National - The Purbottar

23 Dec

President Murmu Grants Assent to SHANTI Bill

Mohini BarmanNational

President Droupadi Murmu has officially signed the SHANTI (Sovereign Healthcare and National Technology Initiative) Bill into law, marking a transformative shift in India’s energy policy. The legislation provides the legal framework to de-monopolize nuclear power generation, allowing private sector players to build and operate small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside state agencies. This move is expected to attract billions in domestic and foreign capital, accelerating India's transition to a net-zero baseload power grid by 2040.

19 Dec

Order of Oman Awarded to Indian Prime Minister During Historic State Visit

Mohini BarmanNational

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's highest civilian honour, during his official visit to Muscat. The award, presented by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, recognizes the Prime Minister’s efforts in transforming India–Oman relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Key discussions during the visit focused on securing energy corridors, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and expanding bilateral trade beyond the current $12 billion mark.

18 Dec

Government Secures Voice Vote for New Rural Employment Mission Amid Opposition Protest

Mohini BarmanNational

The Lok Sabha has passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, marking the formal end of the MGNREGA era. The new bill was passed amid a fierce uproar, with opposition members tearing copies of the legislation in protest. The bill provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per year and integrates skill development into rural labor. While the government hails it as a modernization of rural support, critics argue it dilutes the existing legal "right to work."

01 Dec

Prior to the winter session, 50 leaders from 36 political parties attend an all-party gathering

Banasree SarkarNational

A high-level all-party gathering of 50 leaders from 36 political parties, including numerous Union Ministers, was held at the Parliament House Complex on the eve of the Winter Session of Parliament. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the meeting, welcoming everyone and stressing the value of a positive and fruitful discussion. The conference was called by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Rajya Sabha's Leader of the House and Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemical & Fertilizers, was present. Dr. L. Murugan and State Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were…

21 Nov

Union Minister JP Nadda emphasizes India’s leadership in the world of medicine

Banasree SarkarNational

The Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) held its 60th Annual Summit in New Delhi with the theme "Power of Partnerships." The summit celebrated the strength of cooperation between industry and government, science and technology, and policy and practice in fostering innovation, increasing access, and bolstering high-quality healthcare. Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers JP Nadda praised OPPI for 60 years of service to India's pharmaceutical industry in a special video message. He pointed out that the national government ideal of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas is reflected in this…

18 Sep

Modi Replies to Gates’ Birthday Note, Emphasizes India’s Role in Global Progress

editorBusiness, International, National, Political

Thank you for your kind greetings, Bill Gates. "India looks forward to collaborating to create a sustainable and promising future for future generations," Prime Minister Modi said. As Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates wished PM Modi a happy 75th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted on Thursday with thanks, emphasizing the necessity of working together to create a sustainable future for future generations. "Thank you for your nice greeting, @BillGates. India looks forward to collaborating to create a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. In his greeting on Wednesday, Gates…

09 Aug

Government sets a price cap on four emergency use medications

Banasree SarkarNational

The Union government has set a price cap for 37 different prescription formulations, including antibiotics and painkillers, as well as four emergency-use medications. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) set the pricing, and the medications cover everything from diabetes and vitamin deficiencies to infections, heart conditions, and inflammation. The NPPA stated that manufacturers who offer branded, generic, or both types of medications at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus GST) must lower their pricing without going above the ceiling price. The NPPA further stated that manufacturers with an MRP below the ceiling price must keep their current MRP.…

23 Jul

Sikkim Athlete Bags Silver

Purbalee DuttaNational, News, Sikkim

Manoj Kami, a talented long-distance runner from Sikkim, secured a silver medal in the 1500-metre race at the Indian Open Athletics Meet 2025. The prestigious national athletics competition was hosted earlier this month in Patna by the Bihar State Sports Authority in collaboration with the Bihar Athletics Association. Manoj, 21, finished second in the 1500 m track event, earning the silver medal. He hails from Bongten, Dentam in West Sikkim and currently trains at the Bright Future Athletic Club located in Reshithang near Gangtok. The athletic club extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Sports Department, and…

08 Jul

Total deposits increase 14.6% to ₹5.13 lakh crore in June quarter

editorBusiness, National

Following a stable performance in the June quarter business update, which showed consistent pace in both lending and deposit growth even as gains in low-cost deposits moderated, Kotak Mahindra Bank's shares increased by as much as 4% to Rs 2,238 on July 8. As of June 30, 2025, the private lender's loan book had grown to Rs 4.45 lakh crore, a 14% increase from Rs 3.90 lakh crore the previous year. Advances increased 4.2% sequentially from Rs 4.27 lakh crore at the end of March. Additionally, deposits kept growing at a steady rate. End-of-period deposits increased by 2.8 percent above…

07 Jul

Acquisition to boost Capgemini’s U.S. market presence and AI consulting services

editorBusiness, National

The French IT services group Capgemini (CAPP.PA) announced on Monday that it has agreed to pay $3.3 billion in cash to acquire the technology outsourcing company WNS (WNS.N) in order to increase the variety of AI solutions it provides to businesses. Through the agreement, Capgemini will be able to develop a consulting business service that will assist businesses employ artificial intelligence—specifically, generative and agentic AI—to improve their operations and cost efficiency. The company anticipates that this service will draw large investments. According to Capgemini, the purchase price, which translates to $76.50 per WNS share, is 17% higher than their most…