In a first, Darjeeling zoo launches project to preserve DNA samples of wildlife in Hills
Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Roy said 60 DNA samples from indigenous animals have already been collected for profiling
Senior doctor who became face of RG Kar movement transferred to a lower-ranked post
Kolkata: Senior doctor Subarna Goswami, who became a face of the movement by the medical fraternity against the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy in August last year, has been transferred to Darjeeling and in a lower ranked-post. Goswami been transferred to a post which is one rank lower than his existing rank. As Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rain, hailstorms likely in several South Bengal districts on Thursday, Friday
KOLKATA: The India Meteorological Department has forecast thundersqualls with gusty winds and hailstorms in several districts of South Bengal on Thursday and Friday, due to a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal. According to a bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) accompanied by lightning and hail are likely to occur at one or two places over Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts on Thursday. For Kolkata and neighbouring areas, Thursday's forecast is for ain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather system will intensify on Friday, extending to more districts in gangetic West Bengal, the IMD said. Thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and lightning accompanied with hail are likely over East Burdwan, Howrah, Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts, while other districts in South Bengal could experience thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph), it said. Rain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds are likely in the metropolis on Friday, with temperatures expected to drop to between 32 deg Celsius and 22 deg Celsius, the bulletin said. North Bengal will largely remain dry on Thursday, with light rain or thunder expected only in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. By Friday, thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and lightning are likely at one or two places across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, it said. The IMD has also warned of potential damage to standing crops, vegetables and horticulture, as well as loose structures.
With bio-banked genetic material, Darjeeling has Indias first frozen zoo
India's first frozen zoo in Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is preserving the DNA of endangered Himalayan species using cryogenic technology. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term preservation of genetic material to aid future conservation efforts, including the possibility of assisted reproduction.
By Rabindra Nath Sinha KOLKATA: A surprise announcement by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on February 5 at the plenary session of Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)about higher cap on use of tea plantation land for non-tea, commercial purposes has prompted trade unions to make it an issue for protests in north Bengal . The chief ministers announcement also has political implications, particularly in the Darjeeling hills, where her party, Trinamool Congress, has hardly any base and circumstances [] The post Bengal Govts Decision To Raise Cap On Use Of Tea Plantation Land For Commercial Purposes Creates Furore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
KOLKATA: Clashes erupted between activists of various Leftist student bodies and Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) across West Bengal on Monday during a strike called by CPI(M)'s student wing SFI on university campuses across the state demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu. Clashes were reported between members of the TMC's students' wing and Leftist activists of AIDSO and SFI in Medinipur town in Paschim Medinipur district, Siliguri in Darjeeling district, Cooch Behar district and Panskura in Purba Medinipur district. Campuses of Jadavpur and Presidency universities in Kolkata wore a deserted look as common students, faculty members and other staffers stayed away while Students' Federation of India (SFI) members gathered on the campuses to enforce the day-long strike that began at 10 am. Campuses of other higher educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University and Burdwan University were partially affected as some classes were not held even though semester examinations were conducted, officials said. However, fewer SFI activists were seen on these campuses, unlike at JU and Presidency University. Activists of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of the ruling TMC, were also seen on the campuses. The strike did not affect vehicular movement so far as the SFI activists did not cause any disruption to road traffic and candidates proceeded smoothly to various examination centres across the state since the morning hours. West Bengal board class 12 examinations also began on Monday. Two students were injured when a car in the convoy of Basu grazed past them during a melee in Jadavpur University on March 1 as Leftists students tried to prevent the minister from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union polls. Basu sustained injuries as the windshield of his car was damaged by the protesters. The incident took place when Basu was leaving the premises after attending the AGM of West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA) as the chairman of the TMC-aligned teachers' body. Outsiders sheltered by the TMC had instigated the violence and vandalism on the Jadavpur University campus on Saturday during the AGM of WBCUPA in the presence of Basu, SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged. Tracing the chain of events on the Jadavpur University campus on March 1, Sarkar told PTI, The students only wanted to have a discussion with the education minister in the presence of vice-chancellor but he behaved in a high-handed manner with them and tried to leave the campus in a huff. Despite the students demanding an audience with the minister, he, accompanied by TMC musclemen and outsiders, boarded his car and his driver accelerated the vehicle without concern about the safety of the students who were protesting near the vehicle. His car injured two students, one of them seriously, and he did not bother to look back but sped away, Sarkar alleged. Basu is responsible for the injuries to the two students and we demand his resignation from the state cabinet and police action against him for fuelling fire on Jadavpur University campus, he said. The SFI will extend its help to the smooth conduct of the higher secondary examinations, which began on Monday, and will organise camps near examination centres to assist the candidates, he added.
All About Asma Khan: Indian-Origin Restaurateur Who Impressed King Charles With Her Biryani
King Charles and Queen Camilla can be seen enjoying the pre-Ramadan festivities at Asma Khan's Darjeeling Express in London.
Indian-origin Asma Khan's Darjeeling Express is the perfect go-to-spot for Biryani lovers!
UK's King Charles And Queen Camilla on Wednesday took part in pre-Ramadan preparations during a visit to Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant based in London.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that the State government will not disrupt tea cultivation while granting approvals for tourism-related activities
Seven persons held, 22.5 kg of ganja seized in two separate cases
In one case, the contraband was procured in Odisha, and in the other, it was purchased in Darjeeling
NEW DELHI: As a part of ongoing Operation Chakra-IV, the CBI in close coordination with German authorities has dismantled a sophisticated virtual asset-supported cybercrime network targeting German nationals since 2021. The international operation division of the CBI had registered a case on February 12, 2025 against Rahul Shaw, Shubham Sharma, Rajeev Budhiraja and unknown others, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act 2000. A senior CBI official said, Following the registration of the case, agency sleuths swiftly conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated and linked to the accused persons, yielding substantial incriminating evidence. The raids took place at six locations across Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri between February 14 and 17 and revealed that this transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network was channelling the proceeds of crime through virtual assets, he added. As a part of the investigation into the case, the CBI arrested Rahul Shaw from Siliguri, a key accused in the case and was produced before a special court here. During raids conducted at his residential premises, the CBI sleuths recovered seven mobile phones, one laptop and incriminating documents about the crime, the official said. The CBI has also unearthed an illegal Call Centre being operated by the accused Rahul Shaw and other accused persons at Webel IT Park, Matigara, Darjeeling in West Bengal and dismantled the same, an official said. He also added that during the raid, 24 hard disks of computer systems used by the accused persons, containing incriminating digital evidence, were recovered from the said illegal 'Call Centre' as the operation continued to identify the proceeds of the crime. The officials said investigation into the case to find a broader network on the basis of international leads is ongoing in close coordination with the foreign law enforcement agencies. The CBI official alleged that during 2021-2022, the accused individuals conspired to target the German victims by gaining unauthorised remote access to the victims computer systems and bank accounts, under pretext of offering tech support services. They falsely informed the German-based victims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Claiming that their funds were at risk, the accused allegedly manipulated the victims into transferring Euro 646,032 to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by them, he added. According to the officials, the agency has initiated Operation Chakra-IV to combat and dismantle organised cyber-enabled financial crime networks through a globally coordinated law enforcement response leveraging INTERPOL channels.
The Darjeeling Hotel Where Paatal Lok 2 Is Shot Was A Maharaja's Summer Home
A 138-year-old hotel, once the summer home of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, plays a major role in the Amazon Prime original Paatal Lok 2
Small tea growers of north Bengal welcome CMs move to investigate tea boards decisions
According to their official statement, the small tea growers contribute over 64% of the total tea produced in the State and free entry of Nepal tea harms mainly Darjeeling & Dooars, Terai tea
Darjeeling startup owner among 40 special guests
NEW DELHI: The Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path turned special for a small rural town startup from Darjeeling that brought innovation to its tea legacy. The company that merchandises non-alcoholic beverages; unpasteurised kombucha and sparkling tea, is among 40 such establishments that were invited as special guest for Republic Day parade by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT). The startup, Syangbos Living Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd, was founded by Ashish Syangbo Tamang, Sabnam Tamang, and Pritam Subba, IIM-Calcutta alumnus. It is transforming the traditional beverage landscape with its organic tea-based creations. The founders, who hail from tribal communities of the Himalayan region, share a deep connection to Darjeelings tea heritage. It gives us immense pride to be part of the celebration. We got an opportunity to interact with union minister of commerce Piyush Goyal. Only four startups were invited from the northeastern states. The DPIIT has been supporting the startup ecosystem, said Ashish. He initiated the operations in 2022 and later got it registered as a company. The mission is to honor the legacy while crafting healthy, authentic, and flavorful alternatives to conventional beverages, said Ashish. Darjeeling tea has been cherished worldwide for generations. With Syangbos, we wanted to take that tradition forward in a way that resonates with todays health-conscious audience, said Ashish, who has also served as civil engineer with the state government and defense officer. Ashishs mother, Sabnam, serves as the companys master brewer. With over 25 years of experience in retail, she ensures each batch of kombucha and sparkling tea reflects the purity of Darjeeling. Subba leverages his business expertise to streamline operations and scale the company. Our products are raw, unpasteurized, preservative-free, and rich in antioxidants.We want to offer a refreshing and natural alternative to sugary drinks while promoting a healthier lifestyle, Asish added They have earned recognition on platforms, including G20--Startup20 and World Food India by the Ministry of Food Processing. Empowering women and supporting small farmers is at the heart of everything we do. Its not just about building a business but creating a positive impact within our community, said Sabnam.
Best Time to Book a Cheap Flight to India With MyTicketsToIndia
The winter months from December to early March are often considered the best time to visit India, its perfect for exploring. The heat starts to build from April onward, and the summer monsoon usually sweeps through between June and September. However, with India's large size and different climates, theres always something new to explore throughout the year. At My Tickets To India, weve compiled this guide to help you find the best times to visit some of the country's most popular destinations. Best Time to Visit India Overall The best time to visit India is during the winter, from October to March when most regions experience pleasant weather. During this period: Northern India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Agra, has cooler days, perfect for exploring historic monuments like the Taj Mahal and Jaipurs Amber Fort. Southern India, including Kerala and Goa, enjoys a tropical yet comfortable climate ideal for beach vacations and backwater cruises. Regional Highlights: Best Times to Visit Specific Places Best Time to Visit Kerala, India The best time to visit Kerala is from November to February when the weather is cooler and less humid. Its perfect for exploring Munnars tea plantations, the backwaters of Alleppey, and Cochins cultural landmarks. Best Time to Visit Goa, India For beach lovers, the best time to visit Goa is from November to March. The festive vibe, coupled with sunny days and cool evenings, makes it a prime time for water sports and nightlife. Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh, India The ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh is during the summer months of May to September when the snow has melted, and the roads are open. This period is excellent for trekking, biking, and exploring the stark beauty of the region. Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India The Andaman Islands are best visited between October and May. The clear skies and calm seas make it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach hopping. Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal, India To see the Taj Mahal in all its glory, plan your visit between October and February. Early mornings during this season offer spectacular views, often with a misty backdrop. Best Time to Visit Northern India The northern states, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are best visited from October to March. This is also the best time to explore destinations like Manali, Shimla, Rishikesh, and Varanasi. Best Time to Visit South India South India, including popular destinations like Bangalore, Coorg, Munnar, Ooty, and Hyderabad, is most pleasant from October to February. Seasonal Travel Considerations Summer (April to June): Ideal for visiting hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling. Monsoon (July to September): A great time to experience Keralas greenery and Ayurveda retreats. Winter (October to March): Perfect for exploring most of India, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa. Best Times to Fly from the USA to India If you're flying from USA to India flight planning your trip well in advance can help you secure the best deals. The best time to book flights to India is during the low travel seasons, such as March to May and September to November. For festivals like Diwali (October-November) or Holi (March), its advisable to book several months ahead as flights fill up quickly. Routes from the USA to India Our travel agency offers seamless flights from major US cities to India: New York to Delhi or Mumbai Chicago to Hyderabad or Bangalore Los Angeles to Chennai or Kochi San Francisco to Delhi or Kolkata We ensure you get the best routes with minimal layovers. Flight durations typically range from 15 to 18 hours, depending on the city pair and airline. Top Airlines for Affordable Travel At MyTicketsToIndia, we collaborate with IndiGo and offer a smooth travel booking experience complete with exclusive deals and discounts. 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Whether youre planning a cultural tour, a beach vacation, or a spiritual retreat, we ensure hassle-free bookings, affordable fares, and excellent support. Conclusion Indias diverse climate means theres no single best time to visit. Instead, the ideal time depends on your chosen destination and interests. From the snowy peaks of Kashmir to the sunny beaches of Goa, every season offers unique experiences. Contact us today to plan your trip from the USA to India and enjoy an unforgettable journey. For more information, please contactEmail: info@myticketstoindia.comPhone: +1-585-910-2929Website: https://www.myticketstoindia.com Website: https://www.myticketstoindia.com.auWebsite: https://www.myticketstoindia.ae
Guntur cybercrime police arrest social media fraudster at Indo-Nepal Border
Vijayawada: A team of the Guntur Cyber Crime Police has arrested a person who impersonated as Telugu Desam NRI convener for defrauding several persons in the guise of providing them medical assistance. The accused, Konduri Rajesh (34), was caught at the Indo-Nepal border in Panitanki, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, after a manhunt by the AP CID team. Police here said in a media release that the accused had fled to Goa, then to the Andaman Islands, and subsequently to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh and he continued his fraudulent activities there too. The accused exploited social media by monitoring hashtags like #help_@naralokesh, #help_@pawankalyan, and #help_@ncbn on Twitter to identify potential victims seeking medical and financial assistance. He used disposable US phone numbers to contact victims through WhatsApp and posed as the TDP NRI Convener. To make his scam appear real, he used AP IT minister Nara Lokesh's photograph and sent fake bank credit receipts to the victims, the media release said. He would then follow up with calls from Indian numbers, pretending to be bank managers, and convince victims to deposit money into his accounts under the pretext of (beneficiary) charges. The investigation has revealed that the accused Rajesh is facing nine cases registered under various sections of the BNS and IT Act. Some even cases in Andhra Pradesh and two in Telangana were registered last year. These were in addition to four cases registered in Telangana during 2022-2023. The amounts defrauded in the nine recent cases total `54.34 lakh, the release added. The release said the police received 1,614 complaints against him in total, of which nine have been formally registered as cases. Two additional complaints are pending registration in AP and four in Telangana, involving a fraud of `3 lakh. The cumulative amount lost by victims across all cases is estimated at `57 lakh. The arrest came after a 15-day operation by the investigation team through West Bengal, working in collaboration with the police network there. The accused was caught at Panitanki, under the jurisdiction of Kharibari police station in Darjeeling.
Indian Tea Association Submits White Paper On Darjeeling Tea Industry To West Bengal
It also highlighted key issues like production challenges and market dynamics.
New political party announced in Darjeeling hills, to push for Gorkhaland
The leaders behind the new political outfit IGJF feel that there is a vacuum in the political space in the Darjeeling hills and they can challenge the Anit Thapa led Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM)
500 enemy properties encroached in Bengal: MHA
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data has revealed that out of the total 4,376 enemy properties in West Bengal, over 500 of them are encroached by illegal occupants and the authorities initiated eviction proceedings only in cases of 49 such assets so far. MHA officials said that the government has recently conducted a survey in West Bengal and it was found that there are 4,376 enemy properties in the states of which 4,320 were left by Pakistani nationals and 56 were that of Chinese, who left during 1962 war. Based on the survey conducted so far, encroachment has been found in 536 enemy properties situated in West Bengal and so far, 49 eviction proceedings have been initiated, a senior MHA official said, adding that out of these two are situated at 78- A&B Shakespear Sarani and the rest are in South Tangra Road, Kolkata. The official went on to add that no enemy property in the state has been sold in the past three years. But, lease rents o he tune of `69.72 lakh have been collected during the last three years in respect of such properties in the state, he said. The District Magistrates (DMs) act as an ex-officio Deputy Custodian of such properties and they are responsible for preservation and maintenance, and act as Estate Officers. Therefore, under the law they are authorised to take action against illegal occupants under the Enemy Property Rules, 2015, the official said. The maximum number of 1,728 enemy properties is situated in Murshidabad district, followed by 711 in Coochbehar, 625 in Purba Bardhaman, 427 in Birbhum and 100 in Alipurduar. All of these were left by Pakistani nationals. Among those enemy properties, which were left by Chinese nationals include 19 in Kolkata, 17 in Kalimpong, 13 in Darjeeling, 5 in Jalpaiguri and 2 in Alipurduar, according to the MHA data. Giving details of the procedure of disposing off the enemy properties, the official said, In terms of guidelines framed in 2018, such assets are sold through e-auction after carrying out valuation by a committee under the chairmanship of the DM of a district, where the property is situated and based on this the central government decides the manner in which they are to be dealt with.
Renowned botanist Patrick Blancwhose Tiger Wings project was recently opened at the Kempegowda International Airport lists Kodagu, Nilgiris, Darjeeling, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park among his favourite green spots in India
Five-time Everester Kushang Dorjee Sherpa dies at 59
Darjeeling, Dec 8: Kushang Dorjee Sherpa, a five-time Everester and among the few adventurers in the globe to have scaled the worlds tallest peak from its three sides, has died at his home here, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone), announced on Sunday. Sherpa, 59, breathed his last on Saturday and is survived by his [] The post Five-time Everester Kushang Dorjee Sherpa dies at 59 appeared first on Northlines .
Darjeeling Zoo has new arrivals like white tigers and golden jackals
Home to some highly endangered species like the elusive Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo in the iconic HMI complex area becomes more attractive and richer with the arrival of two white tigers, and as many golden jackals, official sources said on Sunday.
Culture and heritage are Bengals travel destinations this winter
The crowd which usually head to the Darjeeling hills and the beaches, is now exploring the very essence of Bengal: its history and its architecture and its forests and its rivers.
