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TMC Leaders Aide Sent to Police Custody Over Soil Theft Charges in Kolkata

Abhishek Banerjees aide Sumit Roy has been remanded to police custody for 10 days in a soil theft case linked to illegal land grabbing. TMC Leaders Aide Sent to Police Custody Over Soil Theft Charges in Kolkata

Daily Kiran 1 Nov 2026 12:06 am

Change of guard at Coast Guard Region North East; Jyotindra Singh takes over as Commandant

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) Jyotindra Singh, IG, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), took over as Commandant, Coast Guard Region North East from Iqbal Singh Chauhan, in Kolkata, on Saturday. An alumnus of the Naval Academy and a recipient of the coveted Sword of Honour, Singh has commanded all classes of ICG ships and held key appointments ashore. He is also a recipient of the Tatrakshak Medal and DGICG Commendations. The change of command was marked by a ceremonial parade held at the headquarters of the region in Kolkata. He takes charge at a time when the ICG is upgrading its assets and inducting modern surface and aerial platforms. The Region North East is extremely crucial for managing the coastal defences along the eastern seaboard. It is in charge of the states of West Bengal and Odisha. In West Bengal, it has an operational base at Haldia that houses both Coast Guard ships and hovercrafts. It also has a hoverport at Fraserganj to monitor activity close to the Sundarbans. The regional headquarters also has an air enclave at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, from where it operates Dornier aircraft. These aircraft carry out regular surveillance of the coastal waters off West Bengal and Odisha, right up to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Bangladesh. In Odisha, it operates surface assets from Paradip and helicopters from Bhubaneswar. While West Bengal has a coastline measuring nearly 721 km, Odisha's portion is about 575 km. Both states have several vital assets along the coast, including major ports, private ones, oil refineries and port-based industry. Odisha also has several defence assets, including test centres, along its coasts. All of these require constant surveillance. The headquarters in Kolkata gets real-time feed about all ships moving in Indian coastal waters off West Bengal and Odisha, from radar stations along the coast. This data is monitored 24x7. Several of the ICG's older assets are being phased out and being replaced by new ones. We are getting advanced hovercrafts and fast patrol vessels. The Chetak helicopters are being replaced by Dhruv MkIIIs. Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are also being built and will start joining the force soon. The Dornier fleet is also getting upgraded, an official said. The Coast Guard is also engaged in a variety of activities, including anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and anti-piracy operations. It also ensures the safety of the thousands of fisherfolk by issuing timely warnings ahead of depressions and cyclones. The Coast Guard North East Region is also entrusted with protecting the highly endangered Olive Ridley turtles when they arrive to roost and lay eggs along the Odisha coast every year. The force is also the nodal agency mandated to check and control pollution at sea. The new IG's experience, illustrious service record and proven leadership will further strengthen the operational excellence of the Coast Guard North East region, the official said.

bhaskarlive 1 Nov 2026 12:01 am

Mohun Bagan Beat Punjab FC 2-1 To Go Top Of ISL Table

Mohun Bagan Super Giant came from behind to beat Punjab FC 2-1 and move temporarily to the top of the Indian Super League standings after their match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 11:46 pm

2 youths molest college student in Barrackpore, held

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:44 pm

JU VC seeks EC meet nod, writes to govt

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:44 pm

Ministers meet for single-ticket travel plans

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:42 pm

Teachers demand pay revision

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:41 pm

Assault on 4-yr-old, Pocso cuffs on man

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:40 pm

SRFTI row: Students, alumni demand independent inquiry

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 11:26 pm

Over 1,000 Runners Take Part In Kolkata Promo Run Ahead Of Puri Coastal Marathon 2026

The City of Joy witnessed an enthusiastic celebration of fitness and community spirit as over 1,000 registered participants came together for the Kolkata Promo Run, organised as a build-up to the much-awaited Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, scheduled to take place on December 13, 2026, in Puri, Odisha.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 10:42 pm

Akasa Air Aircraft Suffers Tail Strike During Landing At Kolkata Airport

In a statement, Akasa Air said the flight QP 1925 from Ahmedabad to Kolkata carried out a go-around during its landing at Kolkata and landed safely thereafter.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 9:40 pm

8-month pregnant Bengal woman delivers stillborn after assault by 'BJP workers'

In Cooch Behar district, a woman named Priya Pal lost her baby after an assault on her husband. The alleged attack involved suspected BJP workers who targeted her husband, Debajit Barman, while he was returning home. After the incident, both Priya and Debajit were admitted to the hospital for treatment. Two suspects have been arrested, while a search is ongoing for additional accused individuals.

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 9:40 pm

Police seize morphine, cough syrup; five arrested

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 8:39 pm

Walk for books: Hundreds march in Kolkata against attack on bookstalls

Citizens, activists, professors, and politicians join the march, which was held without any political banner. It was organised in protest against attacks on bookstalls during Durga Puja, blamed on right-wing groups and the BJP

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 8:29 pm

SRFTI students allege continued police presence on campus, raise privacy concerns

Addressing a press conference at Kolkata Press Club, the students' union expressed concern over the continued deployment and movement of police personnel on the campus

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 8:14 pm

SRFTI students allege continued police presence on campus, raise privacy concerns

Addressing a press conference at Kolkata Press Club, the students' union expressed concern over the continued deployment and movement of police personnel on the campus

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 8:14 pm

Akasa Air aircraft suffers tail strike at Kolkata airport

An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced a tail strike during landing at Kolkata airport. The flight QP 1925 had taken off from Ahmedabad and successfully completed a go-around. After landing around 7.40 am, all passengers disembarked without any reported injuries. A post-flight inspection revealed that the tail section had contacted the ground. Relevant authorities have been informed and an investigation is currently underway.

The Economic Times 31 Oct 2026 7:56 pm

Delhi AQI Close To 200 As Mumbai, Hyderabad Slip Into 'Unhealthy' Zone; Kolkata's Air Worsens

Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru remained in the poor category, with Bengaluru recording the lowest AQI among the six major metros.

NDTV 31 Oct 2026 7:37 pm

Ambuja Neotia, IHCL to invest up to 3,000 crore in 9 hospitality projects in Bengal

Upcoming projects spread across Kolkata, Raichak, Digha, Siliguri, Lataguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, Ambuja Neotia Group chairman says

The Hindu Businessline 31 Oct 2026 6:09 pm

IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group announce new hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri

Ambuja Neotia Group plans to invest Rs 2,700 crore in West Bengal's hospitality sector, which includes new hotel launches. The newly opened AltAir House hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri are part of this initiative. A significant expansion of Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling also forms part of the investment. The collaboration aims to enhance tourism and create unique travel experiences in the region.

The Economic Times 31 Oct 2026 5:46 pm

Kolkata Police to Question Former Ministers Wife in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam

Kolkata police are set to interrogate the wife of former minister Indranil Sen regarding a fake Durga Puja pass scam involving her company. Kolkata Police to Question Former Ministers Wife in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam

Daily Kiran 31 Oct 2026 5:27 pm

East Bengal Begins AFC Women's Champions League Campaign

East Bengal Women's Football Club is set to make history as they kick off their AFC Women's Champions League Group B campaign in Kolkata on Sunday. The 'Moshal Girls' aim to become the first Indian club to reach the quarter-finals, building on a successful season and an unbeaten international run. They face tough competition from Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO WFC, and North Korea's 4.25 SC.

Rediff 31 Oct 2026 4:33 pm

Man arrested under POCSO for assaulting 3-year-old girl in Bengal's Dattapukur

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) A man in his forties was arrested in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, police said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Arjun Sardar, had reportedly visited a relative's house in Dattapukur when he allegedly took the child to the roof of a neighbouring house and assaulted her sexually. The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday and came to light the following day, on Friday, triggering tension in the area. According to the police, the victim's family has been living in Subhashnagar in a rented house under Nilganj outpost in Dattapukur police station area for the last three months. Local residents said they went to file a complaint at Nilganj outpost of Dattapukur police station, but police refused to do so. Later, a case was registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and an investigation was launched. The police arrested the accused on Friday night. Police said the accused has confessed to the crime during interrogation. He was produced before the Barasat court on Saturday. The police sought his custody for further investigation. The child was taken to Barasat Medical College and Hospital for a physical examination. Her family and local residents alleged they had to wait for a long time at Barasat Medical College and Hospital as there was only one female doctor available at that time, and that too was busy. Locals alleged that the girl's medical examination was delayed for several hours due to the unavailability of female doctors, sparking protests at the hospital. The situation was later brought under control. The victim's family has demanded stringent punishment for the accused.

bhaskarlive 31 Oct 2026 4:33 pm

Is Bengali cinema losing its rootedness?

Has Bengali cinema forgotten how to look at Bengal? From the invisible lives of Dhapa to the textures of a language that is slowly losing its density, filmmakers Ashish Avikunthak, Indrasis Acharya and Ishaan Ghose ask what has slipped out of the frame, and whether cinema can still find its way back

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 2:57 pm

Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru

22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 31

The Hindu Businessline 31 Oct 2026 1:34 pm

Gold, silver rates today Hyderabad 31 Oct for investors: What are latest prices per kg and per 10 gms in Charminar City?

Gold, silver prices today in Hyderabad, 31 October for investors: What are latest prices per kg and per 10 gms in Charminar City? We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Livemint 31 Oct 2026 12:19 pm

Five former TMC ministers arrested under BJP rule, only one gets bail

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) Only one of the five former ministers of the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government arrested during the first six months of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led regime in West Bengal is currently out on bail. The cases concern alleged wrongdoing during the previous Trinamool Congress government's tenure. The arrests of former ministers began with former state Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose. Three other former ministers were subsequently arrested: Dilip Mondal, who served as Minister of State for Transport; Ujjal Biswas, the former Correctional Services Minister; and Udyana Guha, who held the North Bengal Development portfolio. The latest to join the list is Indranil Sen, former state Tourism Minister and Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs. The singer-turned-politician was arrested earlier this week in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to festival tours associated with the UNESCO-tagged celebration. Of the five former ministers, Biswas is the only one currently out on bail. Sen is in police custody, while the other three, along with Bose, are in judicial custody. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bose in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-jobs case involving municipal recruitment in West Bengal. Mondal, Biswas and Guha were arrested by the West Bengal Police in cases involving allegations of corruption, extortion and political violence. Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police earlier this week. He is the only one among the five against whom the ED and the city police have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to tours organised around the UNESCO-tagged festival. The case against Sen has drawn particular attention in view of the ED's investigation, after the name of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee figured in the agency's findings. Earlier this month, the ED issued a statement naming Banerjee in connection with a transaction involving Octave Records, a company owned by Sen. According to the agency, nearly Rs 30 lakh was allegedly transferred from the company's accounts to Banerjee through banking channels. Sen, however, maintained that the payment was made towards royalty. Separately, a judicial inquiry commission constituted by the West Bengal government to examine alleged institutional corruption during the previous Trinamool Congress regime has initiated an inquiry involving Sen.

bhaskarlive 31 Oct 2026 11:50 am

Gold, silver rates today Bangalore 31 Oct: Latest prices, up-down movement for precious metal investors in Garden City

Gold, silver prices today, 31 October: Check the latest prices and up-down movement for precious metal investors in Garden City. We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Livemint 31 Oct 2026 10:50 am

1.2 lakh electors deleted in Kolkata; West Bengal Congress asks poll body for corrective steps before civic polls

The civic body polls are likely to be held in the next few weeks even as the fate of many voters lie in a limbo

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 1:55 am

Suvendu challenges Abhishek to contest from Diamond Harbour in 2029 Lok Sabha polls

The remarks from the Chief Minister came in response to a statement made by the Diamond Harbour MP, in which he alleged political vendetta and cautioned a section of police officers not to target him at the behest of the Chief Minister

The Hindu 31 Oct 2026 12:56 am

Jkhand cop gives 410g liver to daughter

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:35 am

City docs ask for cap on insulin price

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:33 am

Primary scholarship exams held

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:30 am

More Cops On Kolkata Roads For 3 Days From Dhanteras

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:29 am

School pays tribute to war veterans

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:24 am

Civic volunteer found hanging at home

The Times of India 31 Oct 2026 12:19 am

Bengal shifts 12,000 people to safety as glacial lake outburst hits Bhutan

PTI Kolkata/Guwahati West Bengal shifted 12,000 people living along the Sankosh in Alipurduar district to safety, while Assam closely monitored the situation in vulnerable areas of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts after the rivers water level rose following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in adjoining Bhutan, officials said. Water level in the Sankosh, which forms []

The Navhind Times 31 Oct 2026 12:07 am

7-hour traffic block in Sealdah div to hit train ops

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:36 pm

Technology meets talent: IIT Madras Acrophase Initiative launches under-19 sports scholarship

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) Sports today is no longer about raw physical and mental effort and practice. A lot of it has to do with technology that determines under what circumstances a sportsperson achieves peak potential. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched the SBI Foundation ACE Potential Athlete Sports Scholarship for able-bodied national-level athletes aged 1519 years. The programme will support 90 young athletes 45 boys and 45 girls across athletics, swimming, boxing, wrestling, shooting, archery and badminton. Selected athletes will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000, along with sports science-based performance assessments and personalised nutrition guidance from IIT MadrasAcrophase, supporting them as they train and compete at higher levels. Behind every promising athlete are years of training, discipline and the ambition to go further. But talent alone is not enough; the right support can shape how far that journey goes, IIT Madras says. In a LinkedIn post, the institute has said: Acrophase, an IIT Madras initiative, is India's first human performance research centre driven to build superhumans capable of pushing the limits. Through a unique confluence of wearable industry experts, researchers from IIT Madras, and experts in human physiology and biomechanics, we curate performance enhancement programs for people at all levels. We do this by leveraging the benefits of data-driven technology in synergy with expert insights from physiology, biomechanics & behavioural psychology. Acrophase is a social-impact-driven performance science initiative emerging from the research and innovation ecosystem of IIT Madras. The initiative is built on the institutes strengths in engineering, biomedical science, and data analytics. Acrophase translates rigorous academic research into scalable, field-deployable solutions that create measurable societal value. Partnerships with SBI Foundation and the Wadhwani Foundation have enabled Acrophase, through IIT Madras, to support able-bodied and para-athletes across India using inclusive, research-driven performance and capacity-building frameworks, IIT Madras says. Applications have started being accepted from October 7, and the process will continue till November 16. The applicants must be Indian citizens competing at the national level. There will be 18 scholarships for athletics, followed by swimming and shooting with 16 each. Archery will receive 12 places, wrestling and boxing 10 each, and badminton eight. The selection will be based on sporting merit, with preference given to players from lower-income families when candidates are otherwise equally matched.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 11:33 pm

No forced union tie, no wage bias: Govt to Tolly

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:33 pm

Fire on 24th floor of South City condo triggers panic

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:32 pm

8pm-10pm window stays for bursting of crackers

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:32 pm

West Bengal govt to set up magic school and museum

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:31 pm

ISL 2026/27: Mohun Bagan SG look to extend winning run against unbeaten Punjab FC

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) Former winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant welcome early-season high-flyers Punjab FC to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 on Saturday as they hope to hit their stride after a good start. The Mariners enter the fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, courtesy of a second-half strike by Manvir Singh. Punjab FC, conversely, arrive in Kolkata protecting an unbeaten start to their campaign, currently occupying second spot in the table with seven points after navigating a chaotic opening month. Punjabs never-say-die attitude and ability to fight until the final whistle have been a defining feature of their recent performances. Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis credited the mentality instilled across the squad, while acknowledging an area that needs improvement. Of course, conceding goals in the previous games is something that is bothering us. But it is something that we are working on, he said. The Greek coach also stressed the importance of maintaining the teams identity against a formidable opponent. We are a team that fights. We are a team that never gives up, he said, adding that the clubs philosophy extends beyond the game plan to developing Indian players. Captain Nikhil Prabhu echoed that determination, highlighting the message within the dressing room: My message for the team was to fight for every ball and believe in ourselves till the last minute. There is a personal connection in the dugout, with Mohun Bagan head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis set to face his former club and close friend Dermitzakis. The Punjab FC head coach was also a mentor to Dilmperis at the beginning of his coaching career in 2010. Pavlos is my best friend. He used to be a mentor for me at the beginning of my coaching career in 2010, along with being a great coach and a great person, Dilmperis said. While admitting to an emotional connection with Punjab and its players, Dilmperis made clear where his focus lies. When you are coaching Mohun Bagan SG, trust me, there is no time to think about emotions or feelings. You have to be there, focused and win this game because of the pressure. Midfielder Samir Zeljkovi, who joined Mohun Bagan from Punjab ahead of the season, acknowledged the quality of his former team. I respect them a lot. I know because I played with most of them last season. They have also brought in good foreign players. They have started the season well, and I hope tomorrow will be a good match. I hope we will win, he said. Mohun Bagan have won all five previous ISL meetings between the sides, including a 3-2 victory in their most recent league encounter in April. With Punjab looking to preserve their unbeaten start and Mohun Bagan chasing another consecutive victory, Saturday's clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 11:22 pm

IIT-K brings Kolkatas contemporary art to campus

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 11:03 pm

Bengal: Hawkers assault Rashtriya Ekta Diwas rally participants

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) People travelling from West Bengal to Vadodara in Gujarat to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations were brutally assaulted by hawkers at the Bhusaval station in Maharashtra on Friday. The railway police at Bhusaval confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and several people have been detained for questioning. Further investigation is underway, an official said. We were in a group of 99 people from the Jhargram district in West Bengal, selected by the district administration to travel by a special train to Vadodara for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31. When the train stopped at the Bhusaval station, some of us decided to get out and stretch our legs as it had been a long journey, said Nirmalendu Mahato. He, along with his daughter, purchased some bananas from the platform. While Mahato remained outside, the girl went inside the compartment to keep the bananas near their luggage. Trouble started after she rejoined her father on the platform and Mahato started videographing the surroundings. We had heard a lot about Bhusaval and its bananas, so it was only natural for me to make a video. There were some hawkers around, but it was not my idea to focus on them. Suddenly, an elderly man approached me from behind and asked me harshly to stop making the video. I asked him the reason, when four others approached. Realising that they were out there to create trouble, I turned to send my daughter back into the compartment. This was when they pushed me from behind, Mahato said. His co-passengers noticed the incident and accosted the hawkers, resulting in a minor scuffle. The team from Jhargram, which comprises police and administrative officers from the district, then approached the elderly man who had started the whole thing. When he was asked why he started the whole ruckus, the man left. We believed that was the end of the matter. However, he returned in a few minutes with over 20 men and started assaulting us. At least a dozen members of our group received injuries to their faces, shoulders, backs, and other parts of the body. We somehow managed to get into the train and get in touch with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Mahato said. The injured, including Mahato, received treatment at the next station, where a complaint was also registered by the railway police. After reaching Vadodara, they were taken to a hospital for medical examination. On the evening of October 30, senior police officers from Bhusaval reached Vadodara and spoke to us in detail. A DSP of West Bengal Police, who was part of our group, also provided details. We were told that seven of the miscreants have been identified and detained. More people will be booked as the investigation progresses, we were told, Mahato said. According to a senior police official, it was the handiwork of illegal hawkers against whom Central Railway has been taking steps for the last few months. Several hundred illegal hawkers have been identified and removed from stations in that area. However, they keep on returning to the stations on the sly. It seems that they were scared that their activities would get recorded when the video was being made and attacked the passengers, the official said. Whatever the reason, the incident has left a bad taste in the mouth for Mahato and the others, who had left home so happily, proud to be part of the national event, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 10:57 pm

Authority of officials who appealed against inclusion of names in Bengal SIR under lens

The officials who filed appeals against the inclusion of the 16.10 lakh voters may not have had the authority to do so under the Representation of the People Act; according to the Act, the CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO are the authorities with respect to electoral rolls

The Hindu 30 Oct 2026 10:11 pm

Authority of officials who appealed against inclusion of names in Bengal SIR under lens

The officials who filed appeals against the inclusion of the 16.10 lakh voters may not have had the authority to do so under the Representation of the People Act; according to the Act, the CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO are the authorities with respect to electoral rolls

The Hindu 30 Oct 2026 10:11 pm

SMPK Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has released the official notification for the post of Deputy Manager (Marine Engineering). The last date to submit the offline application is 15 December 2026. Further details are available at smp.smportkolkata.in.

FreeJobAlert 30 Oct 2026 10:11 pm

Bengal govt to set up magic school and museum on history of magic

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) A full-fledged magic school is going to be set up in the state to bring the magic art of West Bengal to the new generation, government officials said on Friday. In addition, a magic museum on the history of magic in Bengal will also be set up to preserve the long history of Bengali magic practice, rare equipment and the contributions of artists. Preparations for the implementation of this plan have begun under the initiative of the State Information and Cultural Affairs (I and CA) Department. The state government has formed an advisory committee to prepare the outline of this project. The country's eminent magician P.C. Sorcar (Junior) is the chief advisor of the committee. He has been joined by several other eminent people who have been associated with the magic art for a long time. Initial discussions have already started on how the school and museum plans will be implemented. The first formal meeting of the advisory committee was held at Nandan Auditorium in Kolkata on Friday. State Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Department (Independent Charge), Purnima Chakraborty, and Secretary of the Department Soumitra Mohan were present there. P.C. Sorcar (Junior), his wife Jayashree Sarkar and daughter magician Maneka Sarkar also joined the meeting. The meeting discussed the curriculum of the proposed magic school, the type of training, the infrastructure of the museum and the possible outline of the project implementation. The issue of establishing magic not only as stage entertainment, but also as an independent art and science-based practice also gained importance in the discussion. After the meeting, P.C. Sorcar (Junior) said that the history of Bengali magic is very rich and ancient and that tradition needs to be preserved in a scientific way. According to him, there is science, practice and special skills behind magic. If this initiative of the state government is implemented, the new generation will get the opportunity to choose magic as a profession. The school can also play an important role in creating interest in this art among the youth, he said. One of the goals of the proposed magic museum is to preserve the history of magic practice in Bengal. According to the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, there are plans to preserve the lives and work of prominent magicians of Bengal, the history of different stages of magic, rare equipment used, old clothes and ancient books. Through this, visitors and researchers will get the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the art of magic and the techniques used at different times. On the other hand, there is a plan to provide training to experienced magicians in the magic school. A specific curriculum may also be created for that training. In addition to teaching magic techniques, there are plans to provide lessons on stage presentation, sleight of hand, holding the audience's attention and the science behind magic. Purnima Chakraborty, Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Department, said that the aim of this initiative is to institutionalise the ancient arts of Bengal. According to Chakraborty, the state has always given importance to the practice of art and culture. If a magic school and museum are established, it will be possible to present this tradition to future generations in a more comprehensive manner, she said.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 10:05 pm

HC grants bail to accused in RG Kar corruption case

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 10:00 pm

Defending champions India announce 28-member squad for SAFF Championship 2026

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17, with Naushad Moosa appointed as head coach of the national team. Moosa, who currently coaches the India U23 mens team, will lead the Blue Tigers in their title defence, while Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided the India U15 mens team at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, has been named assistant coach. India, who won the previous edition in 2023 after defeating Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru, will aim to extend their record of nine titles by securing a 10th championship crown. India have been placed in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. They will begin their campaign against Pakistan on November 5 before facing the Maldives on November 11. Both group-stage matches will kick off at 3 PM IST. Hosts Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked the clubs for releasing their players for the continental tournament and supporting the national teams preparations. We would like to thank all the clubs for their cooperation and support in releasing their players for the SAFF Championship. We appreciate their understanding in allowing the players to represent the country, he said. The AIFF also confirmed that 18 players will travel to Dhaka from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 will join the squad over the following days. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 14, with the first semi-final kicking off at 2:30 PM IST and the second at 8 PM IST. The final will be played on November 17 at 7:30 PM IST. All matches of the tournament will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka. India's squad for SAFF Championship 2026: Goalkeepers: Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey. Defenders: Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon, Sandip Mandi. Midfielders: Abhishek Suryavanshi, Adison Singh Thokchom, Brison Fernandes, Ebindas Yesudasan, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Noufal PN, Ricky John Shabong, Suresh Singh Wangjam. Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV, Suhail Ahmad Bhat.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 9:40 pm

Delhi AQI Nears 200; Bengaluru, Chennai In Unhealthy Category As Kolkata Breathes Easier

Five of the six metro cities reported moderate air quality, while Kolkata remained in the satisfactory category.

NDTV 30 Oct 2026 9:29 pm

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari sends Rs 50 lakh relief for Bihar father-son killed in Chorbagan

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sent two compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of a father and son from Muzaffarpur who lost their lives in the Chorbagan stampede tragedy. Following the heart-wrenching incident in Chorbagan, Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives, the Chief Minister Adhikari personally met with the grieving families of the 17 victims from West Bengal to provide financial assistance, according to a press release issued by the Chief Minister

devdiscourse 30 Oct 2026 9:27 pm

Cops to quiz all accused in Rs 100cr puja passes case

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 9:07 pm

Bengal govt approves employment scheme for families of poll violence victims

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) The West Bengal government has initiated administrative processes to provide state government jobs to family members of individuals who lost their lives in political and election-related violence in the state over the last 25 years, a government official confirmed on Friday. The policy decision, approved by the state cabinet, covers families of victims killed during Panchayat, Municipal, Assembly, and Lok Sabha election clashes across the past two and a half decades. Officials stated that the recruitment initiative will be executed without considering political affiliations, making family members of deceased supporters or workers from any political party eligible, provided they fulfil specified administrative criteria. To navigate legal complexities arising from historic incidents dating back up to 25 years, the state government conducted prior consultations with legal experts and secured formal concurrence from the Law Department before finalising the policy framework. Preparations for implementation are being led directly by district administrations. During a virtual conference held on Thursday, primarily convened to discuss census readiness, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal briefed District Magistrates across the state on the policy and instructed them to begin identifying eligible families and preparing preliminary documentation. Given the operational challenge of tracing beneficiaries and establishing cause-of-death links to past electoral violence, the administration will rely heavily on official police records, historical case files, and official death documentation to verify claims. The state government plans to issue a formal notification detailing specific eligibility criteria, including age limits, required educational qualifications, and designated job roles, alongside public media advertisements inviting formal applications. Submitted applications will undergo multi-tier verification by local police stations, district administrative authorities, and legal scrutinizers. Upon successful verification of claims, government employment will be formally extended to one designated member of the victim's family.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 8:52 pm

IFL 2026/27: Mohammedan SC start against Shillong Lajong, debutants Samaleswari take on Gokulam Kerala

Digital Desk | Kalyani/Kozhikode, Oct 30 (IANS) Mohammedan SC will begin their Indian Football League (IFL) 202627 campaign against last seasons runners-up Shillong Lajong FC, while debutants Samaleswari SC will take on two-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC in a double-header on Saturday. The match between Mohammedan SC and Shillong Lajong FC will be played at the Kalyani Football Stadium, while later in the evening, Gokulam Kerala FC will host Samaleswari SC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. Mohammedan SC will begin their new season in a competition they know well. The Black Panthers last played in it in 202324, when they were crowned champions and earned promotion. They return with a familiar face in the dugout and a squad built on continuity. Head Coach Saheed Ramon, who previously took charge of the club in 201920, has kept faith with a group of players who have played together in the Calcutta Football League this season, including captain Mahitosh Roy, Fardin Ali Molla, Israfil Dewan and Hira Mondal. Speaking ahead of the match, Assistant Coach Sudhir Mishra said, Even though we havent had a long preparation window, the squad is focused, and we will try to play good football. Our target for tomorrows match is clear; we want to fight for all three points and start the campaign on a positive note. Roy believes that familiarity will carry the side through a short pre-season, stating, We last played a competitive fixture on September 19, and despite the break and the challenges in between, everyone is in good condition to play. This group has been playing together as a team for a long time, so our chemistry is strong, and we dont have any difficulties. We are motivated to show what we can do on the pitch tomorrow, the midfielder added. Shillong Lajong FC arrive in Naihati as one of the sides to watch this season. Last season, Head Coach Birendra Thapa guided an all-Indian squad to a historic runners-up finish on 28 points, one behind champions Diamond Harbour FC. Lajong ended the campaign in style with a 3-0 win over the champions in their final match. Phrangki Buam scored in that win. It was his eighth goal of the season, and he was later named the leagues Most Valuable Player. He returns as Lajongs leading attacking threat, alongside Everbrightson Sana, who opened the scoring that day. The Meghalaya side have also added overseas experience to their core, including Brazilian defender Arthur Pangaro and fellow Brazilian Jota. Both featured in the Durand Cup, where Jota helped create the opening goal for Sana in a 2-0 win over Nongkseh. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Birendra Thapa said, The preparation has been solid. We have been waiting for this moment since the Durand Cup. Finally, the league is starting, and the boys are thoroughly prepared and ready to get going. Assessing the opposition, Thapa said: Mohammedan is a quality side. Even without foreigners, their all-Indian lineup features players with serious pedigree like Lalremsanga, Samad Ali Mallick, Nikhil Deka and Mahitosh Roy. It is going to be a tough contest, but our target is unequivocal: we have travelled here to take all three points. Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong reflected the mood in the camp, stating, The dressing room is happy and in high spirits. Everyone is ready, motivated and excited for our first match tomorrow. Focus on Gokulam For Gokulam Kerala FC, Saturday is a chance to draw a line under one of the most testing campaigns in the clubs history. Last season, the Malabarians went through three head coaches. They finished the league phase ninth with two wins from nine matches and were drawn into the relegation round. Their survival came down to the final night. Gokulam went into their last match on May 12 bottom of the relegation group on nine points, one behind Namdhari SC, who needed only a draw to stay up. At the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, Trijoy Savio Dias reacted first to a loose ball in the eighth minute of added time. The 1-0 win kept Gokulam in the league and sent Namdhari down. Goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil acknowledged the need for a new beginning, stating, Last season did not go well for us in many aspects, and we want to make a fresh start. Ultimately, it is not about any individual; it is about the team, the backing from the management, and how well we execute the coachs plan. The summer has brought change on a large scale. Brazilian Head Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira, who was appointed in July, has coached in Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia and has worked with Brazils youth national sides. He has a reshaped squad to work with. Brazilian forward Crislan, 34, arrives with 73 goals in 294 career appearances across six countries. Ghanaian striker Denny Antwi returns to Kozhikode, where he scored 11 goals in 15 league matches during the 202021 title-winning season. Midfielder Lalchungnunga Chhangte joins from Sreenidi Deccan FC. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira said, The tournament in Sikkim was really important because it was an official competition that gave our players real match time to get fit and showed the quality of our squad. Over the past few weeks, we have fine-tuned things based on what we saw in Sikkim, and now we are ready for our opening match. Parreira stressed the importance of a winning start, with five consecutive away matches to follow. It is vital to start well in this league. We cannot afford to drop points at home, especially with a very tough sequence of five consecutive away games coming up right after this, he said. Our big ambition is to be the champions of this league, and tomorrow it is time to go out, do our best and bring home all three points. Gokulam are not underestimating the debutants. We have been following them closely and tracking the players they have signed. We know they are putting together a good plan and taking this league very seriously, so we are prepared to face a very strong opponent tomorrow, Parreira said. Shibinraj echoed his coach, adding, On paper they may look like a new team in the league, but the squad they have assembled already carries solid experience across the I-League and top domestic divisions. We are not treating them as newcomers; they are an experienced side, we respect them, and we will go all out for the three points. Samaleswari SC will play their first-ever Indian Football League match on Saturday. It is a significant step for a club founded in Sambalpur, Odisha, in 2006, which will host its home matches at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Rourkela this season. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Abdul Azim Siddique said, It is a great pleasure and a historic moment for Samaleswari Sporting and for Odisha to be a part of the IFL for the first time. Our pre-season was excellent because we confirmed our participation early and prepared very well. The boys are disciplined and dedicated, and 10 players in our squad are from Odisha. Siddiques side have already shown they are not daunted by a big occasion. During their debut Durand Cup campaign, they beat Mohammedan SC 3-2 in Kolkata on August 2. Captain Basit Ahmed Bhat opened the scoring that evening with a near-post finish from a corner. Assessing the opposition, Siddique said, Gokulam Kerala is a legendary club that has won the I-League twice. Their preparation has been good; they have a fantastic coaching staff and some excellent international players. We are not talking too much about the game; we are professional, and we will see what we can do best in the next 90 minutes. The Samaleswari coach also welcomed the prospect of a big crowd in Kozhikode, stating, We dont want to tackle the crowd pressure; in fact, we want more fans so our players can perform in front of them. While thousands of Gokulam fans will come, we also hope the Odia community living in Kerala will turn up in good numbers to support us. Samaleswaris Roshan Panna added, We have practised very well during the pre-season, and we are ready for tomorrows game. With Mohammedan SC and Shillong Lajong FC both eager to make an early statement, Gokulam Kerala FC beginning a new era, and Samaleswari SC set to make history, Saturdays double-header promises a compelling start to the weekend.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 8:38 pm

Assam: Rousing response to ESM job fair in Dibrugarh

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) An Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Job Fair was organised at Dibrugarh in Assam on Friday by the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DoESW), Ministry of Defence. The initiative aimed to facilitate meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and connect industry with the experience, skills and leadership of trained Armed Forces personnel transitioning into civilian careers. There was enthusiastic participation from over 434 Ex-Servicemen and 32 leading companies, including multinationals. They offered more than 350 vacancies across diverse sectors. The job fair was inaugurated by Maj Gen Vishal Pathania, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 41 Sub Area, along with Maj Gen SBK Singh, DG DGR, and Brig Saumya Banerjee. Col P K Ghosh (Retd), director, Jalan Industries and Gp Capt Mohanto Panging (Retd) were present as the guests of honour from the corporate side. The senior officers interacted with participating Ex-Servicemen and corporate representatives, gaining insights into emerging employment opportunities, industry expectations and the skills required in the civilian workforce. The interactions highlighted the value of military experience, leadership, discipline and professional expertise in meeting the evolving requirements of the corporate sector, an official said. Among the prominent recruiters at the event were Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd, Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd, Innovision Ltd, Jalan Industries Ltd, Oil India Ltd, ICICI Bank, Dibrugarh University, udChalo, and others. The event provided a common platform for Ex-Servicemen to showcase their technical, managerial, administrative and leadership capabilities, while enabling employers to connect with a skilled, disciplined and experienced talent pool. The initiative reinforced DGRs commitment to facilitating meaningful second-career opportunities for veterans and supporting their transition into the civilian workforce, the official said. DGR continues to facilitate the resettlement of retiring and retired Armed Forces personnel through employment facilitation, skill development, entrepreneurship and industry engagement. Under the guidance of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, such initiatives reaffirm the governments commitment to enabling veterans to transition into meaningful civilian careers with dignity, purpose and continued service to the nation, officials said. DGR encourages corporate organisations and industry associations to strengthen their engagement with Ex-Servicemen and leverage their proven leadership, integrity, discipline and professional expertise. Greater industry participation can help unlock new career pathways for veterans while enabling employers to benefit from this valuable talent pool, the official added. While their training during their military careers provides them with leadership skills, integrity and discipline, officers are now encouraged by the Armed Forces to pursue advanced courses like management and public relations before they retire. This adds to their professional expertise. With a greater number of officers retiring while still in their working ages, such interactions with industry are crucial for their induction in the corporate sector. Companies have acknowledged the value of ESMs within the organisation.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 8:14 pm

IISER Kolkata Recruitment 2026

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) has invited online applications for 2 vacancies, including Librarian and Deputy Librarian posts. Applications can be submitted at iiserkolnt.samarth.edu.in from 10 October 2026 to 31 October 2026.

FreeJobAlert 30 Oct 2026 7:29 pm

ISL: Punjab FC strive to continue unbeaten run as they face Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Punjab FC will strive to maintain their unbeaten run and continue the upward momentum as they face heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Punjab FC is currently in second place in the table with seven points from three matches (two wins and a draw), while Mohun Bagan is fifth with six points (two wins and a loss) from the same number of matches. Punjab FC will be riding high on confidence from their thrilling 3-2 win against Churchill Brothers SC in their last fixture in Goa, with Sanathoi Singh finding the winner in the 95th minute of the game, while Mohun Bagan scraped out a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in Kolkata with Manvir Singh scoring the winner in the 85th minute. Pavlos Dermitzakis has used his squad efficiently this season, making tactical substitutions at the right moments of the game, which has e...

devdiscourse 30 Oct 2026 7:08 pm

Bengal: Two arrested for killing man over extramarital affair in Asansol

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) West Bengal Police on Friday arrested two accused for beating a man to death over an alleged extramarital affair. The deceased was identified as Ashok Kumar Singh alias Vicky. According to his family members, Vickys family lives in Delhi. The young man is married and has two minor children. Occasionally, he used to live in a quarter in the Hindustan Cables area in the Rupnarayanpur outpost area of Salanpur in Asansol. According to locals, there was unrest over Vicky's 'intimacy' with a married woman in the area. On Thursday evening, Vicky went to the house of a man named Montu Yadav. Some people claimed that Vicky was having an extramarital affair with Montu's wife. Montu left work and went home after getting the news that Vicky had gone to their house. After reaching home, there was an argument and a fight between the two. Allegedly, Montu locked Vicky in his house with some acquaintances and beat him severely. The victim's father claimed that his son was beaten up on a false charge and in a planned manner. That is why he lost his life, claimed the father. According to the police, Vicky was rescued by locals in a bloody state. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. As Vicky's physical condition started deteriorating, the doctors advised him to be shifted to Asansol District Hospital. However, the young man died on the way to the hospital. Based on the complaint lodged by Vicky's family, the police arrested two people on charges of murder. The names of the arrested are Surendra Yadav and Deepak Yadav. They are known to Montu. The police of Rupnarayanpur outpost have started searching for the remaining accused. The police produced the two arrested people in the Asansol court today and took them into custody. The woman with whom Vicky allegedly had a romantic relationship has also been detained by the police for the sake of investigation.

bhaskarlive 30 Oct 2026 6:57 pm

Sundarbans childcare workers honoured at National Awards

The Times of India 30 Oct 2026 3:58 pm

ISL: Punjab FC Look To Maintain Unbeaten Run As They Face Heavyweights Mohun Bagan

Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis: Punjab FC will strive to maintain their unbeaten run and continue the upward momentum as they face heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday. Punjab are currently in second place in the table with seven points from three matches, while Mohun Bagan is fifth with six points from the same number of matches. Punjab will be riding high on confidence from their thrilling 3-2 win against Churchill Brothers SC in their last fixture in Goa, with Sanathoi Singh finding the winner in the 95th minute of the game, while Mohun Bagan scraped out a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in Kolkata with Manvir Singh scoring the winner in the 85th minute. Pavlos Dermitzakis has used his squad efficiently this season, making tactical substitutions at the right moments of the game which has ensured Punjab stretch oppositions in the final minutes. All three matches of The Shers have been decided in the final minutes of the game with Raphael Messi Bouli scoring the winner against Odisha in the first match, Gurkirat Singh scoring the equaliser against Mumbai and Sanathoi scoring the winner against Churchill Brothers. On facing Mohun Bagan, Head Coach Dermitzakis said, We know that tomorrow's game is a difficult and demanding one against a strong team and one of the biggest clubs in the country. We have prepared in the best way possible, and like all our games, we are going to compete for a positive result and continue our good start to the season. The Greek tactician will be up against his fellow countryman and former Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis Dilimperis, who led the team for two seasons. While asked about facing Panos, Dermitzakis said, Panos is a coach who did great work over the last two seasons in Punjab, and I am sure he is going to do the same at Mohun Bagan. I am happy to face him tomorrow because he is a good friend of mine, but on the touchline, each coach will be looking out only for what is best for their own team. Both teams have already faced each other in the semi-finals of the IFA Shield where Mohun Bagan prevailed on penalties after both sides remained goalless after 120 minutes. Punjab FC has never won against Mohun Bagan in the ISL with the Kolkata side winning all their previous encounters. Captain Nikhil Prabhu spoke about the importance of squad depth, The coach has been very straightforward that everyone has their own responsibility. More than just the starting XI, the players coming off the bench are equally important for us. We have experienced players who speak constantly with the youngsters to help them grow and develop. Dermitzakis was also concerned about the defensive issues that the side faced in the previous matches, conceding four goals. The fact that we conceded goals in our previous games is certainly something that bothers us, but it is something we are actively working on in training. We don't play alone; the opponents play too, and they try to put us in trouble. That is how football works, he added. Nikhil Prabhu who has shifted back to being a centre back this season said about the defensive problems of the team, There were some minor mistakes from my side in the last game but I have worked that out with the coaching staff and rectified the same. I started my career as a centre-back, and then my position was shifted to a defensive midfielder. I really enjoy playing in the midfield, but I am always ready to step up and help the team in whichever way I can. We've analyzed our recent mistakes, worked on them in training, and we are completely ready for this game. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. However, Dermitzakis and his players will be focused on extending their unbeaten run and maintaining their position near the top of the table. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 30 Oct 2026 3:50 pm

We Come In Again As Underdogs, Says MI's New Batting Coach Robin Uthappa

Kolkata Knight Riders: Mumbai Indians will go into the next IPL season as underdogs who must win back the trust of their fans, said the franchises newly appointed batting coach Robin Uthappa. On Friday, Uthappa was named the new batting coach of the franchise and will join the backroom staff headed by Kieron Pollard. And today, we find ourselves back in that similar situation right now where the trust of the fans need to be earned again. We come in again as underdogs. Its been one full cycle, and were back to where we started again, which is nice, Uthappa said in a video released by the franchise on Friday. Uthappa was part of Mumbais squad in the first season of the IPL in 2008, where he scored 320 runs from 14 matches at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 114.69. He has watched the franchise grow from a side still finding its feet into one of the most successful teams in the league with five titles. Would have loved to be a longer part of the playing journey, but Ive seen Mumbai go through earning the trust and the faith of the fans, to becoming champions, and then winning consistently and becoming one of the best franchises in the world, from a winning perspective, he added. Uthappa went on to turn out for five more IPL franchises and won the title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021, and finished with 4,952 runs from 205 IPL matches. He said beginning his coaching career at the franchise that gave him his first IPL break was something meant to happen. I am just genuinely happy to be back. Thrilled about this and delighted to have this opportunity to work with this special set of cricketers and this franchise. Incredible, and it just feels like destiny, to be honest. As in, I started my IPL career with Mumbai Indians and I start my IPL coaching career with Mumbai Indians, which seems like destiny to me. He recalled finding out about his auction pick while on national duty overseas, and the thrill of being in the same team with Sachin Tendulkar. So back in 2008, when I got into the franchise, I remember we were in Australia, playing the CB Series in Australia when the auctions happened, and I knew that I was going to be playing with my hero, Sachin Tendulkar, and with Paaji over here. So for me, that was really exciting feeling, because everyone was finding their feet in that first season, and including the franchises and players and teams, and the IPL itself. We had, I would say, a fairly decent season, could have been better. We had injuries, and Paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) missed a big part of that tournament, and then Bhajjupa (Harbhajan Singh) captained as well, and Sanath (Sanath Jayasuriya) played really well, Polly (Shaun Pollock) played really well. For the climb back, especially with MI not winning an IPL title after 2020, Uthappa has set his sights on making MI as feared on the road as they are when playing at the Wankhede Stadium. Were a force to reckon with at home. I want to take that same emotion, that same energy to every venue away from home. My goal would be, or my vision would be to make sure that that sense of intimidation that teams feel when they come to Mumbai Indians, to the Paltan. I want them to feel that same intimidation when we go away from home as well. And to be able to be on the same side of the Mumbai Indians fans. On the same side of the Paltan. So Im looking forward to playing a part in that journey of earning the fans trust back and making sure that this underdog journey will be one to be remembered. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Youre also emotionally investing in their own journey, and then youre rooting for them. You want them to do well. And so when they do well, it feels like personal achievement. I remember when one of the lads I was working with and mentoring got picked up in the Indian Test squad, it felt like I got selected. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 30 Oct 2026 3:38 pm

Nagaland: US Consul Noah Hogan meets Kohima DC ahead of Hornbill Festival

Dimapur: Consul at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Kolkata, Noah Hogan, paid a courtesy visit to Nagalands Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem. During the visit on Wednesday, Hogan briefed Buchem on the planned visit of the US Ambassador to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, an official report said on [] The post Nagaland: US Consul Noah Hogan meets Kohima DC ahead of Hornbill Festival appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 30 Oct 2026 3:14 pm