India - The Purbottar

12 Dec

16th Under The Sal Tree Theatre Festival Begins December 15 in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Badungduppa Kalakendra, a notable theatre institution in Rampur, Goalpara, is celebrating its ongoing legacy with a special one-day edition of the 'Under the Sal Tree' theatre festival on December 15, following its Silver Jubilee last year. Established over 25 years ago by the late Sukracharya Rabha, the institution is known for its innovative physical theatre style, which emphasizes minimal dialogue and expressive body language, earning both national and international recognition. The festival, now in its 16th edition, traditionally features performances conducted in a natural setting without artificial enhancements, attracting thousands of visitors. This year's event will be a single-day occasion…

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…

05 Dec

India’s Central Bank Surprises Market with Rate Cut, Raises FY26 GDP Forecast to 7.3%

Mohini BarmanIndia

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced a 25 basis point reduction in the key policy repo rate, bringing it down to 5.25 per cent. This move, aimed at supporting growth, was accompanied by the central bank raising its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 to 7.3%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.8%. RBI Governor Sanjay Das cited benign inflation and easing food prices as factors enabling the accommodative monetary policy stance.

03 Dec

ICGS Vigraha Embarks on Operational Visit to Indonesia During Overseas ASEAN Deployment

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

As part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha is visiting Jakarta, Indonesia from December 02-05, 2025. This operational visit includes extensive activities such as professional interactions, tabletop exercises, shipboard drills, and joint training sessions between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA). These engagements focus on crucial areas like Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response, and Maritime Search and Rescue, emphasizing the need for cooperation due to shared responsibilities in large Exclusive Economic Zones and high maritime traffic. The visit features a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) designed to enhance…

03 Dec

Bharat Ratna for Zubeen Garg: Gaurav Gogoi Raises Demand on Parliament Floor

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday requested the Central government to confer the highest civilian honour of the country, Bharat Ratna, on cultural icon the late Zubeen Garg. The Congress MP also sought justice for Garg, who died in Singapore under mysterious circumstances on September 19, leaving his fans in shock and disbelief. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gogoi paid rich tributes to Garg, hailing him as a humanitarian who gave the people of Assam hope in the 1980s and 1990s, when the northeastern state was in the grip…

02 Dec

The Territorial Army Recruitment Rally in Solmara, Tezpur, is successfully concluded by the Indian Army

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

A Landmark Example of Civil–Military Synergy and Professional Excellence The Indian Army's Territorial Army Recruitment Rally was successfully conducted at Meghna Stadium, Solmara Military Station, Tezpur, from 15 November to 01 December 2025. This event saw an impressive turnout of 7,282 aspiring recruits from various regions, including Assam, Meghalaya, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, reflecting the youth's strong motivation to serve the nation, especially from remote and high-altitude areas. Organized by the 121 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) The Garhwal Rifles under the Eastern Command, the rally faced significant challenges due to its location, approximately 1,200 kilometers from their base…

01 Dec

Indian Exports to US Crash Amid Escalating Tariffs

Mohini BarmanIndia

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), Indian exports to the United States suffered a sharp 28.5% drop between May and October 2025. This significant decline, from $8.83 billion to $6.31 billion, is attributed directly to the rapid escalation of US tariffs, which rose from 10% to as high as 50% on key Indian goods. Labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, garments, and gems and jewelry, were hit the hardest, reinforcing the impact of aggressive trade protectionist measures on developing economies.

22 Nov

Bilateral Talks Focus on Reimbursement and Regulatory Frameworks for Ayush Systems

Mohini BarmanIndia

India and Germany held the 3rd Joint Working Group Meeting on Alternative Medicine in Berlin, marking a significant step in advancing cooperation in traditional and integrative healthcare. The core focus of the discussions was on three pillars: integrating traditional medicine (Ayush systems) into public health systems, establishing reimbursement pathways for patients, and strengthening regulatory approval mechanisms. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to fostering evidence-based, people-centred traditional medicine. Key talks involved high-level German health officials and institutions, including the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University. This collaboration aims to accelerate research, harmonize regulations, and enhance patient…

21 Nov

India Calls for ‘Just Transition Mechanism’ at COP30

Mohini BarmanIndia

At the ongoing COP30 UN Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, India and other developing nations have strongly advocated for the establishment of a 'just transition mechanism'. India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, stressed that financing for climate adaptation is an "essential investment," not an optional add-on, and is currently inadequately funded. India emphasized that this mechanism must prioritize strengthening resilience, creating employment, protecting livelihoods, and eradicating poverty in developing countries. It called for the future Global Goal on Adaptation to be country-driven and nationally determined, giving nations the flexibility to define and measure progress based on their unique national circumstances. This…

13 Nov

Mahindra & Mahindra, Manulife form 50:50 life insurance joint venture

Purbalee DuttaIndia

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) announced on Thursday that its board has approved forming a 50:50 life insurance joint venture with Canada’s Manulife Financial Corporation, subject to regulatory clearances. Under the agreement, both companies will hold equal stakes in the new entity. The partnership aims to strengthen their presence in India’s growing financial sector and enhance customer financial wellbeing. This marks an expansion of their existing collaboration, which began with the launch of Mahindra Manulife Investment Management in 2020. Each partner has committed capital of up to ₹3,600 crore ($400 million) over ten years, with an expected initial investment of…