Blog

23 Aug

Tripura increases the output of potato seeds and brings in exotic fruits to increase farmer revenue

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tripura is making significant strides in agricultural diversification with the introduction of exotic fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan, and avocado, Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Friday. The initiative aims to enhance farmers’ income and create new opportunities for commercial cultivation in the state. Addressing the media at the Nagicherra Horticulture Research Centre, Nath explained that mangosteen and avocado, previously not cultivated in Tripura, have now been introduced. “Mangosteen is highly valued, while avocado offers health benefits, especially for diabetic patients. We have brought two mangosteen saplings from Karnataka and planted them here. Rambutan, in both…

23 Aug

Assam and Mizoram decide to keep things as they are after border disputes

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram and Assam have agreed to maintain the status quo in disputed border areas after fresh tensions along the inter-state boundary, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said on Friday. Both states committed to dialogue and coordinated measures to resolve the dispute amicably. Speaking at a conference of the Mizoram Police Service Association (MPSA) in Aizawl, Lalduhoma confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “We have agreed to continue to respect and maintain the status quo in the disputed areas along the inter-state border, as previously discussed,” he said. The latest tensions follow an incident…

23 Aug

VLCC Limited Fined ₹3 lakh For ‘misleading’ Fat-Loss Ads

Purbalee DuttaIndia

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Limited for misleading advertisements promoting fat-loss and slimming treatments using the US-FDA approved CoolSculpting procedure, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The issue came to light following a complaint and monitoring of beauty sector ads. The investigation found VLCC had made exaggerated claims about rapid weight and inch loss from a single session, far exceeding the actual US-FDA approval for CoolSculpting. These claims included statements like “Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session,” “Drop 1 Size in 1 session permanently,” and…

23 Aug

Flipkart launches first grocery fulfillment center in Agartala to strengthen Northeast supply chain

Business BureauBusiness

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has opened its first grocery fulfillment center (FC) in Agartala, Tripura, marking a significant expansion in the Northeast. The 35,000 sq. ft. facility, with a daily dispatch capacity of 5,000 orders, will serve Tripura and nearby states including Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The center is expected to create over 200 direct and indirect jobs while enabling faster and more reliable grocery deliveries. The facility will stock more than 4,000 products across staples, snacks, beverages, personal care, and household essentials. Leveraging consumer insights, Flipkart has included locally popular brands to meet diverse regional preferences. Customers…

23 Aug

Himalayan Social Pilot: Monthly Grants to Households Beyond 3,000 m

MohiniNepal

Nepal has launched a pioneering Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot targeting households in remote mountain districts—specifically those located above 3,000 meters. Eligible families receive NPR 3,000 (~US$23) per month, with payments made via mobile banking or local cooperatives. Ministry evaluations over the next year will assess impacts on nutrition, school attendance, and migration patterns. This UBI pilot could inform broader social security policies across Bhutan, northern India, and Bangladesh’s hill districts, where terrain and poverty pose similar service delivery challenges.

23 Aug

UK Parliament Passes Major Housing Reforms to Address Shortage

MohiniInternational

In a sweeping legislative session last night, the UK Parliament passed the Homes (Escalation Prevention) Act, featuring new rent control measures, £1.5 billion in funding to refurbish social housing, and a revival of “right-to-buy” schemes with capped discounts. Tenants and housing advocates largely welcomed the reforms. Critics cautioned that without structural changes, the policy may only provide temporary relief. Still, the reforms will significantly affect rental dynamics in cities like London and Manchester. Observers in Nepal, Bangladesh, and South Asian metros are watching the UK model closely, exploring how rent control or homeownership incentives can stabilize housing access amid urbanization.

23 Aug

CM of Arunachal announces a significant initiative for women’s empowerment in the state

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

In order to empower women and improve child development in the state, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced a number of significant measures, emphasizing that "investing in women is investing in our future." Khandu described the government's renewed emphasis on women's welfare in a post on X, claiming that this would improve people's lives and change society as a whole. He wrote, "The entire society shines when women rise." The Dulari Kanya Scheme is one of the major initiatives that would offer Rs 50,000 in financial aid to girls who are pursuing higher education in an effort to…

22 Aug

Apollo Hospitals shares downfall 1% after its promoter sold stake worth ₹1,489 crore through a block deal

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

Apollo Hospitals shares fell nearly 1% to a low of ₹7,852 per share after promoter and managing director Suneeta Reddy sold her 1.32% stake in the hospital chain through a block deal. According to reports, shares worth ₹1,489 crore were sold in the block deal and nearly 19 lakh shares were sold at a floor price of ₹7,850 per share, down nearly 1% from Thursday's close price. Citing people familiar with the matter, CNBC Awaaz had reported on Thursday that Reddy would sell 1.25% stake in the company. Suneeta Reddy holds a 3.36% stake in Apollo Hospitals as of June…

22 Aug

Clear scalp, confident hair: Plum’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Volcanic Minerals and 0.5% Salicylic Acid

Business BureauBusiness

Say hello to fuss-free hair days with Plum’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, where science meets self-care. Thoughtfully designed to tackle dandruff while keeping your strands smooth and frizz-free, its scalp care is made simple, and effective. Plum brings a refreshing twist to scalp care with its Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, a clean yet powerful solution designed to keep flakes and frizz at bay. Infused with 0.5% Salicylic Acid for gentle exfoliation, Piroctone Olamine to target dandruff-causing microbes, and mineral-rich volcanic extracts to soothe and purify, the shampoo delivers up to 72 hours of dandruff and frizz control. The result is a scalp that feels…

22 Aug

PM Modi’s address recalling the Pahalgam Operation in Bihar: “Vowed and Delivered”

Banasree SarkarNational

Speaking at a public event in Gaya, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the nation's commitment to "turning words into action" by pointing to the effective elimination of terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam incident. "The land of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya is Bihar. The decisions made here are never taken lightly because they will have a significant impact on the nation's destiny," Modi stated. In reference to his previous promise made from Bihar's territory, the prime minister stated, "I vowed to reduce the terrorists to dust when the Pahalgam terror attack occurred. Operation Sindoor fulfilled that promise, which…