Blog

24 Mar

TSF withdraw its protest rely on CM Manik Saha’s assurance

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

The Twipra Students Federation (TSF) has withdrawn its protest demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language after Chief Minister Manik Saha assured them of addressing the issue. The indigenous student body had been blocking national highways since March 21 to press for their demand. Following a meeting with the Chief Minister on Sunday, TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia stated that CM Saha acknowledged their concerns and assured them that the matter would be discussed with higher authorities. “We are thankful to the Chief Minister for calling us for discussions. Since we have received his assurance, we…

24 Mar

Heavy rain and hailstones battered Meghalaya and its surrounding regions

Banasree SarkarMeghalayameghalaya

Severe rain, hail, and strong winds battered Meghalaya and its surrounding regions, causing widespread disruptions. Electric wires and tree branches were toppled by the storm, leaving many places without power and creating issues for both the public and the authorities. With roads and rooftops blanketed in hail, the hailstorm transformed parts of Shillong, Mawiong, and Umiam into a winter wonderland. Residents were taken aback by the weather shift because the area's typically verdant scenery was momentarily white. Mawlai was particularly affected by the storm, as trees and high-tension cables were brought down along the main FCI Road. This led to…

24 Mar

Bandhan Bank partners with Salesforce to enhance AI-powered lending

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Bank has joined hands with Salesforce to overhaul its loan origination systems (LOS) and drive AI-powered digital banking transformation. The collaboration aims to streamline loan processing and enhance customer experience by leveraging cutting-edge technology. With over 6,300 outlets across 35 states and union territories, Bandhan Bank has been a key player in financial inclusion. By consolidating multiple LOS into AI-driven platforms, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency. Salesforce’s Lightning Platform is being used for housing finance LOS, while Sales Cloud facilitates commercial loans, ensuring a seamless loan lifecycle from customer onboarding to disbursal. Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO…

24 Mar

PMI reiterates its resolve to eradicate the illegal tobacco trade

Business BureauBusiness

During a recent session on ‘Switching Off Illicit Cigarettes’, Rodney Van Dooren, Head of Illicit Trade Prevention Asia Pacific, Philip Morris International (PMI), has underlined the importance of securing cross border collaboration and stringent enforcement to combat tobacco black market in ASEAN region. Over the past year, governments and relevant agencies across the ASEAN region have intensified their efforts to combat cigarette black market. However, the problem remains severe, with 1 in 4 cigarettes consumed in these countries being illegal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control identifies India as both a transit hub and a key…

24 Mar

Tougher Border Controls Spark Debate Across Political Spectrum

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The French government has passed a new immigration law tightening border controls and accelerating deportation procedures for undocumented migrants. The legislation also includes provisions to improve integration programs for legal immigrants. Supporters argue that the law will enhance national security and reduce illegal migration. However, human rights organizations have criticized it, warning of increased discrimination and marginalization. Protests erupted in Paris and other cities, with thousands demanding a reversal of the law. President Emmanuel Macron defended the policy, stating that it strikes a balance between security and humanitarian responsibility. The law’s implementation will be closely monitored by international observers.

24 Mar

UK Strikes Disrupt Transport as Workers Demand Better Pay

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Thousands of transport workers across the UK have launched a series of strikes, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. Major train services and bus routes were suspended, causing significant disruptions in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union organized the protests, citing inadequate pay raises amid rising inflation. Commuters faced lengthy delays, while businesses reported lower foot traffic. Government officials have urged both parties to return to the negotiating table. However, union leaders maintain their stance, warning of further strikes if demands are not met. The public response has been divided, with some supporting workers'…

22 Mar

ASCI report calls for more inclusive depictions of masculinity in media

Business BureauBusiness

The Advertising Standards Council of India’s (ASCI) Academy, in collaboration with the Unstereotype Alliance (convened by UN Women) and knowledge partners Religious Brands, has released a groundbreaking report, Manifest: Masculinities Beyond the Mask. The report, unveiled at ASCI Academy’s Global Adda during the ICAS Global Dialogues Summit, examines the evolving landscape of masculinity in media and society. The study highlights the "crisis" of traditional masculinity, where men feel increasingly alienated amid shifting societal norms and the rise of gender equality. It calls for a broader and more nuanced representation of men in media and advertising, moving beyond rigid stereotypes. The…

22 Mar

Tripura Police arrest three, seize Yaba tablets worth ₹5.5 crore

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Tripura police arrested a drug kingpin from Assam and two others, seizing Yaba tablets worth ₹5.5 crore from a hotel in Agartala. According to West District Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar, the operation was carried out on March 21 evening following intelligence inputs. A special team raided Hotel Woodland Park, where a narcotics transaction was taking place. “We conducted a raid and arrested Sahidul Hossen Taluka from Silchar, Assam, along with Nayan Mani Namasudra and Biswajit Biswas from Tripura. A total of 1,10,000 Yaba tablets packed in 11 packets were seized,” Kumar stated.…

22 Mar

Tamdil Lake shines at Saitual District Fish Festival 2025

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Saitual District Fish Festival 2025 brought Tamdil Lake to life on Friday, with Fisheries Minister Lalthansanga gracing the event as the chief guest. Organized by the Saitual District Fish Festival Organizing Committee (SDSKOC), the festival aimed to promote fisheries as a sustainable livelihood while showcasing the tourism potential of the scenic lake. Horticulture Minister Prof. Lalnilawma attended as the guest of honor, alongside local officials, fishermen, and community members. In his address, Minister Lalthansanga highlighted the significance of Tamdil Lake and announced that its management has been entrusted to the Forest, Fisheries, and Tourism Departments under the supervision of…

22 Mar

A national conference on millets and farmers’ expo is inaugurated by the agriculture minister

Banasree SarkarArunachal PradeshPasighat

The two-day National Conference on "Millets and Forgotten Foods: Reviving Traditions for Nutritional Security and Ecological Sustainability in Agriculture" and a Farmers' Expo were held on March 21 and 22, 2025, at the College of Agriculture (Central Agricultural University, Imphal), Pasighat, in association with ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi. A conference was held in Arunachal Pradesh to discuss the importance of millets and value-added millet products in food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and farmers, discussed innovative millet-based farming techniques, policy frameworks, and ecological…