Health dept deploys emergency teams for Kali Puja
HC: Not for us to dictate how KMC wards will be altered
Crowd-control steps at pujas in Barasat
Maidan cleanup volunteer tracks down owner of lost ID cards
Kolkatas Pavement Doctor dies at Norfolk home
Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.
Arnab-Murasu first double cyclone to hit Bengal-Andhra stretch in less than 7 days
SRFTI students union slams 14 show-cause, 6 rustication notices
ED Searches Seven Premises In Delhi, Kolkata In Money Laundering Cases
Probe concerns alleged illegal overseas transfers of `569.03 crore through forged software import documents
Jadavpur University Debars Staffer Amid Sexual Harassment Probe
KMC show-causes LBS for remarks against min, comm, Kartik Maharaj
Green body calls for stricter curbs
KMC commissioner joins queue, orders more birth certificate counters
Chorbagan fallout: Cops to bar pandal entry if it rains on Kali Puja
Bazi Bazaar tightens safety checks, bars 3 fireworks stalls
Secondary board proposes to defer Madhyamik exam
Assembly canteen worker found dead in washroom
App-cabby gets pals to thrash, rob 2 passengers in Entally
Fire rages overnight, guts offices behind Writers
Rs 5cr state funds for New Town road repairs
IIT Madras sets up research laboratories to advance sustainable construction
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Two advanced research laboratories focused on sustainable construction are being set up at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras as part of a longstanding industry partnership. The state-of-the-art research facilities will be supported by a Rs 3.8 crore grant spanning three years. The two specialised units being established are the Digital Real-Time Sensing Technologies for Infrastructure (DRSTI) and the Concrete Admixture Research for Engineering Next-gen Construction (CAREN) laboratories. Both laboratories will be located at IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Technologies for Low-carbon and Lean Construction (TLC2). The laboratories will focus on developing innovative solutions to improve construction productivity, material efficiency, structural durability and sustainability through next-generation materials and digital technologies, the institute stated. This collaboration aims to translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions, advancing smarter infrastructure and low-carbon, lightweight construction in India, it added. The initiative comes at a time when sustainability and low-carbon emissions have become top priorities across the construction sector. Building material companies are actively striving to manufacture products with a significantly lower carbon footprint, encompassing everything from glass to plaster and concrete. Under current industry developments, plaster for interior finishes is being formulated with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). There is also a constant effort to reduce cement clinker content for greater circularity. Furthermore, embodied carbon in raw materials such as glass, plasterboard, and mortars is being systematically reduced, while manufacturing plants are switching to electric power and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Leading industry manufacturers are expanding these efforts by maximising recycled content, reducing waste, and offering comprehensive Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The broader construction sector has steadily moved from heavy to light construction, actively promoting resource-efficient designs, high thermal/acoustic insulation, and smart glass solutions that lower a building's energy footprint throughout its operational lifecycle. Consequently, modern offices and homes are becoming smarter through the strategic use of lighting and air-conditioning. These contemporary offices and homes are being specially designed and built with materials that have a lower carbon footprint to reduce power consumption, with many structures incorporating solar panels for the generation of green energy.
Bengal: Sub-Assistant Engineer arrested on multiple corruption charges
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), on Monday, arrested a Sub-Assistant Engineer (under suspension) of Raghunathpur Municipality in Purulia district, in connection with multiple corruption allegations against him. The arrest was made based on a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. According to an ACB official, the investigation pertains to allegations of corruption, misappropriation of government funds, irregularities in municipal works and suspected irregularities involving government land. During the investigation, substantial documentary evidence, including tender records, an enquiry report submitted by the Sub-Divisional Officer and land and property-related records concerning the accused and his family members, has been collected and is under scrutiny, said the official. The accused had been served notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, on two occasions to appear before the Investigating Officer but failed to appear. Further investigation and necessary legal formalities are in progress in accordance with law, the official added. Last month, a revenue inspector was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch while taking a bribe. He is an employee of the Land and Land Reforms Office in Aushgram of East Burdwan district. He was accused of taking a bribe of Rs 4,000 in the name of issuing an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate. The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch conducted the operation and caught him red-handed. The state administration has informed that the number of such operations will increase in the coming days to keep government services transparent and corruption-free for the common man. The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Bureau has given a clear message that any attempt to harass the common man or take bribes in the name of providing government services will not be tolerated. The ACB said such strict steps will increase in the future to maintain transparency.
Durga Puja fire: Bengal govt issues SOP to avoid future accidents
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Taking lessons from the tragic incident at the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where 19 visitors lost their lives in a stampede, the state administration has taken steps to avoid such accidents in future and ensure safety during the upcoming Kali Puja. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been jointly released by the State Home Department and Kolkata Police in this regard, said an official on Monday. To maintain safety during the upcoming festive season, a set of strict rules has been made mandatory for every puja committee. As per the SOP, entry and exit routes to the mandap should be completely separate. Appropriate signboards or signals should be provided so that these routes are visible to visitors from a distance. Arrangements should be made to enter and exit the mandap in an orderly manner, without allowing large numbers of people to enter. If a dangerous situation arises due to excessive crowd pressure, entry of new visitors to the mandap should be stopped immediately. At the same time, it has been clearly instructed that the mandap or its surrounding area cannot be kept dark in any way. In addition, the puja committees will have to keep alternative backup or alternative lighting systems ready to handle power outages. In order to quickly evacuate visitors to a safe place in case of an emergency, the emergency gate or emergency path must always be kept completely free of obstacles. No keys or locks can be used to create obstacles there. To prevent any rumours or panic from being created in the crowd, announcements must be made on the loudspeaker in a very calm, clear and specific language. In addition, each puja committee has been instructed to appoint an 'incident coordinator' to handle emergencies. To ensure security, plainclothes police will be deployed in the mandap premises. Not only that, Kolkata Police will monitor the overall situation through CCTV cameras and aerial drones to increase surveillance. An important coordination meeting is going to be held by Kolkata Police with representatives of all the puja committees to review how these guidelines will be implemented and the overall preparations.
Bengal: E-tendering mandatory in govt Depts for better transparency
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) The West Bengal government, on Monday, announced mandatory e-tendering in 25 state government departments in an attempt to complete project works on time and in a more transparent manner. Accordingly, in a notification issued by the State Finance Department on Monday, it said that new e-tender portals have been opened for these 25 state government departments where e-tendering will be mandatory henceforth. The new system will be in effect from November 3. As per the notification signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the State Finance Department, P.K. Mishra, the initiative had been mooted to ensure timely and effective implementation of various schemes and ensure transparency in the tendering system. The state government has launched this new portal so that the work of various government projects can be implemented in a timely and effective manner, the notification read. The notification further stated that henceforth, the departments concerned and all their subordinate branch offices would have to invite all new tenders only through this new portal. The new web portal was launched on a trial basis in December 2025 through a special memorandum of the State Finance Department. Subsequently, on August 12 of this year, the scope of this system was extended step by step based on the application of some specific departments, including the Public Works Department. This time, it has been decided to launch this service in full swing in 25 departments at once. All the necessary information from the old portal is also being quickly transferred to the new system, a state finance department official said. The departments where the e-tendering system had been made mandatory henceforth include the Agriculture & Agricultural Marketing Department, Animal Husbandry Development Department, Cooperatives Department, Backwards Classes Welfare Department, Consumer Protection Department, Disaster Management Department, School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Food & Supplies Department, Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Information Technology Department, Tourism Department, Fire Service Department, Home & Hill Affairs Department, Industries & Commerce Department, Labour Department, Fisheries Department, Food Processing Department, Horticulture Department, Housing Department, Prison Administration Department, Justice Department and Women & Child Welfare Department. The main objective of this step is to speed up the tender process and create a common digital infrastructure across all departments. The new portal will increase transparency in government work and reduce delays to a great extent as it becomes operational. The departments concerned have been instructed to strictly follow the new rules from Tuesday, said the state finance department official.
West Bengal Christians hurt by mob violence narrate their ordeals before peoples tribunal
Christian women say mobs vandalised prayers meetings in their homes and physically assaulted them, accusing them of religious conversion; most perpetrators not arrested, police attitude has changed under BJP rule, survivors say
Bengal: Nadia tops among districts in tuberculosis eradication campaign program
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Nadia has topped among the districts in West Bengal in the tuberculosis eradication campaign programme under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. According to the statistics provided by the Nadia district administration, out of the total 185 village panchayats in the district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in 15 village panchayats in the last three years, which is considered as Gold Standard as per the national programme on tuberculosis eradication. Similarly, in 33 village panchayats in Nadia district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in the last two years, which is considered as Silver Standard as per the same national programme. At the same time, in 50 village panchayats in Nadia district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in the last year, which is considered Bronze Standard as per the national programme. This means that currently a total of 98 of 185 village panchayats in Nadia district are tuberculosis-free. According to Nadias district magistrate, Dr Srikanth Palli, this success has come as a result of continuous initiatives in tuberculosis detection, regular treatment, surveillance and awareness raising. About 20 years ago, the number of tuberculosis patients in Nadia district was around 30 times higher than the current number. The situation has totally changed now for the better, he added. According to him, tuberculosis needs long-term treatment and, depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment period can be as long as six and 18 months. However, it was noticed earlier that after the beginning of the medication process, often people stopped taking medicines midway after getting the initial relief from the cough and decline in infection level. This tendency used to increase the risk of drug-resistant tuberculosis, where treatment became even more difficult, he added. Therefore, he added, in the last few years the emphasis was especially given to ensuring that the patients go through the entire medication process, continuing the medicine for the full period as per the doctors advice. Currently, around 350 volunteers are involved in Nadia district alone as 'Nikshay Mitra'. They are responsible for helping the affected people with treatment and nutrition, Palli added.
Home Ministry expands FRRO framework for better management of foreign nationals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) The Union Home Ministry highlighted on Monday that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the institutional framework for management of foreign nationals has been strengthened through expansion of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), to establish an office in all state capitals by 2027. In a statement issued by the Ministry, senior officials said that there has been a substantial increase in the number of foreigners visiting India for tourism, medical and education purposes, and there is a need to appoint FRROs in all states. This will ensure service accessibility, enhance regulatory compliance and promote India as an attractive destination. Identifying this need, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the establishment of FRROs in all state capitals by 2027, the statement said. Pursuant to the above directions of the Union Home Minister, five new FRROs have been set up in the capitals of five states since 2025, said the statement. Three FRRO offices at Jaipur, Chandigarh and Guwahati were established in 2025. Earlier, these were under the jurisdiction of the FRRO offices located at Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata, respectively, it said. This year two new FRRO offices have been established in the state capitals, namely, Aizawl (Mizoram) and Amravati (Andhra Pradesh). Earlier, Aizawl was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Kolkata, whereas Amravati was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Hyderabad, it said. Recently, three new FRRO offices, namely Kohima (Nagaland), Agartala (Tripura) and Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) were notified. Earlier, Kohima and Agartala were under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Kolkata, whereas Bhubaneshwar was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Hyderabad, said the statement. The total number of FRRO offices in the country has now gone up to twenty (20), located at Ahmedabad, Amravati, Amritsar, Aizawl, Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Chandigarh, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kohima, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai and Trivandrum, it said. The expansion of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) has a dual focus on facilitating foreigners legitimate travel and stay in India and ensuring effective implementation of immigration laws and security requirements, it said.
GRSE signs Rs 32,000 cr deal with Indian Navy to build five next-generation corvettes
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a contract with the Indian Navy for the construction of five (5) Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) on Monday. GRSE was the lowest bidder for this project, which is worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore (for the five warships). While GRSE has built guided-missile and anti-submarine warfare corvettes in the past, the NGCs will not only be larger, but far more advanced with state-of-the-art sensors and weapons. These warships will be 127 metres long and 17.6 metres wide. They will have a deadweight tonnage of 4,950 Tons, with the capability of operating at sea without replenishment for 14 days. Their maximum speed will be 26 knots. Classified by a Naval Headquarters-approved classification society, the NGCs will accommodate 11 officers and 139 sailors. The platforms will have a highly sophisticated propulsion architecture of a Combined Diesel and Gas turbine with a Cross-Connect gearbox (CODAG-CC), driving two Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP). The Corvettes will be designed for multi-role operations, including offensive Ship-to-Ship or Ship-to-Surface Missile Attacks, Anti-Missile Defences, Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations, Escort Duties, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) including Visit Board Search and Seizure, and Local Naval Defence. For these roles, the warships will be fitted with advanced weapons and navigation suites such as Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM), Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), and 324 mm torpedo tubes. They will also have a OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with the latest upgrade, an AK 630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns (SRCGs) with Electro-Optic Based Fire Control System (EOFCS), Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) system and Multi-Function Surveillance, Track and Guidance Radar (MFSTAR). The NGCs will also carry helicopters.
Fake software import: ED seizes Rs 47 lakh, foreign currency in Delhi, Kolkata
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) The ED conducted searches at seven premises located in Delhi and Kolkata and seized Rs 47 lakh and foreign currency in a case related to illegal transfer of funds outside India in the guise of payments for software import, an official said on Monday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Visakhapatnam Sub-Zonal Office, carried out the search operations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official said in a statement. The proceeds of crime in this case are prima facie estimated to be about Rs 1,500 crore. The search operation led to seizure of unaccounted/unexplainable cash worth Rs 47 lakh and foreign currency amounting to US $5900, 2200 United Arab Emirates dirham, 5600 renminbi/Chinese yuan along with voluminous incriminating documents/records/property papers and digital devices containing evidence of layering of proceeds of crime and its transfer outside India through shell entities, the ED said. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered under various sections of the IPC by M.V.P. Police Station, Visakhapatnam, on the complaint of the Income Tax Department, against Vaddi Mahesh and others, said the statement. They were accused of conspiring together, creating false and forged documents and using the same as genuine to make foreign outward remittances through various banks, it said. It was revealed that Vaddi Mahesh, along with his father and others, floated several companies with registered offices in Kolkata and opened bank accounts in their names, through which an amount of Rs 569.03 crore was transferred to five companies in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, ostensibly towards purchase of customised software. However, fabricated invoices of the foreign companies were submitted to the banks, and no software was imported against these remittances, the ED said. The money laundering investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate revealed that Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, a habitual offender detained thrice under COFEPOSA, was smuggling cosmetics, electronic goods, textile fabrics, into India by evading customs duty, including by misusing the Customs Transit Declaration Scheme available for Nepal, the agency said. In order to pay the overseas suppliers and to launder the proceeds of crime generated from the sale of the smuggled goods, he approached Vaddi Mahesh through his associates, it said. Investigation showed that during 2014-17, Vaddi Mahesh received funds in the bank accounts of his shell companies from various entities and remitted the same abroad on the instructions of Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, the ED said. These funds were parked in dormant or newly incorporated companies in Singapore and Hong Kong held by nominee directors, and were further transferred to the bank accounts of Bhimendra Kumar Goyal and the companies of his family members, Swiss Fox Pte Ltd and Bhav Technology China Limited, thereby projecting the proceeds of crime as untainted. Investigation further revealed that Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, in collusion with Pawan Kumar Ralli, operated fake firms, Mehak Overseas, Karan Overseas and Geet Enterprises, in fictitious names at fake addresses in New Delhi, and that part of the proceeds of crime was also diverted abroad through Village Handicraft Export and received in Eagle Mount Trading Pte Ltd, Singapore, beneficially owned by Ashish Todi, the ED said.
Kunal Ghosh Criticizes BJPs Rally as Political Misstep in Kolkata
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh condemns BJPs rally, claiming it undermines democracy and highlights political bias in Bengal. Kunal Ghosh Criticizes BJPs Rally as Political Misstep in Kolkata
Indias Most Affordable Art Fair Opens in Delhi This November
The Art Mela by the Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA), Kolkata, is Indias pre-eminent art fair for the first-time buyer. It brings Indias modern masters and the next generation of artists together in one room.
BJP national president criticises Opposition leaders at Kolkata march
The News Mill
Kolkata: Tejaswini Samman honours Durga Puja artists, rewards eco-friendly pandal practices
Celebrating artistic excellence and promoting environmentally responsible festivities, the Rotary Club of Calcutta Avyanna organised the eighth edition of the 'Tejaswini Samman' award ceremony in Kolkata on October 31, honouring artists for their creative contributions to Durga Puja celebrations and recognising puja committees for adopting sustainable practices. The annual initiative aims to acknowledge the creative efforts behind Durga Puja while encouraging organisers to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into pandal construction, management and post-festival activities. This year, 140 puja pandals participated in the awards, of which 40 were shortlisted and 16 were finally selected for top honours. The evaluation process considered several parameters beyond the use of eco-friendly materials, including waste management, dismantling practices, recycling, plastic usage and cleanliness in and around pandals during the festivities. Speaking to ANI, Rotary Club of Calcutta Avy...
When Union Ministers from Bengal step from politics to the theatre stage
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar taking time off to step under the arc lights on stage has generated interest because while politicians are known to have dabbled in acting in West Bengal a state recognised for cultural activities there have not been many who could follow their hearts while being in a similar position that demands absolute involvement. Yet, for Bengal, the achievement is not without precedent. More than two decades ago, another Bengali minister at the Centre, Ajit Panja (1936-2008), became famous for the portrayal of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa in productions of Nati Binodini. Majumdar took to the stage on Sunday, donning the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a theatrical production, 'Keshari Hatya', depicting the life and death of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). He also appeared in the same play as the narrator. The Minister told the media that he was offered the role, and as every Bengali has a latent desire to act, he accepted it. Though I cant recollect any other Union Minister from West Bengal having acted in a play apart from Ajitda and Sukantababu, I do remember Subrata Mukherjee and lately, Bratya Basu, having enacted roles on stage as well as in cinema, said Saumya Bandopadhya, a senior journalist who has covered the state for almost a half-century. Subrata Mukherjee (1946-2021) was a veteran West Bengal politician who was a senior leader of the Congress party and later, the Trinamool. He served as a cabinet minister in the West Bengal government and was widely regarded as an influential organiser and administrator, with a political career spanning more than five decades. He also served as the Mayor of Kolkata and played an important role in Bengal politics for many years. The 57-year-old Bratya Basu has served as a Minister in the Mamata Banerjee-led cabinet in West Bengal. However, neither Mukherjee nor Basu were Union Ministers, and their acting skills were well known earlier. Echoing Bandopadhya, another senior journalist from West Bengal, Gautam Hor, added that it is the passion for the stage that draws people from other professions onto amateur acting. Anybody who loves theatre can participate on stage, but it is the time constraint for someone who holds a ministers job that makes such an attempt stand out. Such a foray requires time, especially for rehearsals, he said. According to Majumdar, rehearsals were conducted even as he attended to his official engagements, participating whenever he could afford the time. That, indeed, is a tough task. It is perhaps Bengali has a latent desire to act that the Minister stated that made the task possible for him. Panja, a senior Congress leader who later joined the Trinamool Congress and served in several Union ministries, was also a passionate theatre actor. He earned widespread recognition with his enactment of Sri Ramakrishna, and has even held a show at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Contemporary accounts describe how then-Prime Minister Vajpayee was among those who watched the production during one of its stagings, and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Jyoti Basu, had attended a performance and praised Panja's acting. The tradition resurfaced with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sukanta Majumdar performing at Kolkata's Rabindra Sadan. Hopefully, the curtain will never fall as Bengal continues to follow the passion.
Mamata's name at Nandan painted over ahead Of film fest
A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a plaque bearing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's name at Kolkata's Nandan cultural hub was painted over, while one for Jyoti Basu remained untouched. This incident, occurring just before the Kolkata International Film Festival, has led to a war of words between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, with actor Mithun Chakraborty questioning the relevance of Banerjee's name.
No one will be able to destroy democracy: BJP's Rahul Sinha targets Mamata Banerjee
Hitting out at former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rahul Sinha on Monday asserted that party workers would thwart every attempt to weaken democratic institutions in the state, declaring that 'no one would be able to destroy democracy' as long as BJP workers continued to stand united. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the party's 'Save Democracy' march in Kolkata, Sinha responded to allegations raised by Banerjee regarding electoral outcomes and claimed that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo had lost touch with the ground reality. The message is that as long as even a single Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker remains, no one will be able to destroy democracy. Every BJP worker will work to thwart the conspiracy that these people are hatching to destroy democracy, Sinha said. Taking a direct swipe at Banerjee over her remarks blaming electoral losses on vote manipulation, Sinha said that the people of West Bengal had rejected the Trin...
Air Pollution Alert: Delhi AQI Crosses 250; Mumbai, Kolkata Also Record Elevated Levels
Check the latest AQI readings for New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
PNN New Delhi [India], November 2: With festive shoppers starting their journeys earlier and moving across multiple touchpoints before making a purchase, the pressure on agencies is shifting from simply winning the sale-day moment to building sustained engagement with consumers. Against this backdrop, Amazon Ads Hive together agency and brand leaders across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Pune for Partner Connect
Mamata Banerjee's nameplate was removed from the main hall of Kolkata's cultural centre Nandan and painted over. This action occurred before the annual Kolkata International Film Festival, while Jyoti Basu's plaque remains intact. Banerjee participated in a mega rally in Delhi addressing alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She accused the BJP of looting West Bengal and emphasized the need to protect democracy.
Cyclone Murasu to bring light to moderate rain to parts of West Bengal
Cyclone Murasu is expected to bring scattered light to moderate rain to Kolkata, Midnapore and South 24 Parganas over the next two days. The storm is forecast to make landfall in south Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, while temperatures in West Bengal may dip from November 5
TMC Leaders Decline to Contest Kolkata Municipal Elections
Several senior TMC leaders, including former mayor Firhad Hakim, have opted out of the upcoming Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections. TMC Leaders Decline to Contest Kolkata Municipal Elections
22, 24 carat Gold prices see mixed trend across metro cities on November 2
New logo, new inaugural venue: Stage set for iconic Kolkata International Film Festival
Why Sikkim is the only Indian state without a railway station, and when it will finally get one
Nabin to lead BJP's save democracy rally in Kolkata, civic poll strategy on agenda
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin will arrive in Kolkata on Monday afternoon to lead the partys Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (save democracy, eliminate anarchy) rally, which will begin at College Street and conclude at Esplanade in central Kolkata. Following the rally, the BJP chief is expected to review the party's preparations for elections to seven urban local bodies in the state, including Kolkata. The rally is part of the BJPs nationwide campaign against the Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR protests have been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by the Congress-led INDIA bloc and other opposition parties, according to the BJPs account of the campaign. Nabin is scheduled to arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from Patna shortly after 2 pm. He will proceed directly to College Street, the starting point of the rally, and lead the march to Esplanade. It remains unclear whether he will address party workers and supporters at the concluding gathering. Mondays programme will mark the start of an extended BJP campaign across West Bengal against the anti-SIR protests. State BJP vice-president Prabal Raha said similar rallies would be held in Howrah, adjoining Kolkata, and Siliguri in Darjeeling district on November 3. The second phase of the campaign is scheduled to begin on November 11, after Kali Puja and Diwali. The party plans to organise marches at 800 locations across the state, each with at least 10,000 participants, Raha said. The BJP also intends to bring national-level leaders and supporters from different parts of the country into the campaign in urban centres across Bengal. After the Kolkata rally, Nabin is expected to meet state BJP leaders to review preparations for elections to seven urban local bodies in West Bengal. These include the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). A state BJP committee member said the discussions would focus on the partys strategy for the civic polls, including candidate selection. The leadership may also take up the preparation of preliminary candidate lists for the KMC and HMC elections. Nabin is expected to leave for Delhi either on Monday night or on Tuesday morning. The elections to the seven municipal bodies are likely to be held in the third or fourth week of December, according to the schedule being discussed. The results are expected in the last week of December or the first week of January 2027. The BJPs campaign is expected to run alongside its preparations for the civic elections, giving the state leadership two parallel organisational tasks in the weeks ahead.
Inside Shah Rukh Khans Rs 10,000-Crore Net Worth: Mannat, Luxury Cars, Private Jet, KKR
Shah Rukh Khan today commands an estimated net worth of Rs 10,000 crore, with a sprawling empire spanning blockbuster films, production ventures, brand endorsements, luxury properties and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Nitin Nabin to lead BJP padyatra in Kolkata
Kolkata: BJP national president Nitin Nabin will lead a BJP march in Kolkata on Monday, November 2, as the saffron camp seeks to mobilise public support against what it alleges are attempts by opposition forces to destabilise elected governments of the saffron party across the country. The Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) 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 .
Gold and silver prices today, 2 November: 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.
Shah Rukh Khan's Rs 10,000 crore business empire: How the actor makes money beyond films
Shah Rukh Khan Net Worth on Birthday: Shah Rukh Khan's, also known as King Khan, turns 61 on his birthday today Novermber 2. Shah Rukh Khan's wealth extends beyond Bollywood. From Red Chillies Entertainment and Kolkata Knight Riders to brand endorsements, international cricket and investments, here's how the actor has built his business empire.
Gold and silver prices rebounded in international markets on November 2 after a sharp decline in the previous session. Comex gold gained 0.24% to $3,908.30 per ounce, while silver rose 1.05% to $49.795.
BJP President Nitin Naveen to Lead Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy March in Bihar and Bengal
Nitin Naveen will lead a march in Bhagalpur and Kolkata as part of BJPs campaign against perceived opposition misinformation. BJP President Nitin Naveen to Lead Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy March in Bihar and Bengal
BJP chief Nitin Nabin to lead Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy padyatras in Bihar, Bengal today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin will lead Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatras in Bihar and West Bengal on Monday as part of the party's nationwide campaign against what it describes as misinformation and organised anarchy being spread by the Opposition. According to a post by BJP Bihar on X, Nabin will lead the first padyatra in Bhagalpur on November 2. BJP's National President, Shri Nitin Nabin, will lead the Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy padyatra organised in Bhagalpur on November 2, 2026, the party said in its post. The foot march in Bhagalpur will commence at 11 a.m. from Lajpat Park and conclude at Seva Jyoti Chowk at 12.30 p.m. After completing his programme in Bihar, Nabin will travel to Kolkata, where he will lead the second padyatra of the day. The march will begin at 3 p.m. from College Street and conclude at Dharmatala at 5.30 p.m., according to a BJP press note. Officials said detailed arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the padyatras. The party has described the campaign as a movement against what it calls the lies, deception, conspiracies and anarchy being spread by a desperate and disillusioned Opposition. With the resolve of Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao, every BJP karyakarta is reaching out to villages and households to expose what the party calls the Opposition's false and fabricated narrative and apprise people of the truth, the press note said. Senior party leaders, state BJP presidents, thousands of party workers and members of the public are expected to participate in the padyatras being organised in Bhagalpur and Kolkata. The BJP has positioned the initiative as a response to what it alleges are systematic attempts by the Opposition to mislead the public and create disorder. Party leaders maintain that the foot marches will help counter what they describe as false narratives and reinforce the message of democratic values and disciplined public life. The BJP has indicated that similar programmes will continue across the country as part of the larger nationwide drive.
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Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) The Matua refugees coming to West Bengal from neighbouring Bangladesh who had been jailed during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, will be released in the coming days and will also be provided with land and accommodation in the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Sunday. He also promised that such Matua refugees will first be granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and thereafter their names will be enrolled in the voters' list. Matuas are a Backward Class Hindu community from erstwhile East Pakistan or present day Bangladesh, who settled in different parts of West Bengal over time since Independence. CM Adhikari made these promises while addressing the second International Matua Gosai Conference at Thakurbari, the ancestral home of the Matua leadership in Thakurnagar at Bangaon in North 24 Parganas district. After the recent regime change in Bangladesh, many Matuas among Hindu brothers who settled there faced massive atrocities. Then, in West Bengal, the previous Trinamool Congress-ruled administration selectively arrested many Hindu refugees, including those from the Matua community. On September 1, 2025, our Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised that no police would touch those who had left Bangladesh and entered India to save their lives till December 31, 2024, the Chief Minister said. Thereafter, Chief Minister Adhikari announced that if any Matua refugees are still in jail without trial in any correctional home in the border adjacent Bangaon and Barasat in North 24 Parganas and Ranaghat in Nadia district, they will be released from jail with dignity and will be given land and houses. The Chief Minister in his speech also promised to give CAA certificates to the people from the Matua community by December 31 this year. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Adhikari also launched a scathing attack over the opposition parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the latter's movement on the twin issues of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Those who are trying to destabilise the country and state will not be spared. We will fight against them. The Hindus will not become refugees again in their own land, the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, he also recalled how his own mother, who hailed from Barisal in erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, was driven out overnight from there just on religious grounds. My mother came here as a refugee from Barisal. She was thrown out of Bangladesh just because she was a Hindu. I will be vigilant against those who want to destabilise our country and state like Bangladesh, Chief Minister Adhikari added.
CM Adhikari congratulates Bengal Police on busting organised narcotics racket
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday congratulated the Special Task Force (STF) of the state police over the busting of an organised narcotics racket in Malda district of the state. In a social media statement, CM Adhikari had claimed that in a breakthrough in our ongoing crackdown against narcotics syndicates, a vigilant team from the STF of the state police intercepted a vehicle on the National Highway-12 near Madhughat at Kaliachak in Malda district and recovered around 2.688 kg of contraband morphine. As per the Chief Minister's statement, four key persons, all involved in an inter-state narcotics smuggling racket, were arrested in this connection. The Chief Minister also claimed that a specific case has been initiated to thoroughly dismantle the entire racket from its roots. I appreciate the officers and personnel of West Bengal Police and the STF for their swift, coordinated action and unwavering dedication to duty. Let me remind the drug smugglers, racketeers and syndicate operators, they will be dealt with an iron fist, as our Government maintains an uncompromising zero tolerance policy against drug peddling to safeguard the future of our Youth and strengthen our collective resolve under the #NashaMuktBHaratAbhiyan, CM Adhikari said in a statement. Since taking charge as the ninth West Bengal Chief Minister after the Assembly polls earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari had been very vocal against organised narcotics smuggling rackets and illegal liquor dens operating in different parts of the state. According to CM Adhikari, constant drives against such organised narcotics smuggling rackets and illegal liquor dens were extremely necessary to prevent other social evils, especially crime against women. Since then, the state police have been quite active on this count, with several narcotics smuggling rackets being busted and several illegal liquor dens being demolished in different parts of the state during the last few months. Every success of the state police in busting such rackets had been acknowledged by the Chief Minister through his social media statement, boosting the morale of the state police in the matter.
Nitin Nabin to lead BJPs Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao padyatras in Bihar, Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin will lead two major Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao Padyatras in Bihar and West Bengal on Monday as part of the partys nationwide campaign against what it describes as the Oppositions misinformation, disinformation and organised anarchy. The first padyatra (foot march) will commence at 11:00 a.m. from Lajpat Park in Bhagalpur, Bihar, and conclude at Seva Jyoti Chowk at 12:30 pm. Thereafter, Nabin will travel to Kolkata, where the second padyatra will begin at 3:00 p.m. from College Street and conclude at Dharmatala at 5:30 pm, a BJP press note said. According to the party, the campaign is a movement against the lies, deception, conspiracies and anarchy being spread by a desperate and disillusioned Opposition. With the resolve of Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao, every BJP karyakarta is reaching out to villages and households to expose the Oppositions false and fabricated narrative and apprise the people of the truth, the press note said. Senior party leaders, state BJP presidents, thousands of dedicated karyakartas and members of the public will participate in the padyatras being organised in Bhagalpur and Kolkata. The BJP has framed the initiative as a response to what it calls systematic attempts by the Opposition to mislead the public and create disorder. Party leaders maintain that the padyatras will help counter false narratives and reinforce the message of democratic values and disciplined public life. Nabins dual programmes in the two states on the same day underline the partys focus on taking its campaign directly to the people in key regions. The BJP has indicated that similar programmes will continue across the country as part of the larger nationwide drive. The party expects large participation from workers and supporters in both Bhagalpur and Kolkata. Officials said detailed arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the padyatras.
Kolkata Durga Puja stampede aftermath: Bengal govt issues pandal guidelines for Kali and Jagadhatri Puja Kolkata: In the wake of the stampede tragedy at the community Durga Puja pandal of Chorbagan Sarbojanin in north Kolkata, which left 19 people dead, the West Bengal administration has issued a new set of pandal guidelines for the forthcoming [] The post Kolkata Durga Puja stampede aftermath: Bengal govt issues pandal guidelines for Kali and Jagadhatri Puja appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Narola, Alva emerge champions as Indian Racing Festival concludes BIC leg
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Aryan Narola of Goa Aces JA Racing clinched a double victory in the F4 Indian Championship, while Ruhaan Alva of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru won the second Indian Racing League (IRL) race as the Indian Racing Festival concluded its two-day event at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida on Sunday. Narola dominated both F4 races on Sunday to emerge as the standout performer of the weekend, while Alva secured a crucial victory in a closely contested IRL race. The two-day racing event, held on October 31 and November 1, featured three races on the final day following an action-packed opening day. In the first F4 race on Sunday, Swarnav Das initially took the lead before Narola overtook him on the second lap to move to the front. South African racer Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing also mounted a strong challenge, passing Das and putting Narola under pressure in the battle for the lead. However, Sambudla's race came to an end due to engine problems with a couple of laps remaining. Narola maintained his advantage to take the victory, while Aris Kyriakou finished second and South African Ntiyiso Mabunda of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Narola continued his impressive run in the second F4 race, leading from the start to register another victory. Arjun Chheda challenged him for the top position, while Mabunda also remained in contention. Narola held his nerve under pressure to complete a double, with Chheda finishing second and Mabunda taking third place. The second IRL race also witnessed an intense battle, with Alva eventually taking the top spot. Mohamed Ryan of Hyderabad Blackbirds finished second, while Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Shane Chanderia had initially moved ahead of Alva and led the race for several laps. However, car trouble forced him to retire from the contest, allowing Alva to capitalise on the situation and secure the victory. Earlier on Saturday, British driver Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces JA Racing won the opening IRL race, while Mabunda claimed victory in the first F4 contest. Hyman dominated the IRL race, clocking 27 minutes and 40.759 seconds to take the chequered flag. After initially trailing Emil Heyerdahl of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, Hyman overtook him to take the lead and maintained his advantage until the finish. Sai Shiva Sankaran of Kolkata Royal Tigers finished second in 27:55.806, narrowly ahead of teammate Jemma Moore, who clocked 27:56.070 to secure third place. In the opening F4 race, Mabunda registered a victory in 32:46.842 after a closely fought contest with fellow South African Sambudla. Narola, who started third on the grid, initially moved into the lead before Mabunda fought back to reclaim the top position.
BJP appoints Priti Nonia as partys spokesperson in West Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced the appointment of Priti Nonia as the spokesperson for its West Bengal unit. The key organisational appointment was cleared by the BJP's West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya, and the announcement was made through the party's X handle. The Bengal BJPs General Secretary and state office-in-charge, Shashi Agnihotri, issued an organisational order stating, State President Samik Bhattacharya has appointed Priti Nonia as a State Spokesperson of the BJP, West Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya also extended warm congratulations on her appointment and best wishes for the new responsibility. Notably, Priti Chauhan is a resident of Asansol district and a journalist by profession. She currently resides in Delhi. The appointment comes into effect with immediate effect, said the official release. Following her appointment, Priti Nonia also took to her social media handle on Facebook to express gratitude to the party leadership as well as special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing upon her the responsibility. I express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the top leadership and the organisation of Bharatiya Janata Party for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as a spokesperson for the BJP in West Bengal, she said in a post on Facebook. Nonia, making special mention of PM Modi, party national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and others, added that it was a matter of great fortune and pride for her to have the opportunity to work under the guidance and leadership of the esteemed leaders. I shall work with complete loyalty, dedication, and commitment to ensure that the organisations ideals, spirit of service, and commitment to public welfare reach every individual, she said further in the FB post.
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Kolkata/New Delhi, Oct 31: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, said on Saturday that the capital markets regulator continuously works towards making Indias capital markets more accessible, efficient and resilient, focusing on facilitating capital formation, improving ease of doing business and strengthening investor protection. Speaking at the Bharat Chamber []
