Blog

01 Sep

What Is The E20 Fuel Controversy In India All About?

Purbalee DuttaLatest

India has begun rolling out E20 fuel—a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol—as part of its efforts to reduce oil imports, cut carbon emissions, and support sugarcane farmers. However, the move has sparked controversy, prompting the Supreme Court to hear a public interest litigation on the matter. While E20 fuel has been gradually introduced since 2023, older blends like E5 and E10—more compatible with older vehicles—have been phased out across most of India’s 90,000 fuel stations. Although ethanol is cheaper than petrol, E20 is priced nearly the same at fuel pumps. The main concern for consumers is reduced mileage.…

01 Sep

Bandhan Bank marks 10 years with major CSR drive across India

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Bank is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of ambitious CSR initiatives targeting healthcare, education, and the environment. The Bank plans to plant 1 lakh trees across 10 states, donate 10 fully equipped ambulances, and support the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission in establishing the Sister Nivedita Heritage Museum & Knowledge Centre in Kolkata. The large-scale plantation drive will span states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, combining agroforestry and social forestry techniques to enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. The Bank’s collaboration with the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission aims to empower women through education and…

01 Sep

Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S. has been named to the 2025 TIME 100 AI list

Business BureauBusiness

Cognizant has announced that CEO Ravi Kumar S. has been named to the 2025 TIME 100 AI list. This prestigious recognition highlights Kumar’s visionary leadership and contributions to the field of enterprise AI. The TIME 100 AI list highlights the most influential leaders, thinkers, scientists, and policymakers across various fields who are shaping today’s AI landscape. Inclusion on this list not only reflects Kumar’s dedication and contributions to advancing AI technology but also underscores Cognizant's commitment to driving innovation and excellence across the industry. The company is now close to reaching 1MM people with skilling and training opportunities on AI and…

01 Sep

A BSF jawan commits suicide at the Sabroom border outpost in Tripura

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

A pall of gloom has descended on the Border Security Force (BSF) fraternity after a jawan allegedly took his own life while on duty along the India-Bangladesh border in South Tripura district on Sunday evening. The incident took place at the Merupara Border Outpost (BOP) under the Sabroom subdivision, close to the international boundary. The deceased jawan has been identified as Constable Ugra Ram, a native of Rajasthan, who was serving with the 121st Battalion of the BSF. According to initial reports, the 32-year-old constable was on duty when he suddenly turned his service weapon — an INSAS rifle —…

01 Sep

Mizoram begins a four-month campaign to combat drug smuggling across international borders

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Mizoram government has announced the launch of a four-month-long operation to tackle cross-border drug trafficking from neighbouring Myanmar. The intensified crackdown, beginning September 1 and continuing until December 31, reflects growing concern over the rising tide of narcotics entering the state through its porous international border. The operation will bring together the state police, excise and narcotics department, the Assam Rifles, and volunteers from the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the state’s largest and most influential civil society group. Officials say the initiative aims not only to intercept drug consignments but also to engage border communities in the fight against…

01 Sep

FTII Itanagar hosts ‘Shaam-e-Nazm’: A celebration of youthful creativity and artistic expression

editorArunachal Pradesh

The holding of "Shaam-e-Nazm," an evening devoted to poetry, music, and artistic performances, turned the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Itanagar into a thriving center of art and culture. The event, which was fully planned and presented by the children, was notable as a forum that honored individual creativity, young imagination, and community involvement. GPM Taba Toka, dean in-charge Bishnu Dev Halder, gram panchayat chairperson Taba Kunya, and deputy registrar Utsav Parmar graced the event. Parmar discussed the delicate balance between poetry's sincerity and performance in his speech. "Listening to oneself while performing is just as vital…

01 Sep

Border Roads Organisation conducts medical camp in remote Arunachal village

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

In order to improve the health and wellbeing of children, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) hosted a medical camp at Khirmu Government Higher Secondary School in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, according to a defense official. About 40 students underwent comprehensive medical examinations during the camp, including height and weight measurements, eye exams, and basic systemic examinations covering the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, and respiratory system, according to a statement from Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat. Parents of pupils expressed their gratitude to BRO and the medical team for providing much-needed healthcare facilities at their doorstep in…

01 Sep

Nepal Airlines to Add New International Routes

MohiniNepal

Nepal Airlines has announced that it will launch new international routes by the end of the year, expanding flights to the Gulf, India, and Southeast Asia. The move comes as Nepal seeks to boost tourism and strengthen air connectivity after the pandemic slump. Officials confirmed that new routes could include Doha, Bangkok, and Delhi, making it easier for foreign tourists and Nepali migrant workers to travel. Aviation analysts say improved air links will also benefit India and Bangladesh, as Kathmandu can serve as a regional transit hub.

01 Sep

Germany Plans New Immigration Reforms

MohiniInternational

The German government has unveiled proposals for sweeping immigration reforms aimed at addressing its growing labor shortages. The new plan includes a points-based visa system that will prioritize skilled workers in healthcare, IT, and engineering. Officials say Germany needs at least 400,000 foreign workers annually to maintain its economic growth. South Asian countries including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are expected to benefit, as recruitment drives will be expanded in these regions. Analysts believe the reforms could reshape migration patterns across Europe.

30 Aug

ICICI Bank Organises Engagement Session in Agartala

Business BureauBusiness

ICICI Bank hosted an engagement session in Agartala recently, focusing on the ease of doing business in Tripura. The session was graced by Mr. Apurba Roy, Secretary of Finance, Government of Tripura, and Mr. Sanit Debroy, a senior journalist. Mr. Surendra Nidar, General Manager (Officer in Charge), Agartala Office of Reserve Bank of India, joined the proceedings virtually. Mr. Roy underscored the importance of enabling business-friendly ecosystems to drive regional growth in the Northeast, particularly Tripura. He highlighted the pivotal role of private banks in enhancing commercial activity, supporting government banking, and delivering essential financial services. He also outlined strategic…