latest campaign titled ‘The One And Only’, presenting a new narrative that celebrates success defined by distinction, confidence and individuality. Announced on March 2, 2026, the campaign highlights the brand’s belief that in a world filled with visible markers of achievement, true success lies in standing apart and commanding admiration. The campaign features three protagonists; Avanti Nagrath, Kirandeep Chahal and Mahieka Sharma, each representing a unique dimension of the brand’s personality. According to the campaign narrative, Avanti embodies fearless confidence and charisma, Kirandeep represents magnetic presence and desire, while Mahieka reflects poise…

03 Mar

Nissan India sales jump 23% in February; Gravite deliveries begin from March

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Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. has reported a 23 per cent year-on-year rise in consolidated sales for February 2026, with total dispatches reaching 10,565 units, reflecting steady momentum in both domestic and export markets. Domestic wholesales stood at 2,230 units during the month, while exports accounted for 8,335 units, underlining India’s growing role in the company’s global supply strategy. The company said February marked a significant milestone with the launch of the all-new Nissan GRAVITE. Customer deliveries of the model commenced nationwide from March 1 following strong booking momentum and positive market response. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India,…

03 Mar

Powerade debuts in India as official sports drink of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

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Powerade, The Coca-Cola Company’s global sports hydration brand, has officially entered the Indian market as the official sports drink of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The launch marks a strategic move by Coca-Cola India to expand its portfolio with brands rooted in sport, performance and active lifestyles. Designed as a sports hydration solution, Powerade contains Vitamin B3 and electrolytes to support performance energy during high-intensity training and competitive sport. The drink has been introduced in two low-calorie variants — Mountain Blast (Blue) and Fruit Punch (Red). It will be available from March 2026 at INR 20 for a…

03 Mar

Ai+ launches Pulse 2 at Rs 5,999 with 50MP AI camera, 6000mAh battery; sale from March 11

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Ai+ Smartphone has unveiled its latest budget offering, Pulse 2, priced at ₹5,999 for the launch period, strengthening its push to democratise technology in India. The smartphone will go on sale on Flipkart from March 11 at 12 PM. Pulse 2 will be available in two variants — 4GB+64GB at ₹5,999 and 6GB+128GB at ₹7,999 for the first 24 hours. The device features a 50MP Dual AI rear camera and an upgraded 8MP front camera, promising improved selfies and better image clarity across lighting conditions. The handset packs a slim 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support, upgraded from the…

03 Mar

Fossils rock Siliguri as Yaari Jam draws electrifying turnout

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Siliguri came alive with music and energy as iconic Bengali rock band Fossils headlined the House of McDowell’s Soda Yaari Jam, delivering a high-voltage performance that left thousands of fans enthralled. Produced and promoted by TribeVibe Entertainment, the show turned into a vibrant celebration of live music and shared spirit. The crowd erupted as the band performed some of their most loved tracks, including “Hasnuhana”, “Aro Ekbar”, “Bishakto Manush”, “Neel Rong Bhishon Priyo” and “Ekla Ghor”. Each song became a collective anthem, blending nostalgia with soaring rock intensity. Speaking about the show, Fossils said, “Siliguri was incredible. When the audience…

03 Mar

Abbott partners with Novo Nordisk India to launch Extensior®, for advanced diabetes management, broadening access to Semaglutide (Ozempic®)

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Global healthcare major Abbott has partnered with Novo Nordisk India to commercialize Extensior®, broadening access to semaglutide (Ozempic®) for advanced type 2 diabetes management in India. Under the agreement, Abbott will market Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide under the brand name Extensior®, leveraging its strong nationwide distribution network. Extensior® is a second brand of Ozempic®, the world’s most prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes, it delivers significant HbA1c reduction, weight-loss benefits, and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events. Semaglutide has been evaluated in over 44 clinical trials and…

03 Mar

Sudipto Sen says he never sets out to make ‘controversial’ films as Charak trailer unveiled

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Filmmaker Sudipto Sen, known for directing The Kerala Story unveiled the trailer of his upcoming folklore thriller Charak, which he has backed as a producer. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 6, 2026. Speaking at the trailer launch, Sen addressed the controversies surrounding his earlier films. “Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I do not set out to make controversial films; I simply choose subjects that genuinely move and disturb me,” he said. Recalling the origins of The Kerala Story, Sen said an incident he witnessed in Kochi in 2014 became the seed of the project,…