CM proposes to rename road after 1992 kar sevaks
A LinkedIn post about an interview experience in Kolkata has triggered discussion over recruitment practices after a woman said her sister was asked to join an established company on the same day she completed multiple interview rounds. She also claimed the candidate was told she would receive an offer letter only after working for a day. The post later drew questions over the companys identity.
All B C Roy Mkt traders set to shift by Oct 15, pave way for Purple Line Esplanade stn
Samik criticizes INDIA bloc, questions alliances effectiveness
Bengal: PMs advisor inspects Dankuni station upgradation works
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Tarun Kapoor, advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited Dankuni station of Eastern Railway (ER) on Saturday to review ongoing development work. ER General Manager Gitika Pandey and other senior officials accompanied him. Earlier in the day, Kapoor held a meeting at the ER headquarters to review and accelerate infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on upgrading passenger amenities. Dankuni, an important station on the Howrah/SealdahNew Delhi route, is close to Kolkata and is being developed into a major freight and coaching terminal. Kapoor inspected the stations operating layout, booking counter and One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls. The primary objective was to assess passenger amenities, enhance operational efficiency and ensure swift completion of pending projects. Dankuni station, built in 1917, handles an average daily footfall of more than 30,000 passengers. Officials said redevelopment work is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 18.66 crore. Completed works include the ground floor of the main station building, renovation of the elevation, porch construction, circulating and parking areas, platform surfaces and sheds, upgraded illumination systems and train information/GPS clock systems (TIB/CGDB). Earlier this year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament about remodelling work at the Dankuni yard. This involves extending the shunting line and upgrading signalling/interlocking arrangements at a sanctioned cost of Rs 27.18 crore. He also said preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Dankuni coaching terminal has been taken up. The Union Budget 2026 announced a new Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni to Surat in Gujarat. Work to prepare and update the DPR for this corridor has also begun.
KIFF curates Bhupen Hazarika centenary retrospective
Pets battle tick uptick in rainy season
Metro revival sparks realty buzz along BT Road corridor
Bad Weather Diverts Gaya-Bound IndiGo Flight to Kolkata: Travelers Stranded for Hours
Compliance to norms will boost trade, says Agnimitra
IFA Shield: Punjab FC eye strong start under Dermitzakis in opener against Calcutta Customs
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Punjab FC will start their campaign in IFA Shield 2026-27 against Calcutta Customs Club at Barasat Stadium near Kolkata on Sunday, hoping to make a good start after refurbishing the squad for the upcoming season. The Group II encounter marks the beginning of a new competitive season for the Shers and their first-ever campaign in the historic IFA Shield. The match serves as the first official outing for newly appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis. The Greek tactician has named a revamped 24-member squad for the tournament, featuring a balanced mix of youth, established domestic talent, and key international acquisitions. The foreign contingent, comprising European-experienced defender Patrick Gerard Bahanack alongside newly acquired attackers Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphael Messi Bouli, is expected to add strength, pace, and finishing prowess to the lineup. To ensure tactical discipline against the local challengers, Punjab FC will rely on a robust domestic core. Goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh assures the back, supported by the defensive grit of Muhammed Uvais, Bishu Sharma, and Suresh Meitei. In the centre of the park, Nikhil Prabhu and Khaiminthang Lhungdim are expected to play pivotal roles in orchestrating play and anchoring transitions. The roster also underscores the clubs commitment to youth development, featuring several breakout talents from the Roundglass Football Academy. Graduates such as Manglenthang Kipgen, Muhammad Suhail, Arshvir Singh, and Ayush Deshwal have been integrated into the first team, providing the young athletes a vital platform to showcase their progression from the grassroots to the professional stage. Calcutta Customs, on the other hand, will start as underdogs after their 3-1 loss against the current ISL champions East Bengal FC. Although they drew first blood through an early strike by Riki Gharami in the 12th minute on a difficult, muddy pitch affected by stormy weather, they were comprehensively outplayed by the Red & Gold Brigade. Speaking ahead of his managerial debut, Dermitzakis said, We are very excited to begin our IFA Shield campaign. This historic tournament gives us a fantastic opportunity to evaluate our revamped squad in a highly competitive environment early in the season. We have built a formidable mix of experienced international players, established domestic leaders, and talented young boys from our Roundglass Academy. Calcutta Customs is a resilient side that knows the local conditions very well, but our focus remains on executing our tactical patterns, maintaining our discipline, and starting the group stage with a positive result, he added. Securing three points in Sunday's opener will be essential for Punjab FC to build momentum before they face local heavyweights East Bengal FC in their second group-stage fixture on September 30.
Vanish Kumar must go: Mamata attacks CEC, calls for oppn unity
Bengal eyes tax reform to boost revenue collection: Swapan
South Tripura first in state to fully implement IHMIS
Bengal: Nitin Nabin to visit Kolkata tomorrow
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin will be in Kolkata on a one-day visit on Sunday, with a packed schedule. His visit is significant ahead of the forthcoming bypolls for the Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district next month, as well as elections for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal in November. State BJP insiders said Nabins schedule is focused on organisational activities. He will land at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 10 a.m. and proceed to a hotel in Newtown. At 11 a.m., he will reach the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modis radio programme Mann Ki Baat with party workers and leaders until 11:30 a.m. The first phase of the BJPs organisational meeting will begin thereafter, chaired by Nabin. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the partys core committee will meet, attended by top office bearers of the state BJP, conveners of various departments, organisational district presidents, MPs and other key representatives. A state committee member said Nabin is expected to give suggestions on strengthening the partys organisational network in West Bengal. From 3 to 4 p.m., he will hold separate meetings with party MPs and MLAs at the Convention Centre. This will be followed by special discussions with state cabinet members from 4:30 to 6 p.m. His final meeting of the day will be with the BJPs core committee for West Bengal from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to party insiders, this meeting will be crucial in determining the partys future strategy in the state amid the current political situation.
SIRs sole aim was to capture Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that the sole intention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) behind conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was to ensure that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could capture power in West Bengal. Referring to reported differences within the top brass of the ECI, she said that since the beginning of the SIR exercise, she had been claiming that the roles played by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Commissions Information Technology Chief, Seema Khanna, were doubtful. Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting at Sreerampore in Hooghly district, referred to the CEC as Vanish Kumar and declared that her movement along with other anti-BJP forces would continue until Kumar stepped down or was removed. Just as we caught the tricks of Vanish Kumar, we will similarly catch the others behind such wrongdoings. Vanish Kumar must go. Until he goes, our united movement will continue, she said. She added that opposition parties were uniting at the national level to demand Kumars removal. Banerjee referred to her telephonic conversation with CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby, stressing that when the issue was common, she would not look at party lines. We will have to fight this issue together, she said. Referring to the upcoming I.N.D.I.A. bloc meeting in New Delhi on September 30, Banerjee said the entire country was coming together on the issue. We will fight unitedly. There is no need to see who is red, blue or yellow. We will all fight shoulder to shoulder to restore democracy. If the issue is of the people, there is no need to see which party joins the movement, she remarked. She also questioned the role of the West Bengal police during her rally. The police are not my enemies. Their job is to protect people. But what are they doing today? Last night, they found and arrested Trinamool supporters from their houses in Serampore to prevent anyone from coming to my meeting, Banerjee alleged.
Security deployment for Bengal urban polls to depend on district law & order assessment
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC) will take a final call on security deployment for the forthcoming elections to seven urban civic bodies in the state only after receiving detailed law and order assessments from the respective district magistrates, sources in the Commission said on Saturday. According to WBSEC sources, the reports submitted by district magistrates will play a key role in determining whether deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is necessary for the elections, which will cover two municipal corporations and five municipalities slated to go to polls later this year. Based on the law & order reports from the district magistrates, the Commission will decide whether CAPF deployment would be required at all for the polls and accordingly send security-related guidelines to the district administrative authorities concerned, said a WBSEC source. However, officials indicated that given the limited scale of the exercise, covering only seven urban civic bodies, the elections are likely to be conducted primarily with state police deployment. They expressed confidence that the polling process could be managed smoothly and peacefully without additional central forces. The official added that the situation could change if any political party approaches the Calcutta High Court seeking CAPF deployment and the court issues specific directions in that regard. In that case, the Commission will have to comply with the courts order, the source said. The two municipal corporations scheduled to go to polls are Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation. Elections will also be held in Haldia Municipality (East Midnapore), Bally Municipality (Howrah), Dhupguri Municipality (Jalpaiguri), Kalimpong Municipality (Kalimpong) and Kurseong Municipality (Darjeeling). Voting is expected to take place at 6,301 polling booths across these seven civic bodies. As per the Commissions tentative schedule, notifications for the elections are likely to be issued on October 27 or 28, shortly after Durga Puja. Polling may be held on November 28 or 29, once the festive season concludes, while counting of votes and declaration of results are tentatively scheduled for December 2.
Kolkata-based Anmol Industries files draft papers with SEBI for 1,800-crore IPO
The IPO is entirely an offer-for-sale of equity shares by the promoter entity Baijnath Choudhary & Family Trust
'Join Modi play or...': Kolkata students allege pressure
Students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata allege they were threatened with academic repercussions for refusing to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva -- Untold Stories', a charge denied by the principal who states participation is voluntary and follows state directives.
Kolkata college students allege pressure to participate in 'Namo Seva' play; Principal denies charge
State-run higher educational institutions have been asked by the West Bengal government to stage the play and organise drawing and elocution competitions for students as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Kolkata Stadium Prepares For Brazil, Uruguay Football Clashes
Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium is undergoing extensive renovations to prepare for upcoming international football matches featuring five-time world champions Brazil and two-time world champions Uruguay against India. The upgrades include fresh paint, renovated seating, improved spectator facilities, re-turfing of pitches, and enhanced security measures.
Mamata alleges house arrest of party leaders, says BJP workers block route to TMC's rally
TMC MLA Kunal Ghoshs car was allegedly surrounded by a group of people carrying black flags in the Uttarpara area of Hooghly district on his way to Serampore to attend the meeting, according to party sources.
West Bengal Police reshuffle: New appointments in intelligence, traffic, CID
The West Bengal government has transferred 23 IPS officers in a major reshuffle covering the state and Kolkata Police. The changes include new appointments in the Intelligence Branch, Traffic, Detective Department, CID, Security and other key police units across the state
TMC MP Seeks Court Intervention to Restore Water Supply in Kolkatas Jyotinagar
TMC MP Samirul Islam files a petition in Calcutta High Court to restore drinking water supply for Jyotinagar residents amid ongoing crisis. TMC MP Seeks Court Intervention to Restore Water Supply in Kolkatas Jyotinagar
In Mumbai, sales of residential properties fell 8 per cent to 9,830 units from 10,690 units. Thane in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region saw an 11 per cent decline in sales to 16,230 units from 18,240 units, showed a report.
Housing sales fall 6% to 103K units across top 9 cities in Q3: PropEquity
Housing sales fell 6 per cent to 1.03 lakh units in the July-September quarter across nine major cities, mainly due to subdued demand and lower fresh supply of homes, according to PropEquity. Global economic uncertainties also contributed to muted buying sentiments. Real estate data analytics firm PropEquity tracks primary residential markets in nine major cities -- Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata. Housing sales in these nine cities fell to 1,03,170 units in July-September from 1,09,420 units in the year-ago period, according to data. New supply fell to 98,165 units from 1,00,330 units during the period under review. Housing sales generally are slow during the July-September quarter because of monsoon rains, discouraging real estate developers from launching projects. Sales improve in the December quarter on account of festive demand. To cash in on this demand, developers increase fresh supply and also offer many incentives t
Deep depression weakens, brings relief from heavy rain in south Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Alipore in Kolkata on Saturday said there is no warning of heavy rainfall for south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, from Sunday onwards, as the deep depression affecting the region is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area by Saturday evening. According to the Met Office, rainfall activity is likely to ease from Saturday evening, with no prospects of moderate to heavy rain across south Bengal over the next few days. The deep depression over south Odisha and Chhattisgarh has moved further northwestward and is gradually losing strength, leading to a reduction in rainfall intensity across both south and north Bengal. A Met department official said rainfall in Kolkata and adjoining areas is expected to decrease significantly from noon on Saturday. While isolated light showers may occur at one or two places, no weather warning has been issued for any district in south Bengal. However, sea conditions remain rough due to the lingering impact of the weather system. Gusty winds of 35-45 kmph, occasionally reaching 55 kmph, are continuing along the coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until Saturday afternoon. South Bengal, including Kolkata, has been experiencing intermittent spells of heavy rain since Wednesday night under the influence of the deep depression. The city and its suburbs also witnessed heavy showers on Saturday morning. In north Bengal, heavy rainfall may continue in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong districts on Saturday. Thunderstorm and rainfall warnings are also in place for Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur. However, no weather warnings have been issued for any district in north Bengal from Sunday onwards. Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 25.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, 0.4 degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature on Friday stood at 30.6 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees below normal.
Trinamool RS MP Samirul Islam files PIL in Calcutta HC over water crisis in Kolkata colony
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has moved the Calcutta High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking restoration of municipal drinking water supply to residents of Jyotinagar Colony in north Kolkata's Cossipore area. Announcing the move in a social media post on Saturday, the Trinamool MP said the petition was filed a day earlier, on Friday, and expressed confidence that the judiciary would ensure justice for the affected residents. According to him, the case concerns the right of nearly 5,000 people to access safe drinking water. I filed a PIL in the Calcutta High Court not over voter list issues, but to secure the right of around 5,000 residents to drinking water. We have faith in the judiciary and hope justice will prevail, Islam said. He further said, Unfortunately, precious drinking water was snatched away from a section of people after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) stopped water supply to Jyotinagar Colony. This place isn't located in some remote village in a corner of West Bengal -- it's in the heart of the city of joy, Kolkata. He further claimed that the affected residents belonged to a particular religious community and questioned whether access to drinking water should be influenced by religious considerations. After the BJP came to power, the water supply was discontinued -- and it was done so because those affected belong to a particular religion. Is this what development looks like -- where access to drinking water depends on religion? We have faith in the judiciary, and I hope we will get proper justice, he added. The issue has affected around 5,000 residents of Jyotinagar Colony, who are also facing uncertainty over eviction from land claimed by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Since July 29, the colony's five public taps have remained dry, compelling residents to depend on distant water sources and periodic water tanker supplies reportedly arranged by the CPI(M). According to residents, the crisis began after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation carried out pipeline-related work between July 26 and July 28. They alleged that the work disrupted water supply to a 150-metre stretch within the colony, although taps in nearby areas continued to function normally.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) The West Bengal Health Department has started the process of identifying junior doctors getting chances for higher studies under the service quota in state-run medical colleges and hospitals during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, without fulfilling the necessary criteria for that. At the same time, said an insider from the state health department, the process has also started of identifying those erstwhile influential officers in the department without whose support such irregularities in utilisation of service quota would not have been possible. The general rule is that any junior doctor getting opportunity for higher studies in any state-run medical college and hospital under the service quota is required to mandatorily render three years of service in remote rural areas in the state to avail that opportunity. However, a recent probe by a state health department-appointed committee had identified instances where junior doctors close to the previous ruling party got chances for doing higher studies under the service quota without rendering three years of service in remote, rural areas, said an insider from the state health department. At the same time, he added, the probe committee had also mentioned about the involvement of some erstwhile influential officers in the state health department, without whose direct patronage such irregularities in the utilisation of the service quota would not have been possible. The state health department, he added, will now take action on this count against the department officials as well. The four-member state health department-appointed committee had already submitted its report on the matter. Now, it is up to the state health minister and other top brass in the department to decide on the fate of both the junior doctors availing the service quota opportunity without fulfilling the criteria, as well as the departmental officials patronising them, said the health department official. State health minister, Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee, who is himself a medical practitioner, said that he is yet to go through the probe report and after studying the report he will announce the next steps necessary. It is learnt that one of the junior doctors who had been identified by the probe committee as taking advantage of the service quota without fulfilling the criteria is Avik Dey, whose name surfaced during the controversy surrounding the R.G. Kar rape and murder case in August 2024.
IndiGo cancels 24 flight movements at Ranchi airport due to adverse weather conditions
IndiGo cancelled 24 flight movements at Ranchis Birsa Munda Airport on September 25 due to adverse weather, affecting 12 arrivals and 12 departures. The cancellations disrupted services connecting Ranchi with Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Patna and Delhi. Air India Express also cancelled one flight rotation for operational reasons.
Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh cited an instance where acity-based YouTuber raised a hue and cry over beef served to him at a Kolkata restaurant; the YouTuber has been paid 2.5 lakh by the BJP; details of BJP election expenditure have been revealed
Kolkata Police commissioner meets puja committees ahead of Durga Puja
The News Mill
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NCC River Rafting Expedition Launched from Farakka to Kolkata
The NCCs annual river rafting expedition, a unique floating classroom, was launched from Farakka to Kolkata, focusing on community outreach and skills. NCC River Rafting Expedition Launched from Farakka to Kolkata
Bengal govt orders auction of sand ghats to curb price surge
Lung disease admissions at city hospitals rise 10%, doctors point at infection severity
Syama Prasad in, Singur, Kanyasree out of state school syllabus
Trader thrashed after wifes legal dispute plaint
Woman set to marry after vaginal reconstruction
92 child marriages across greater Kol in 2 yrs, top cop orders strict vigil
Stop new construction at demolition site, HC tells KMC
Profs stage protest against transfer bill
ER launches real-time level-crossing monitoring system in Murshidabad
Durga Puja season to see more flights in Kol sky
CU, JU urge govt to scrap decentralised e-counselling
Woman accuses boss of sexual harassment at office
HC dismisses PIL seeking nod for rooftop Durga Puja
Birati club cites apathy, suspends puja
Delhi's Initial Ranji Games May Happen In Palam Due To Major Drainage Revamp At Arun Jaitley Stadium
Palam Air Force Ground: Delhis initial home matches in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy season could be shifted to the Air Force Ground in Palam as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) prepares to undertake a major overhaul of the drainage system at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The venue, which recently hosted three T20Is between India and Afghanistan earlier this month, will require an extended period of downtime once the civic work commences. A proposal has been sent out to improve the drainage system at the venue. Right now, people concerned are waiting for the final approval. Lets be clear - this process needs time; in winter, it takes time for the grass to grow, and for this, proper sunshine is needed, and you can have an idea of it by seeing the weather in December and January, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Friday. Delhi, which kicks off their Elite Group C campaign against Bengal in Kalyani from October 11, have two scheduled home fixtures in the first phase - against Gujarat (October 1821) and Services (November 25). Both matches are now expected to take place at the Palam Air Force Ground. The upgradation in the drainage system will also lead to the soil-based outfield being converted into a sand-based one. The process will involve a lot of watering, and the invitation for tenders is expected to begin soon. People who have worked in upgrading drainage systems at other Test venues and are known to the BCCI are expected to be preferred for this work. A final confirmation is likely to come by the first week of October, added the source. The timeline for the outfield work, initially understood to be of four months, could also cast doubt over New Delhi hosting the mens ODI between India and Sri Lanka, to be played on December 13. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Previously, former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya was appointed head coach of the Delhi men's domestic team for the 2026/27 season and will take over from Sarandeep Singh, who was on the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and notably recommended his name for the role. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories This marks Dahiya's fourth stint in charge of Delhi, after having previously guided them to their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007/08, besides coaching Uttar Pradesh to the semi-finals in 2021/22. A seasoned coach, Dahiyas extensive resume includes IPL assistant coaching roles with Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders, and he coaches Purani Dilli 6 in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Article Source: IANS
Rain eases in city as deep depression weakens
Bay system rain washes away patchwork on key city roads
Tree falls on biker, crushes parked car
Lawyer Nazia Ilahi Khan Receives Threats from Pakistani Number After Arriving in Kolkata
Lawyer Nazia Ilahi Khan reported receiving threats via WhatsApp from a Pakistani number after reaching Kolkata, prompting police investigations. Lawyer Nazia Ilahi Khan Receives Threats from Pakistani Number After Arriving in Kolkata
Minor Gives Birth, Youth Arrested Under POCSO Act
A youth has been arrested in Kolkata under the POCSO Act after a minor girl gave birth to a child. Hospital authorities alerted police when they discovered the mother's age during admission. The girl alleged repeated sexual relations with the 19-year-old accused, leading to her pregnancy. Police are investigating the circumstances, including potential marriage and involvement of others, following a recent government warning on strict action in such cases.
Bengal: List of reserved wards for seven poll-bound civic bodies to be announced next month
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) The list of reserved wards for seven poll-bound urban civic bodies in West Bengal will be announced next month. The notification announcing the reserved wards for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) will be issued on October 7. Meanwhile, the notification declaring the reserved wards for five other municipalities, Haldia in East Midnapore district, Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district, and Kalimpong and Kurseong in Darjeeling district, will be issued on October 6. The decision was taken after a meeting of West Bengal State Election Commissioner Krishna Gupta with the district magistrates concerned on Friday afternoon. It is learnt that the meeting also discussed targets for completing the elections for these seven civic bodies. As per the plan, notifications for the polls might be announced either on October 27 or October 28, soon after Durga Puja. The elections are likely to be held either on November 28 or November 29, after the festive season. The tentative date for counting and announcement of results is December 2. Voting will be held in 6,301 booths across these seven civic bodies. Meanwhile, the terms of the current boards of 112 more urban civic bodies in the state will expire in the first quarter of 2027. The biggest challenge for the new government and the State Election Commission will be to complete elections for 127 municipalities within the next nine months. Currently, 15 urban civic bodies across 12 districts of West Bengal lack elected municipal boards. Administrators run municipal services in these civic bodies. Notable among them is the Howrah Municipal Corporation, where no elections have been held for the last 13 years. The last election was held in 2013, and its term ended in 2018. Since the formation of the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has been emphasising the need to move the election process forward quickly at the administrative level. Soon after the new Cabinet was formed, State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul met the Chief Minister to discuss the polls for these civic bodies.
Election Commission Row Escalates: Congress Takes Protest Nationwide, CEC Under Fire
The Congress-led campaign against the Election Commission intensifies as protests are held across Delhi, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Guwahati, Patna and Chandigarh. Congress has demanded action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while Rahul Gandhi has called for his resignation. The BJP has hit back over Congress's stand on the SIR exercise in Kerala. Meanwhile, a PIL against the CEC has been filed in the Supreme Court.
Bengal: ER to set up 131 new chlorination plants for safe drinking water
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) Eastern Railway (ER) will set up 131 new chlorination plants to improve water quality at stations. Like other railway zones, ER has also launched an intensive drive to provide clean drinking water and safe, hygienic food to passengers. As part of this drive, ER is undertaking comprehensive water tank cleaning across all divisions and workshops. According to officials, 6,955 water tanks, including overhead tanks, underground reservoirs and PVC tanks, were cleaned between August 20 and September 23, 2026. While 2,449 water tanks were cleaned in the Asansol Division, 1,464 were attended to in Sealdah Division. In the Howrah Division, 2,123 water tanks have been cleaned. Malda cleaned 919 tanks. All tanks underwent thorough cleaning and proper water treatment to ensure source reservoirs remain free from contamination for the supply of clean water, an official said. A special initiative has also been launched to clinically test water samples collected from taps at various stations to monitor quality. Work on 131 new chlorination plants is underway. This initiative is part of a broader action plan for strengthening drinking-water quality management across the railways. The action plan emphasises frequent inspection and maintenance of the entire drinking-water system, along with water-quality testing at the source and at the point of consumption, rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe water testing. During the drive, the zonal railways will undertake comprehensive inspection of water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and water dispensing points. All drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Measures will also be taken to ensure tight covers and appropriate protection of vents and overflow points from birds, animals and algae, the Railway Board said. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced as required, while ensuring no cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems. All piping forming part of the drinking-water circuit will also be checked for leakages and necessary corrective measures taken to prevent water wastage, it said. Special attention will also be paid to locations where hand pumps and borewells are used to extract drinking water. The zonal railways have been directed to ensure that water from such systems remains free from contamination and is safe for drinking. The zonal railways will also submit station-wise details of deficiencies identified and the corrective action taken. This mechanism will facilitate systematic monitoring of deficiencies and ensure that issues identified during the special drive are addressed in a time-bound manner.
Land allotted for 33 new industrial projects worth Rs 60k crore: Bengal CM
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said the state government had completed land allotment for 33 industrial projects involving a total investment of Rs 60,000 crore. The Chief Minister announced this while addressing a public rally in Bardhaman, East Burdwan district, following an administrative review meeting held on Thursday. The process of handing over land allotment papers to 33 industrial units has already been completed. According to our estimates, the projects have a proposed investment of about Rs 60,000 crore and the potential for direct and indirect employment of about 62,000 people. The list of projects includes semiconductors, defence, solar power, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing, textiles, engineering and MSME, Adhikari said. He added that the state government was ensuring that work on these projects would not stall after land allotment. Conditions require work to begin within a specific time frame. At the review meeting, Adhikari announced a power subsidy of Rs 2 per unit for nearly four lakh farmers. He also said farmers would receive enhanced support of Rs 9,000 under the PM-Kisan Sanman Nidhi scheme, up from Rs 6,000. The Chief Minister further said the government would procure all paddy that farmers wished to sell and ensure the minimum support price of Rs 2,700 per quintal. Issuing a warning against corruption, Adhikari said: Each person involved in such corruption will be tracked, the money will be recovered from them, and they will be sent behind bars.
Sunita Ahuja, Govindas wife, has once again drawn attention on social media after recently visiting the Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata. There, she spoke about the difficulties in her personal life and appealed to women,...
Bengal: BJP announces major reshuffle in organisational committees
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday announced a major organisational reshuffle at all levels. The party replaced seven district presidents. The districts include Barasat and Bangaon in North 24 Parganas; Arambagh and Sreerampore in Hooghly; Medinipur in West Midnapore; and Burdwan and Katwa in East Burdwan. In addition, the party also changed the presidents of four affiliated fronts. The reshuffle was announced a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the partys state president in West Bengal and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya met BJP National President Nitin Nabin in New Delhi on Thursday. According to state BJP insiders, the move aims to strengthen the organisation ahead of the bypolls. That is why this reshuffle was made. Apart from this, the one person, one post policy in the party was also followed to a great extent in the reshuffle, said a state committee member. It is learnt that seven members of the current BJP-ruled West Bengal cabinet, State Municipal Affairs & Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal, State Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, State Commerce & Industries Minister Tapas Roy, State School Education Minister Deepak Barman, State North Bengal Development Minister Nishith Pramanik and Minister of State for Sport Indranil Khan, have been relieved of their organisational responsibilities. All of them are members of the current state cabinet. They were also in various organisational positions at the same time. They have been removed by implementing the one person, one post policy, the insider said. At the same time, the party has appointed new faces as chiefs of four party-affiliated fronts, youth, women, Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Class (OBC). The new youth wing president is Amit Samanta, MLA from Amta Assembly Constituency in Howrah district. Actress-turned-politician Anjana Basu is the new chief of the womens wing. Dhananjay Ghosh has been appointed president of the OBC wing, while Biswajit Samanta has been appointed president of the Scheduled Caste wing.
Vande Bharat operating staff to train at IIT Kharagpur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) Operational staff of the Vande Bharat trains will soon begin advanced training at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The institute has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Jamalpur, to strengthen technical capacity in advanced rolling stock technologies. The tie-up, coordinated by IIT Kharagpurs Centre for Railway Research (CRR), will deliver specialised residential training for Indian Railways (IR) officials on semi-high-speed trains. Training modules will cover advanced traction and propulsion systems, electrical safety, Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS), rolling stock diagnostics, condition monitoring, reliability engineering, and regenerative braking. The MoU was signed by Prof Swagata Dasgupta, Dean of Outreach, IIT Kharagpur, and Prem Prakash, Dean, IRIMEE, with Prof Vikranth Racherla, IIT Kharagpur, and Siddharth Shankar, IRIMEE, serving as nodal officers, the institute said. It added that the initiative would combine classroom learning, laboratory experiments, hands-on exposure, and field visits to contribute to safer, smarter, more reliable, and increasingly indigenous railway technologies. IR currently operates 79 Vande Bharat trains across various routes, with plans to introduce more in the near future. The railways also run a Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya (Assam). As more sleeper trains are built, additional staff will be needed to operate and maintain them. Officials said on-board staff would need the expertise to identify problems in advanced systems and the capability to rectify them, particularly for sleeper trains running longer routes. IR has plans to acquire 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, 60 of which are under construction. In addition, a prototype of a Vande Bharat freight train is undergoing trials. Unlike normal rakes that require locomotives, Vande Bharat trainsets comprise several carriages fitted with electric traction motors. Each carriage can power itself and two others without motors, resulting in a complex setup. The trains also use high-end control technology, making advanced training essential for operators.
Looking east | Cheenapara Heritage Gallery, Kolkata
Looking east | Cheenapara Heritage Gallery, Kolkata
Civic elections to be held in Kolkata, Howrah, 5 municipalities in first phase of Bengal ULB polls
The SEC said the amendment of Schedule II of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980 and the Howrah Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, and delimitation of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Dhupguri, Haldia and Jhargram municipalities have been completed.
Kolkata High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Egg-Throwing Incident at Baruipur Court
The Kolkata High Court has initiated a case following an egg-throwing incident involving CPI(M) leader Sayon Banerjee at Baruipur court. Kolkata High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Egg-Throwing Incident at Baruipur Court
IGPL: Varun Chopras final-day charge wins him title at IDPL Invitational
Digital Desk | Ras Al Khaimah, Sep 25 (IANS) Varun Chopra, who started the final day of the IGPL Invitational three shots behind the 36-hole leader Shiv Kapur, played another solid round of 4-under 68 and beat Kapur in the race to the finish. Chopras superb final-round rally gave him a two-shot win over Kapur, who slipped to 1-over 73 on the final day. Chopra shot rounds of 66-68-68 for a total of 14-under 202. Kapur, after a stunning 62 on the first day, had a 69 on the second, which kept him in a three-shot lead. However, the final day saw the pendulum swing Chopras way and win the title, which also gave the Indian-American the first prize cheque of Rs. 22.50 lakhs. Kapur was left to clutch the second spot at 12-under 204 and received Rs. 15 lakhs. It was Chopras first IGPL title, and earlier this year he won the APGA Tour championship and had done well at the Morocco Rising Stars Marrakech. Sachin Baisoya grabbed third place with a 68 that gave him a total of 8-under, while five players Veer Ganapathy (71), Gaganjeet Bhullar (71), Varun Parikh (71), Aryan Roopa Anand (68) and Tushar Pannu (68) were tied fifth. Chopras fine final day also meant Auro Goa Eagles took a double as they won the team title this week. They totalled 23-under, while Kapur-led RVR Delhi Blue Bulls were pushed to second at 21-under. Sachin Baisoyas final-day push earned his team, Hyderabad Firebird, third place at 13-under. They were tied for third with Flying Man Kolkata, for whom Varun Parikh was the star performer. Chopra began with a birdie start, but his three birdies in a span of four holes between the fifth and the eighth gave him the momentum he needed. Meanwhile, Kapur just could not get the birdies to answer Chopras charge. By the turn, Chopra had moved ahead, and he made no mistakes on the back nine, even as Kapurs putter did not do his bidding. After a 4-under front nine, Chopra birdied the 14th but gave that shot back on the 16th before playing the final two holes in par. That did not prove costly as Kapur was unable to take advantage of that. Shiv Kapur, who had holes everything saw on the first day round of 10-under 62, just could not find any birdies on the final day. He was forced to settle for pars all through, and he also dropped a bogey on the Par-4 12th for a 73. IGPL Debutant Ravi Kumar (70) and young Kanav Chauhan (71) were tied ninth to round off the top-10 finishers
Jyotinagar Colony: No water for 8 weeks, eviction threat looms
Nearly 5,000 residents of Cossipore, Kolkata, have been deprived of tap water since July 29, while the eviction case is pending in the Calcutta High Court. The colonys five public taps, which used to supply water from 5 am to 11 pm, are now dry. Nearly 95 per cent of the residents are Muslim, and 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 .
Sunita Ahuja asks women and Gen Z to support her amid Govinda's dating rumours
Sunita Ahuja has seemingly taken a dig at Govinda and Rani Swarnkar amid ongoing rumours. During her visit to Kolkatas Dakshineswar Kali Temple, she said her house was breaking down and sought Goddess Kalis help to overcome her problems
Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee
Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday initiated a suo motu case regarding the recent egg attack on Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sayan Banerjee at the Baruipur District Court premises in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district. A Division [] The post Calcutta HC takes suo motu cognisance of egg attack on CPM leader Sayan Banerjee appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Congress takes out rally in Kolkata seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest; police stop it midway
Congress staged a significant rally in Kolkata, calling for the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, driven by worries surrounding the electoral process's fairness. Authorities stepped in to halt the procession to avoid traffic chaos, leading to protesters burning an effigy of the CEC, while vehemently demanding his resignation. The Election Commission defended itself, highlighting that disagreements among commissioners are a standard aspect of their functions.
Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Demands His Resignation
The confrontation between Congress and the Election Commission has intensified, with Congress launching nationwide protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrations are underway in Delhi, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Guwahati, Patna and Chandigarh. Congress has also put up Gyanesh Hatao, Chunav Aayog Bachao posters in Delhi, while opposition leaders are demanding action against the CEC. Rahul Gandhi has called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and accused him of acting against India.
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on September 25
Former TMC MLA Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Financial Fraud
A former TMC MLA was arrested in Kolkata for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for party positions, raising concerns over political motivations. Former TMC MLA Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Financial Fraud
Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Bhopal: Same story, different address
Additional Sessions Judge, Jalpaiguri Biplab Roy stated thatthe sins of the parent cannot visit the child, and the State must protect the childs educational future. The Court directed District Magistrate Jalpiaguri to ensure physical and mental well being of two minor sons of the convict
Additional Sessions Judge, Jalpaiguri Biplab Roy stated thatthe sins of the parent cannot visit the child, and the State must protect the childs educational future. The Court directed District Magistrate Jalpiaguri to ensure physical and mental well being of two minor sons of the convict
Gold and silver prices today, 25 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Arrested Congress candidates wife asks Opposition to back him
Arpita Pradhan to start campaigning for her husband Milan Pradhan in Nandigram even as he remains in judicial custody
Adani, with CM by his side, promises Rs 1 lakh crore investment in Bengal
Fed up, you are adding to courts burden: Cal HC to Election Commission on symbol row
Ayah accused of stealing Rs 10L
Bizman loses Rs 33L to e-scammers
S Kol residents duped in realty, bike sale scams
Man held for raping woman after threatening her child
3 touts held for selling SSKM OPD tickets
Father blames flatmates after BBA students suicide
Motorcyclist assaults traffic constable, damages body camera in Behala
Woman booked for attacking woman constables during extortion arrest in Santoshpur
100 new AC buses before puja, trams on Puja Parikrama map, says minister
11,596 on Bengal Police final constable list
