Navy to bolster anti-sub prowess in Indian Ocean
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is set to add to its fleet another anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Androth, second of the eight ASW SWCs (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Calling the step important, a source said, The focus on the anti-submarine warfare is conspicuous with the Navys planned induction of 16 ASW-SWCs, the six P-8I Poseidon, and more UAVs and Drones for the purpose. The Navy commissioned the first of the 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in June. Eight more ASW-SWC warships are being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi. The indigenous defence manufacturing augments the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Navy. The contract for the 16 craft was signed in April 2019, to strengthen Navys Anti-submarine, coastal surveillance and mine laying capabilities. The name Androth, GRSE in its statement said, holds strategic and symbolic significance, derived from the Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, underscoring Indias commitment to safeguarding its vast maritime territories. These ships approx 77 m in length, are the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination and are equipped with state-of- the art lightweight torpedoes, Indigenous ASW rockets, advanced shallow water SONAR, enabling effective submarine detection and engagement in littoral zones, said GRSE. The worry, as earlier brought out by this newspaper, remains that over the years, Pakistan and China have been adding strength to their capabilities, including the underwater. Importantly, in August, Pakistan inducted its third of the eight Chinese manufactured modern Hangor Class submarines which is Air Independent Propulsion equipped. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is concerned that its platforms are reaching obsolescence; therefore, the new additions should not only replace the older ones but also increase the overall numbers. The Chinese PLA Navy, with over 360 warships and submarines, has become the largest navy in the world, with an increased presence in maritime bodies around the globe, including the Indian Ocean, while the Indian Navys total fleet strength is over 130. The Indian Navys submarines underwater fighting capabilities, even after the addition of six indigenously manufactured Scorpene-class submarines, are plagued by obsolete boats (submarines). Although new boats have been added and newprojects are in the pipeline, the Navys submarine arm has been plagued by obsolescence and is operating 12 vintage submarines.
KOCHI: Development work at the Ernakulam Junction railway station is likely to be delayed as a decision on appointing a new contractor may be taken only after one-and-a-half month. Work at the Ernakulam Town railway station too seems to be progressing at a slow pace. Sources in the railways said tenders submitted by six firms were opened on September 12. We will be carefully studying each document and conduct a thorough check to verify the credentials of the interested companies, said a Railway official. Work at Ernakulam Junction began in 2022, with an estimated deadline of 2025. The Rs 350-crore project was delayed due to the inefficiency of the contractor, Bridge and Roof Company (India). It was also found the work by contractor was sub-par. Hence, it was decided to terminate the contract and blacklist the firm from undertaking any railway projects, said the official. Owing to the delay passengers are having a tough time navigating the new arrangements. It is a mess. There is no end in sight to a work that we thought would finish in two years. Until last week, approach road to the stations makeshift main entrance was a muddy mess. Though the passengers kept seeking a solution throughout monsoon, the authorities woke up after the rain stopped, said Paul Manvattom, president, All Kerala Railway Users Association (AKRUA). He asked: How can a public sector entity be so careless in awarding such a big contract, and that too in a city as important as Ernakulam, to a company that has no expertise? Paul alleged the progress of work at Ernakulam Town station had slowed down too. As per the proposed plan for Ernakulam Junction, a separate, three-storey building will be built on the eastern side. It will have a passenger booking facility, a hospital and administrative offices. On the western side, a four-storey building will house a ticketing area, waiting lounges and a commercial area with connectivity to all platforms. Ernakulam Junction handles over 1.96 crore passengers annually. The railways expects the upgrade will accommodate the exponential growth in passenger traffic in future. The Ministry of Railways has also selected Ernakulam Town and Kollam stations for major revamping. Re-development of Ernakulam Town station was awarded as an EPC contract to M/s RANK Projects and Development Pvt Ltd, for an amount of Rs 150.28 crore on August 29, 2022. Its deadline is 36 months. Ernakulam Town station handles over 90 scheduled daily train services. Categorised as an NSG-3 station, it registers an annual passenger footfall of 1.02 crore an average daily footfall of 28,000. The Ernakulam Town to Kayankulam railway line passes through Kottayam district with major stations at Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Mavelikkara. Ernakulam Jn rly station First tendered: August 2022 First contractor: Kolkata-based Bridge and Roof Company (India) Project cost: Rs 350 crore Deadline: 36 months Status: Work stopped, new tender floated, decision on new contractor in approximately two months Passenger footfall: Over 1.96 crore annually Ernakulam Town rly station First tendered: August 29, 2022 Contractor: M/s RANK Projects and Development Pvt Ltd Project cost: Rs 150.28 crore Deadline: 36 months Status: Ongoing, work on multi-level parking and west terminal building nearing completion. No status on air concourse, foot overbridge, skywalk connectivity, platform upgradation Passenger footfall: Over 1.02 crore annually
PM Modi to inaugurate 16th Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) in Kolkata on Monday, following his visit to the northeastern states. The conference, themed Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future, will focus on reforms, transformation, operational preparedness and technological modernization.
Focus of commanders' meet: Reform, transform
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his visit to Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, is set to inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) in Kolkata on Monday.
Tega Industries, a Kolkata-based company, acquired Molycop in a significant deal. This buyout marks a major move by an Indian enterprise. Led by Mehul Mohanka, Tega partnered with Apollo Global Management for the acquisition. The deal aims to create a comprehensive offering for the mining industry. The combined entity will leverage technology to optimize mining operations.
PM Modi in Kolkata for Top Military Meet; China, Bangladesh, Nepal Likely on Agenda
According to sources, India's military strategy with China, following the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Tianjin, is expected to come up for discussion.
Kolkatas MyPustak.com turns donated books into affordable reads, builds vibrant reader community
Mukul Agarwal, a marine engineer turned entrepreneur, founded a startup in Kolkata to make books affordable. Inspired by College Street, he collects donated books nationwide, refurbishes them, and sells them online at lower prices. His platform bridges the gap between donors and buyers, utilizing technology and logistics to deliver books across India, reaching a wide readership.
PM Modi arrives in Kolkata, to inaugurate key defence conference on Monday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday for a two-day visit, marking his second trip to the state in under a month ahead of upcoming elections. He will inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other top officials.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, also known as the Hyderabad Airport, is the largest airport in India in terms of size.
Indian women trafficked to Malaysia on visa-free entry for domestic work
CHANDIGARH: It is not only Gulf countries where women from India, who had gone there on the pretext of a job offer, got trapped; Malaysia has now become the new destination. Women, especially from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, are being taken to this Southeast Asian nation with promises of legitimate domestic work. Travel agents use the visa-free entry route to lure them, after which they are forced to live and work in conditions described as unstable and precarious. In an advisory issued on September 9 this year, the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur (Labour Wing), in a document titled Indian nationals getting stranded in Malaysia, a copy of which is with this newspaper, stated: The majority of the affected individuals are unskilled/semi-skilled labourers and hail from several states in India including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. They are invariably misled with false promises of employment by unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia. The following issues of concern came to the notice of the High Commission: Indian nationals travelling under the pretext of tourism but intending to look for employment are often denied entry on arrival. Those who manage to enter the country often overstay beyond 30 days and are thus declared illegal. Entry is also refused to those Indian nationals who are genuine tourists but fail to provide valid documentation, including return tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial means, it stated. It further read: It has been observed that unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia entice a number of Indian nationals with prospects of employment and arrange their travel to Malaysia on the pretext of tourism to get visa-free entry and stay for 30 days in Malaysia. Such individuals become illegal after expiry of 30 days and are thus vulnerable to various forms of exploitation locally. They are also subjected to detention, imprisonment and associated legal actions by Malaysian enforcement agencies. The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur has further advised all State Governments, Protectors of Emigrants (PoE) and immigration officers to issue public advisories and exercise strict scrutiny of Indian nationals, especially ECR passport holders, departing to Malaysia from international airports including Trichy, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Bengaluru and Amritsar. It has also been stated that passengers deceived by agents should be encouraged to provide full details of such agents, and that information may be compiled and shared with state and central government authorities for appropriate action. The state governments of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have been requested to initiate extensive awareness campaigns by disseminating correct travel procedures and highlighting the risks associated with misuse of visa-free entry to Malaysia for employment purposes. A statement issued by the High Commission also said that a significant number of Indian female domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia through channels in violation of both Indian and Malaysian immigration and employment laws. As per the guidelines laid down by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, India is one of the nine countries approved for the recruitment of foreign domestic helpers (FDH). Malaysian employers intending to hire Indian domestic workers are required to obtain a Visa with Reference (VDR) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Based on the VDR, the prospective worker applies for an employment visa at the Malaysian High Commission or Consulate in India. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the employer is responsible for converting the VDR into a temporary employment visit pass, it read. It further stated: However, it has been observed that many Indian domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia by agents using visa-free entry, thereby violating the established procedures. Indian emigration guidelines do not permit recruitment of Indian women who are below 30 years of age and hold ECR (Emigration Check Required) category passports to take up overseas employment as domestic workers. Sources said that in July this year, a 39-year-old woman from India was beaten, locked in a hotel room and forced into prostitution. She was rescued during a raid by the Malaysian police in Kuala Lumpur city centre. She had arrived in Malaysia on July 11 after being promised work as a domestic helper, only to be held captive and exploited. Speaking to this newspaper, Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that earlier reports were being received regarding women being rescued from Gulf countries who had paid around 50,000 to 1 lakh to agents based in Dubai on tourist visas and were then pushed further to other countries such as Oman on the pretext of domestic help jobs but were exploited. We are getting reports of 20 to 30 such cases per year from the Consulate General of India, Dubai. However, once these rescued women are repatriated back, they do not give complaints against the unscrupulous agents, which is necessary to initiate action against such agents. The advisory from the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur is also on these lines to avoid the trap of unscrupulous agents and always rely on Ministry-approved recruiting agents for overseas employment opportunities. The list of such registered agents is publicly available on www.emigrate.gov.in, he said. Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras established in Punjab Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (CSC-PBSKs) have been established in Punjab by the Protector of Emigrants (PoE). These will provide citizen-friendly eMigrate web-portal related services and strengthen outreach to aspiring youth at the grassroots level. The centres will be located in Rupnagar, Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and two in Jalandhar. Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that the CSC-PBSKs will serve as extended arms of the PoE and will function as information, facilitation and grievance-redressal platforms for the general public. These centres will provide guidance and assistance on a wide range of emigration-related matters, primarily related to overseas employment. These centres will provide assistance regarding details of Registered Recruiting Agents (RAs), Emigration Clearances (ECs), and facilitation of public grievances against registered or illegal recruiting agents (IRAs). They will also give guidance to intending emigrants/applicants regarding overseas job opportunities, scheduled RA interviews, and recruitment procedures, and support in verifying the authenticity and licence status of RAs through the official eMigrate portal. They will also raise awareness on safe, legal and transparent mobility channels, discouraging irregular migration practices. Besides, they will provide assistance regarding Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) insurance services, information on Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) registration, and related facilities, he said.
Activewear Maker TechnoSport To Invest Rs 200 Crore To Open 300 Exclusive Stores
TechnoSport promoters, who have roots in Kolkata, had so far relied on general trade.
Mamata extends greetings to people on Hindi Diwas
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday extended her greetings to people on Hindi Diwas, and said her government respects all languages. She also highlighted several initiatives taken by her government for the welfare of Hindi-speaking people in the state, including the recognition of Hindi as an official language in areas where 10 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 .
PM To Inaugurate Three Day Armed Forces' Conference In Kolkata On Sep 15
Focusing on reforms, transformation and operational preparedness, the theme for this year's conference is 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future'.
PM Modi to inaugurate three-day armed forces conference in Kolkata on Sept. 15
Focusing on reforms, transformation and operational preparedness, the theme for this years conference is Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future
Court bars Birla Corporation fromputting resolution to vote
Kolkata court restrains Birla Corporation from voting on new Articles of Association at upcoming AGM
The Bengal Files is the boldest and most honest film ever made on Hindu genocide: Agnihotri
Bollywood filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri had a faceoff with Kolkata police during the trailer launch of his upcoming release, The Bengal Files, which is based on 1946 Calcutta Killings and Noakhali riots. Amid the disruption, Agnihotri speaks to the media on the film, which he called the last of his The Files Trilogy based on modern Indian history Souvik Ghosh reports Q. It was told that you didnt have the permission from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation so the trailer launch [] The post The Bengal Files is the boldest and most honest film ever made on Hindu genocide: Agnihotri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The Indian city that sparkles like Paris at night
In 21 months, citizens have lit up 92 Kolkata landmarks with a simple model: your property, their lights.
Hundreds of CAPF personnel stood guard at every entrance of the National Library as the film was screened at theSyama Prasad Mookerjee Bhasha Bhavan auditorium
PM Modi launches projects worth over Rs 8,500 crore in Manipur
IMPHAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated 17 projects worth Rs 1,203 crore from Manipurs capital Imphal and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects valued at over Rs 7,344 crore at Churachandpur. He inaugurated the civil secretariat (Rs 538 crore) and the new headquarters of Manipur Police (Rs 101 crore), both located in Imphals Mantripukhri. The Prime Minister also inaugurated four Ima (mothers) markets at Tengnoupal, Noney, Pallel, and Moirang (Rs 24 crore), as well as Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, built at costs of Rs 164 crore and Rs 42 crore respectively. Other projects inaugurated include the development of Leishang Hiden Cultural and Heritage Park in Imphal West district (Rs 13 crore), a four-lane bridge over the Irang river on the Imphal-Jiribam NH-38 at Noney district (Rs 49 crore), the development of the western front of the Imphal river (Phase-II) (Rs 56 crore), Mall Road (Phase-II) (Rs 24 crore), and infrastructure development for five government colleges in Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts (Rs 13 crore). The Prime Minister also inaugurated IT-SEZ Building-I at Mantripukhri (Rs 114 crore), infrastructure for district administration in Kamjong district (Rs 15 crore) and Kakching district (Rs 12 crore), the Eklavya Model Residential School at Tokpa village, Loktak Project, Churachandpur district (Rs 16 crore), an institutional building with staff quarters at Ningthoukhong CHC, Bishnupur (Rs 7 crore), an institutional building with staff quarters at Saikot CHC, Churachandpur (Rs 7 crore), and a hostel for paramedical and allied sciences at JNIMS, Imphal (Rs 6 crore). The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for 14 projects. Two of the key projects are the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project (Rs 3,647 crore) and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) Project, which includes infrastructure at Imphal and skilling and employment generation across the state (Rs 550 crore). Other projects include working womens hostels at nine locations (Rs 142 crore), provision of super-speciality and assured speciality healthcare in remote and hill districts (Rs 105 crore), infrastructure development in and around the Polo Ground (Rs 30 crore), strengthening of 120 high schools and higher secondary schools in all 16 districts (Rs 134 crore), installation of grid-connected SPV power plants at two power substations and a 5 MWAC floating SPV power plant (Rs 33 crore), and various projects pertaining to rural connectivity, education, and tourism across Manipur (Rs 102 crore). In his first visit to ethnic conflict-hit Manipur, PM Modi appeals to all organisations to choose 'path of peace'
Sourav Ganguly's Ethnic Charisma Sets Social Media On Fire, And Fans Can't Keep Calm!
ICC World Cup: Move over cricket whites, because Sourav Ganguly just served a whole new innings - in fashion! The former Team India skipper, lovingly called Dada, has gone viral after stepping out in a royal ethnic look that has fans declaring him the king of pitch and style. In the now-trending photoshoot, Ganguly swapped his boardroom blazers for intricately designed dhoti-kurtas, and honestly, he nailed it. From the detailed embroidery to the effortless swag, the Prince of Kolkata looked every bit the festive season showstopper. Social media wasted no time. Compliments poured in, memes turned into fan edits, and timelines were flooded with posts celebrating Gangulys timeless charm. This man can win matches and hearts with equal ease, one fan gushed, while another crowned him the ultimate style dada. The big question, of course, is whats cooking? With the festive season around the corner, many are guessing this shoot might be tied to a brand campaign or a special collaboration. Official word is still under wraps, but the buzz is only growing. One things for sure, Ganguly knows how to reinvent himself. From waving his jersey at the Lords to redefining desi swag in a dhoti, Dada proves yet again: legends never go out of style. The big question, of course, is whats cooking? With the festive season around the corner, many are guessing this shoot might be tied to a brand campaign or a special collaboration. Official word is still under wraps, but the buzz is only growing. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score After retiring from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly remained active in administration and went on to serve as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Known for his charisma both on and off the field, he continues to be seen as a cultural icon beyond the sport. Article Source: IANS
NCLT orders ex-promoters of HNG to repay defrauded Rs 42 cr amount to debtors
NEW DELHI, Sept 13:The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed the erstwhile promoters of Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNG) to return Rs 42.46 crore, misappropriated by them, to corporate debtors within two months. The Kolkata bench of the NCLT also ordered the Resolution Professional of the debt-ridden company to institute criminal prosecution against suspended directors Sanjay Somany and Mukul Somany under Section 69 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The tribunal found the transactions of Rs 42.46 [] The post NCLT orders ex-promoters of HNG to repay defrauded Rs 42 cr amount to debtors appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Birla Corporation faces court injunction on Articles of Association resolution
A Kolkata court has issued an ex parte order, preventing Birla Corporation Ltd from voting on a resolution to adopt new Articles of Association at its upcoming annual general meeting. The order, prompted by a suit from five shareholders, halts any poll or result publication related to the new Articles.
The Election Commission of India directs states to match old and new electoral data. This is ahead of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision. Booth Level Officers will assist District Electoral Officers in this task. The matched data will be available online for voters. A Deputy Election Commissioner will visit Kolkata to monitor preparations.
Durga Puja 2025: 5 best cities in India to celebrate the festival this year, from Kolkata to Patna
Experience the magic of Durga Puja across India! From Kolkata's iconic pandals to Mumbai, Delhi, Guwahati, and Patna, these 5 destinations offer vibrant rituals, cultural performances, and festive feasts. Discover where to celebrate Durga Puja 2025 in style.
PM inaugurates Mizoram's first railway line, flags off state's maiden Rajdhani Express
AIZAWL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram's first railway line and flagged off the state's maiden Rajdhani Express connecting Aizawl with Delhi. The Rs 8,070-crore BairabiSairang railway line, considered one of the most challenging in Indian Railways' history, was sanctioned in 2008-09 and construction began in 2015. The line includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges. Bridge No 144, near Sairang, is taller than Qutub Minar at 114 metres. It is the tallest pier railway bridge in the country, an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway said. The route also features five road overbridges and six underpasses, covering four main stations -- Hortoki, Kawnpui, Mualkhang, and Sairang -- apart from Bairabi. The direct rail connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country will offer the people of the region safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. Mizorams capital set to join Indian railway network: 51.38-km BairabiSairang line to boost connectivity in the Northeast It will also ensure the timely and reliable supply of food grains, fertilisers, and other essential commodities, thereby enhancing overall logistical efficiency and regional accessibility, the PMO said in a statement. Officials said the new railway line will improve passenger and freight connectivity, reduce travel time, boost tourism and employment, and fulfill a long-standing demand of the Mizoram public. The PM also flagged-off three new express trains -- Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani express, Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express on this occasion. He also laid foundation stones for multiple projects that will cater to various sectors including railways, roadways, energy, sports, among others. The 45-km Aizawl Bypass Road, worth over Rs 500 crore, under Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme will decongest Aizawl city, improve connectivity to Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lengpui Airport, and Sairang railway station among others, the PMO said in a statement. The Thenzawl-Sialsuk Road under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme NESIDS (Roads) will benefit horticulture farmers, dragon fruit growers, paddy cultivators, and ginger processors, while strengthening connectivity with the AizawlThenzawlLunglei Highway. The KhankawnRongura Road under NESIDS (Roads) in Serchhip district will provide better access to markets and benefit various horticulture farmers and other people in the region, while supporting the planned Ginger Processing Plant. The PM also laid the foundation stones of Chhimtuipui bridge on LawngtlaiSiaha Road, Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall for sports development and an LPG bottling plant at Mualkhang in Aizawl. The PM also inaugurated a residential school at Kawrthah under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme and an Eklavya Model Residential School at Tlangnuam.
The Bengal Files to get first Kolkata screening amid unofficial ban in Bengal
Following obstacles, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotris The Bengal Files premieres in Kolkata, highlighting historical events amid political controversy.
Watch: Steve Waugh on why he loves coming to India, friendship with Sachin Tendulkar, Kolkata Test
Having visited India several dozens of times for the last 40 years, legendary Australian cricketer and captain Steve Waugh said he still cant get enough of the country, and is drawn to see the real India. From cricket, to photography, to mentoring and leadership, to philanthropy, to entrepreneurship, he talked about diverse topics in two sit down conversations in Sydney and in Mumbai. He also revealed his fitness mantra.
New Delhi's Raisina Hill is undergoing changes. North Block occupants are moving to new buildings on Kartavya Path. The hilltop complex will become the Yug Yugeen Bharat Museum. Kolkata's Writers' Building remains neglected. It contrasts with repurposed colonial structures. A Museum of Bengal is proposed for Writers' Building. Experts are assisting with the Raisina Hill transformation.
Teen Stabbed To Death By Friend After Fight In Kolkata Metro Station: Cops
17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a violent altercation with his friend at Dakshineswar Metro Station here on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among commuters and raising serious security concerns, a senior police officer said.
Student Stabbed To Death By Friend After Dispute In Kolkata Metro Station
A 17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a violent altercation with his friend at Dakshineswar Metro Station here on Friday afternoon.
Indian, Myanmar armies discuss measures to enhance defence cooperation
NEW DELHI: The Commander, BSO-1 of the Myanmar Army, Lieutenant (Lt) General (Gen) Ko Ko Oo, and four delegation members visited the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army at Vijay Durg in Kolkata on Friday. As part of his visit, he also visited New Delhi, Agra and Gaya. The Indian Army said, Lt Gen Ko Ko Oo interacted with Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command and lauded the efforts of the Indian Armed Forces for their steadfastness, dedication and professionalism. They discussed measures to enhance defence cooperation between the two armies, particularly in the field of cutting-edge technology, with focus on ensuring the security of both nations, the Army added. The visit was part of the overall 7th Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the two nations. The visiting delegation also interacted with other senior military officers of the Eastern Command. The visit has significantly bolstered the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two armies. The Indian Army said it emains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strong defence ties with Myanmar, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability. The Myanmar Army, coming under the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces), has six Bureaus of Special Operations (BSOs), with each handling the region under its responsibility under the command of a Lieutenant General. The Indian Army supports initiatives to strengthen the Myanmar Army's digital training capabilities, helping to improve information management within their organisation. India is committed to assist Myanmar in modernising its defence infrastructure and promote technology-driven collaboration between the two nations. The militaries of the two countries share strong ties with institutionalised engagements at various levels, training exchanges and exercises. India shares a 1643-km land border with Myanmar running along the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
Rs 72 Lakh Seized From Kolkata-Bound Bus On NH-19; Machine Used To Count Cash
Four people were arrested after failing to produce documents for the cash. Police said the operation at Palsit toll plaza was based on a secret tip-off
TVS Motor expects spurt in demand post GST rate cut
KOLKATA, Sept 12:TVS Motor Company expects that the GST rate cut on the automobile industry will cause a spurt in demand, which the firm is ready to meet, an official said on Friday. The company launched a 150 cc scooter in the city, targeting the new generation riders. The GST rate cut on the automobile sector from 28 per cent to 18 per cent is a big boost and will create a spurt in demand. TVS has the capacity to [] The post TVS Motor expects spurt in demand post GST rate cut appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Modi to visit Manipur on Saturday, his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in 2023
NEW DELHI: Putting speculations to rest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on Saturday, September 13, and will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said on Friday, in the first official confirmation of the PM's trip to the strife-torn state. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also confirmed about Modi's Manipur visit. This will be Modi's first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state two years ago. The violence had erupted between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state. The choice of Churachandpur is significant because the district was among the worst hit by the violence, which claimed at least 260 lives and left thousands displaced. While Churachandpur is Kuki-dominated, Meiteis are in a majority in Imphal, thus balancing the signals sent out in the politically significant visit, a report noted. In line with his commitment to the inclusive, sustainable, and holistic development of the state, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for several development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These include the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects valued at more than Rs 2,500 crore; the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) Project; Working Women Hostels at nine locations, among others. The projects to be inaugurated in Imphal include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; the IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata; and the Ima Markets unique all-women markets in four districts. Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency As part of his programme, Prime Minister Modi will also address a gathering in Manipur on the occasion. Thereafter, he will inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal and address a public function. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to visit Manipur. He stated that the turmoil in the state has been going for a long time. The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now, Gandhi said, according to ANI . Modi will also visit Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. In Assam, Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati where he will also address a gathering. On September 14, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over Rs 18,530 crore in Assam. He will also address a public function in Darrang. On September 15, the Prime Minister will visit West Bengal to inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference2025 in Kolkata. Thereafter, he will visit Bihar same day and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea Airport. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea and address a public gathering on the occasion. RSS tries its hand at solving Manipur stalemate, weighs in on BJP chiefs appointment Additionally, he will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. In Mizoram, the Prime Minister will also flag off three new express trains: the Sairang (Aizawl)Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, the SairangGuwahati Express, and the SairangKolkata Express. It will be the first time Aizawl is directly connected with Delhi via a Rajdhani Express, while the SairangGuwahati Express will improve connectivity between Mizoram and Assam. Notably, the SairangKolkata Express will establish direct connectivity between Mizoram and Kolkata. (With inputs from Online Desk.) Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency
India Autism Center, in collaboration with MassArt, will give around 450 autistic individuals a tour of 24 pandals from September 18 to 22
Chinese Made Trains Drive The Next Phase Of Kolkata Metro Growth
The ship - about 110 metres long and 20 metres wide carried 48 coaches, enough to assemble six full rakes. From the port, the new arrival will be hauled by a special diesel engine.
Tripura PhD scholar stranded in Nepal amid violent protests, family seeks govt help
Agartala: A young scholar from Tripura pursuing his PhD in Kolkata has been stranded in Nepal following violent protests triggered by a youth-led movement, leaving his family deeply concerned for his safety. The student, Swapnajit Choudhury, a resident of Old Agartala, had travelled to Nepal on September 4 to attend an international seminar that concluded [] The post Tripura PhD scholar stranded in Nepal amid violent protests, family seeks govt help appeared first on NorthEast Now .
PM Modi to inaugurate Bairabi-Sairang railway line, flag off first Rajdhani from Aizawl on Saturday
Narendra Modi is set to visit Mizoram. He will inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang railway line. The first Rajdhani Express from Aizawl to Delhi will be flagged off. New trains to Kolkata and Guwahati are also scheduled. Security is heightened for the visit. The Bairabi-Sairang line includes tunnels and bridges. It aims to boost connectivity and cut travel times.
Trafficking racket busted by Kolkata Police; 9 minor girls rescued, 6 accused arrested
Two adult women survivors were also rescued during this raid
Jadavpur University female student found unconscious in campus, dies
KOLKATA: A female student of Jadavpur University (JU) was declared dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital in unconscious state on Thursday night, a senior university official said. The student of English third year undergraduate course was found in an unconscious state on the side of a water body in the campus. She was chatting with her classmates there in the evening, another university official said, adding that the circumstances behind the incident were not clear. The student was rushed to a nearby private medical college and hospital by her friends and other varsity staff but declared dead on arrival, the official said. The university authorities did not divulge the name of the student. Senior university officials and other faculty members and members of Arts Faculty Students' Union went to the hospital. The university authorities informed the Jadavpur police station and policemen went to the hospital. The incident comes two years after the death of a first-year Bengali honours student in the boys hostel after falling from a balcony following ragging by his seniors. The incident triggered an uproar and led to arrests of several students.
Jadavpur University Student Found Dead Near Campus Pond, Probe On
A female student of Jadavpur University in Kolkata was declared dead after being rushed to a hospital in an unconscious state on Thursday night, a university official said.
Asia Cup: Bhutia Calls For Fair Play Across Sports As IndiaPakistan Clash Nears
World Athletics Gold Label: With the IndiaPakistan showdown looming large at the Asia Cup 2025, anticipation is at its peak as the two archrivals prepare to face off on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia weighed in on the wider debate around government decisions in sport, calling for fairness across disciplines. India, the defending champions after their 2023 triumph, began their campaign in style with a thumping nine-wicket win over UAE, while Pakistan will open against Oman before locking horns with India. Indias participation in this tournament follows the Union Sports Ministrys policy, which allows matches against Pakistan in international and multilateral events, but not in bilateral sports events in each others country. The regulation means that while Asia Cup fixtures are permitted, standalone series remain off the table. I think its a decision of the government. I have nothing to say. I think its a decision of the government. If they say they have to play, theyll play. If they dont want to play, they dont play, Bhutia said. However, he was clear in urging consistency. But I only request the government that the decision has to be for all the sports. It should not be only for a selective sport. It has to be for all the sports. Whatever decision government takes for the betterment of the country, it should include all the sport, not just particular sport, he added. Away from cricket, Bhutia is also set to play a central role in another landmark event later this year. The Sikkimese Sniper will be present at the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on December 21, a World Athletics Gold Label race that will showcase elite Indian and international runners alongside thousands of amateurs on Kolkatas iconic Red Road. However, he was clear in urging consistency. But I only request the government that the decision has to be for all the sports. It should not be only for a selective sport. It has to be for all the sports. Whatever decision government takes for the betterment of the country, it should include all the sport, not just particular sport, he added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score He will be joined by Bengali cinema star Srabanti Chatterjee, who will inspire citizens to embrace active living through the race. Article Source: IANS
West Bengal: CBI Court completes charge process of 21 persons in WBSSC scam
In Kolkata, a special CBI court completed charge framing against 21 accused in the WBSSC scam. Partha Chatterjee, the former Education Minister, is among them. Paresh Chandra Adhikari and his daughter Ankita Adhikari are also accused. Subiresh Bhattacharya, Kalyanmoy Gangopadhyay, and other WBSSC officials are included. All three have filed exemption petitions.
Kolkata Police bust human trafficking racket, rescue nine minor girls and two women
Kolkata Police dismantled a human-trafficking ring, rescuing eleven individuals, including nine minor girls and two women, during a raid in the Burtolla area. Six individuals were arrested, comprising four traffickers and a couple who allegedly operated the brothel. The operation, conducted by the Detective Department, aims to combat human trafficking, particularly in areas like Sonagachi, known for exploitation.
Purnea Airport to begin commercial flights on Sept 15; IndiGo & Star Air to operate
IndiGo and Star Air are poised to inaugurate direct flights from Purnea Airport to Kolkata and Ahmedabad, respectively, commencing September 15. This launch coincides with the airport's formal opening under the UDAN scheme. IndiGo will operate thrice-weekly flights to Kolkata, while Star Air will connect Purnea to Ahmedabad, enhancing regional air connectivity in Bihar.
Two Tigresses Die in Kolkatas Alipore Zoo Within 24 Hours
Authorities attribute deaths of 21-year-old white tigress Rupa and 17-year-old Payel to age-related ailments; inquiry ordered
Hyderabad shocker: Woman tied, stabbed by house help recruited just 10 days ago from Kolkata
Renuka Agarwal, wife of a Hyderabad businessman, was murdered in her apartment by two domestic helpers. The assailants, Harsha and Roushan, tied her up, stabbed her, and stole gold ornaments and cash before fleeing on a scooter. Police are investigating, suspecting they may have fled to Ranchi, and have registered a case of murder.
The screening will take place on September 13
Aizawl To Join Rail Map: Direct Train From Delhi, Kolkata & Guwahati With 34-Km Hortoki-Sairang Line
Aizawl will be the fourth north-eastern capital after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh to be linked to the national rail network
Knives out in INDIA bloc over cross-voting in Vice-Presidental poll
NEW DELHI: The row over the claims of cross voting in the Vice Presidential election deepened on Wednesday with allegations flying thick and fast in the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc camps blaming each other on the issue. While Union ministers and senior BJP leaders took aim at the opposition for the fissures in their ranks, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged Vote theft in the Vice President election, in which NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan was elected with more than expected margin. Knives were out in the Opposition camp too, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) hinting at the possibility of cross voting by AAP members. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, TMC MP Abhishek Bajnerjee asserted that all of the 41 members voted for opposition nominee B. Sudershan Reddy. Since this was a secret ballot vote, its difficult to say whether there was cross-voting or whether Opposition members votes were discarded. Even if I accept that there was cross-voting, there are certain parties like AAP, where a woman MP openly supports BJP and speaks against Arvind Kejriwal. There are 2-4 such MPs, he said. Yesterday, I spoke to a few people and learned that they spent Rs 15-20 crores on each person to buy votes. People elected as representatives are selling the peoples trust and emotions. Representatives can be bought, but not the people. BJP has tried this again, but since this was a secret ballot, everything is speculation. It is a matter of speculation whether the 15 votes which were declared null and void were from the INDIA bloc or not. There could be certain people who said they were aligned with INDIA but were still supporting BJP, said Banerjee. Radhakrishnan secured a total of 452 votes, while the INDIA bloc candidate, B Sudershan Reddy, managed to get only 300 votes, though it was expecting to get 320 plus. Though several senior Congress leaders maintained that the result was a moral victory for the Opposition, some spoke in different voices. Responding to the cross voting allegations, senior Congress MP Manish Tewari demanded a probe into such claims. If there was cross-voting, then it should be seriously investigated by each of the constituents of the INDIA Alliance. Cross-voting is an extremely serious matter. If at all what is being said or speculated has an iota of truth in it, it deserves a systematic and clinical investigation, Tewari told the media. Vice-Presidential poll exposes cracks in INDIA bloc as cross-voting mars unity claims
One accused in rape case of a woman in Kolkatas Haridevpur arrested from Bardhaman
Another accused who was named by the survivor remains absconding
16 More Chinese Metro Coaches Reach Kolkata
The coaches, being handled and stevedored by M/s T.P. Roy Choudhury, will leave via the railway tracks of Kolkata Dock System of SMPK for induction to the metro railway fleet.
Finance Ministry allocated office space in Common Central Secretariat building 1
NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry, which has been operating from North Block for decades, will soon move to the newly constructed Common Central Secretariat (CCS) Building 1 (Kartavya Bhavan 3) located at Dr Rajendra Prasad Marg along the Central Vista. The ministry has been allocated more than 300 rooms on the fourth, fifth, sixth and ground floors. According to the sources, the allocation plan was released on Wednesday. Allocation for the finance ministry has been finalised. It is up to the ministry how much time it takes to complete the shifting. Meanwhile, we will finish the remaining minor work. Soon, allotment of the first three floors and the leftover space will also be decided, said sources. Efforts are being made to ready CCS Building 2 by the end of October, they added. Earlier, other ministries having their offices in North Block, Home Affairs (MHA), External Affairs (MEA), Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) moved to CCS Building 3 --named Kartavya Bhavan 3 -- in June-July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan 3, the first of the 10 state-of-the-art Central government office complexes planned along Kartavya Path as part of the Central Vista redevelopment plan. The ministries of rural development and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), including the department of land resources and development commissioner (MSME), also relocated to the Kartavya Bhavan 3 from Udyog, Krishi and Nirman Bhawan. When the shifting of the capital from Kolkata to Delhi was planned about 100 years ago, the Central Vista complex comprising the twin secretariat buildings -- North and South Blocks -- on the Raisina Hill was envisaged as the centre of administration for efficient functioning. Bhawans and other buildings along the Central Vista are about 60-70 years old. These buildings accommodate 51 ministries, departments, and their attached and subordinate offices of the Central Government. Ministries and departments in Nirman Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan have already been asked to prepare for relocation by October-November. The shifting of offices will make way for the construction of Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings 4, 5, and 9.
Abhishek Banerjee alleges BJP spent Rs 15-20 cr to buy votes in VP poll
Kolkata: Launching a blistering attack on the BJP after the NDAs emphatic win in the vice-presidential election, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that the saffron camp spent Rs 15-Rs 20 crore per MP to buy votes and accused it of using money power to undermine democracy. Banerjee, who also leads 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 .
Anglo-Indians fight for visibility and voice in 'numbers game' across the country
KOCHI: In what many describe as a perilous umbers game, India's Anglo-Indian communitydescended from European fathers and Indian mothers during colonial timesis grappling with the erosion of its political influence and cultural footprint. The 2011 census officially pegged their numbers at a mere 296, a figure hotly contested by community leaders who insist the true count exceeds 4,00,000. This statistical disparity has fuelled tangible setbacks, including the stripping away of their assured seats in legislative bodies. Compounding the issue, younger generations are increasingly emigrating or intermarrying, threatening the community's distinct identity amid India's fast-evolving society. Dr Charles Dias, a former Member of Parliament and president of the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India, outlined the historical safeguards: Articles 331 and 333 of the Constitution once permitted the nomination of two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and one to each of 12 state legislative assemblies. However, in 2020, this provision was revoked through the 104th Constitutional Amendment in a profoundly unjust manner. Dias noted, According to the Union government, the Anglo-Indian population stands at just 296 according to the 2011 census, and they are 'well off'. These claims were rigorously challenged by opposition parties, backed by data. Countering the official narrative, Dias highlighted association-collected data showing a nationwide population of nearly 4,15,000. He further estimated an additional 50,000 individuals dispersed across urban areas, unaffiliated with any associations. Echoing these concerns, Harry Maclure from Chennai, who runs the magazine Anglos in the Wind, challenged the official census figures and called for continued representation. You go to any wedding of our community and you can see 500 people. The census data is wrong. We were a big community and the maximum recorded population is around 7.5-8 lakh, he said. Maclure acknowledged the community's decline but emphasised its relative size: It is true that we are now a dwindling community but we are bigger than the Parsi community and we do need representation. He added that many from the community are marrying outside it, making the preservation of culture and heritage an ongoing struggle. Maclure remains cautiously optimistic, noting that while old settlements are disappearing, the educated youth in the community feel more comfortable in India and could carry forward the community's legacy. Charles Dias emphasised that the Anglo-Indian community's contributions to modern India far outweigh their population size. He highlighted their unparalleled role in nation-building across sectors like education, sports, railways, post and telegraph, health, and especially the armed forces, where eight Anglo-Indians have risen to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and over 25 have received top gallantry awards such as the Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. The three service chiefsAdmiral R L Pereira, Air Chief Marshal Denis Anthony La Fontaine, and Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browneexemplify the Anglo-Indian community's unwavering commitment to the nation, he said. Despite these achievements, the community faces significant hurdles. In 2013, the ministry of minority affairs formed a fact-finding team to study the problems and aspirations of the Anglo-Indian community in cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi. The team's report noted that amongst the various challenges and problems being faced by members of the Anglo-Indian community in India, the more significant ones are related to (1) identity crisis, (ii) lack of employment, (iii) educational backwardness, (iv) lack of proper facilities, and (v) cultural erosion. ANGLO-INDIAN POPULATION Assam 4,300 West Bengal 37,500 Bihar - 8,200 Chhattisgarh 7,500 Odisha 4,500 Madhya Pradesh 25,500 Jharkhand 7,500 Uttarakhand 5,500 Uttar Pradesh 18,500 Punjab 2,500 Haryana 3,800 Delhi 4,500 Maharashtra 27,500 Andhra Pradesh 15,500 Telangana 17,500 Goa 1,500 Karnataka 42,500 Tamil Nadu 42,000 Kerala 82,500 Total: 4,15,000 (Source: Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India) STATE-WISE ENUMERATION (2011 CENSUS) West Bengal -9 Odisha - 4 Chhattisgarh - 3 Maharashtra - 16 Andhra Pradesh - 62 Karnataka - 9 Kerala - 124 Tamil Nadu - 69 Total: 296
Corporates may go to banks for credit due to hardening of bond yields: SBI official
KOLKATA, Sept 10: Corporates may turn to commercial banks to meet their credit needs due to hardening of bond yields in the debt market, an official of State Bank of India (SBI) said on Wednesday. Rama Mohan Rao Amara, managing director (international banking and global) markets of SBI, said that corporates are now coming to banks to meet their credit demands.. What we have seen is that issuance of debt paper volumes has come down in the current quarter. In [] The post Corporates may go to banks for credit due to hardening of bond yields: SBI official appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Urban Footprint Of India's Eight Major Cities Doubles In 30 Years: Report
The analysis covers urban areas of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Noida & Greater Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad), Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai MMR, and Pune
Kolkatas yellow taxis return as moving art to celebrate 40 years of Sharad Shamman
Kolkatas fading yellow taxis return as painted archives, capturing the shifting face of Durga Puja across four decades
Kolkata: F5IFF25 Puts Spotlight on Women, Nature, Independent Storytelling
The city witnessed four-days of cinematic storytelling devoted to climate change, environmental justice, and cultural memory from various countries.
Upheaval in Nepal triggers anxiety in Asia's largest red-light district Sonagachi in Kolkata
KOLKATA: The ripples of unrest raging across Nepal have travelled nearly 800 km south to Kolkata's Sonagachi, Asia's largest red-light district, where Nepalese sex workers are unable to get in touch with their families, amid the political upheaval back home. On Tuesday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down under the pressure of a fierce student-led uprising that has set Nepal on fire literally and politically. Demonstrators torched the residences of senior leaders, stormed party offices, vandalised parliament, and left the ruling dispensation rattled. The trigger was the Oli government's controversial ban on social media, which snowballed into massive public outrage. A day earlier, police firing on protesters had claimed 19 lives, further fuelling anger on the streets. Nepal's youth vs the 'nepo kids': A generation rises against a broken system The developments have had a ripple effect in Kolkata, especially in Sonagachi, where a section of Nepalese women still work in the sex trade despite their declining numbers over the years. From Kalighat to Howrah and Hooghly's smaller brothels, Nepalese once comprised a major chunk of sex workers, but Sonagachi continues to house several of them. Now, they find themselves trapped in uncertainty, unable to reach their families or send money back home. Nepal's airports remain shut, international borders sealed, and communication networks patchy at best. I have not spoken to my mother for three days. Every time I try to call, the phone says the network is down. I don't even know if she is safe, said a sex worker from eastern Nepal who has been in Sonagachi for over a decade. Another woman broke down while speaking to PTI , Every month I send money to my two sons who live with their grandparents near Pokhara. This month, I don't know if I will be able to send anything. If they don't get money, how will my children eat? The immediate concern is the survival of their families back home. The remittances from Kolkata, though meagre, often form a lifeline for households in rural Nepal. The sudden disruption has not only created financial stress but also aggravated their sense of helplessness. Even if we want to go home, there is no way, said another Nepalese woman in Sonagachi. The border is closed, flights are cancelled. We are stuck here, and our families are stuck there. We are helpless. Activists who work with sex workers echoed these fears. They are entirely cut off, said Mahasweta Mukhopadhyay of 'Amra Padatik', an organisation that supports the children of sex workers. It is natural for these women to be in distress. They cannot contact their families, nor can they be sure if remittances will reach them, she said. We will hold a meeting with some of the sex workers and officials of our NGO and try to find a way so that they can speak with their families and send money back home, Mukhopadhyay said. The red-light district Sonagachi has around 200 Nepalese sex workers. For decades, Nepalese women have been a visible presence in Kolkata's red-light belts, often trafficked across the open border and ending up in the trade under dire circumstances. Their numbers, however, have declined in recent years, partly due to tighter border surveillance and changing trafficking patterns. But those who remain are among the most vulnerable, doubly marginalised as migrants and sex workers, and crises like the current turmoil in Nepal leave them with no safety net. Inside Sonagachi's narrow lanes, the restlessness is palpable. Some Nepalese women are seen glued to their mobile phones, refreshing news feeds for updates on their homeland, even if they cannot speak to their loved ones. Some women are saying they did not know if their families were safe or not. They kept scrolling their phones to follow news from Kathmandu, a member of Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, a collective of sex workers, told PTI . The anxiety among the women mirrors the scale of the turmoil in their homeland. Hours before resigning, Oli's private residence in Balkot was set ablaze. Properties of President Ramchandra Paudel, former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda', Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak and veteran leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were also attacked. Nepal's president has also resigned in the wake of the turmoil, leaving the Himalayan republic in a power vacuum with no guarantee of immediate stability. North Bengal, too, has been put on alert with security tightened at Panitanki, one of the key transit points on the India-Nepal border. Yet, the fear that the unrest may spill across is now accompanied by the quiet despair of those who cannot return and cannot connect. For Sonagachi's Nepalese sex workers, politics back home is no abstract theatre of power; it is a lived nightmare that has severed ties of family, livelihood, and identity. When we laugh with customers, people think we are happy. But our hearts are burning. We don't know if our families are safe or not, said a 35-year-old woman, her eyes welling up.
Mamata urges people to maintain peace along Bengal border with violence-hit Nepal
KOLKATA, Sept 9: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged the people in northern districts bordering Nepal to maintain peace in the wake of violent anti-government protests in the neighbouring country. Violent protests continued in Nepal for the second day on Tuesday, defying curbs on public gatherings, as demonstrators demanded the resignation of []
RAIPUR: Agnesia, 64, wife of a paramilitary jawan, Najariyus Toppo, spared no effort running from pillar to post, from lodging a missing person complaint in a police station to engaging in a legal battle until the court finally declared her husband's death as civil death. Agnesia, a resident of Pidi, in the suburbs of Jashpur district, about 350 km from Raipur, in 1998, received a message from her husband, a CRPF Hawaldar posted in Jammu & Kashmir, conveying that he was availing an official leave and would meet her soon. He then reportedly left for Jashpur but didn't reach home. He was nowhere to be found, later. On a missing person complaint filed by his wife, the local police contacted the CRPF battalion unit in J&K and carried out searches through different sources, but couldn't get any clue about him. The CRPF, after initial scouting around andwaitingseven years for Najariyus, assumed him to be no longer alive and gave the pension benefit to his wife, said Satya Prakash Tiwari, counsel of Agnesia. But she continued to live without any proof that her husband had died. The wife consequently also lost the right to the properties owned by Najariyus, whose relatives planned to deprive her. She presented her application to the Jashpur collector seeking an official certificate but the district magistrate rejected her plea, citing that it is beyond his jurisdiction to declare anyone as civil dead. She didn't have any children. In 2012, she approached the tehsil court with another plea to transfer the ownership of her husbands properties on her name, but didn't get any outcome owing to the lack of a death certificate. She then again approached the Jashpur collector in 2022-23 seeking to inherit the late husbands properties and transfer it to the surviving spouse but was again denied owing to missing legal proof. Agnes moved to the court of Civil Judge Class-1, which declared her as the legal heir of Najariyus Toppo but didn't declare him as dead. Her counsel later filed the case before the Jashpur district and sessions court. District judge Satyendra Kumar Sahu, after considering the circumstances, the earlier judgements given by high courts of Kolkata and Allahabad accepted the presumption of death of the person in the light of the provisions of the Indian Evidence Act. The judge stated that if no decision is taken on declaring the husband's death as civil death then her life will turn woeful at this age, said advocate Tiwari. The judgment finally gave the much-needed relief to the aggrieved woman after 27 years of struggle.
Kolkata Port assures support for Nepal cargo movement amid crisis
KOLKATA: Shyama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port, Kolkata, on Tuesday said it will extend all support to trade for smooth cargo movement to Nepal in view of the ongoing crisis in the neighbouring country. Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned amid massive anti-government protests, during which demonstrators vandalised the parliament building and attacked the residences of several top politicians, including President Ramchandra Paudel. SMP Port Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi told PTI that Nepal is a key user of Kolkata port facilities for third-country trade, with most of its cargo moving by rail. We are closely monitoring the situation. So far, there has been no request for special support, but we are always accommodative for any assistance or relaxation for the trade if the need arises due to the unrest, Rahi said. He added that container freight stations with warehousing facilities near the borders of both countries are expected to ensure continuity in operations, and delay in unloading and discharge of Nepal-bound cargo at the port are unlikely. Trade with Nepal is important, though in volume terms its share is in single digits of the port's overall annual cargo. Nepal's transit trade is primarily routed through Kolkata, Haldia and Visakhapatnam ports under the India-Nepal Treaty of Transit. India is Nepal's largest trading partner, accounting for about 63 per cent of its overall trade. Bilateral trade stood at around USD 8.02 billion in 2024-25, of which India's exports to Nepal were USD 7.3 billion. Exports from India, including petroleum, iron and steel, automobiles, machinery and cereals, contribute nearly 16 per cent to Nepal's GDP. In FY 2023-24, Nepal exported cardamom, iron sheets, edible oil, juices, plywood and jute, with India absorbing nearly 68 per cent of its outbound shipments. Nepals Youth vs the Nepo Kids: A generation rises against a broken system
CBI nabs Indore-based firm's MD in Rs 183-cr fraud case
The CBI has apprehended Mahesh Kumbhani, MD of Teerth Gopicon, Indore. He is linked to a Rs 183 crore fraud involving fake bank guarantees. These guarantees were used to secure irrigation projects. The projects were in Chhatarpur, Sagar, and Dindori districts. The company allegedly received Rs 85 crore as advances. A Kolkata syndicate is also under investigation for fabricating guarantees.
BHOPAL: In connection with the Rs 183.21 crore fake bank guarantee scam case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two persons including the managing director of an Indore-based company. Mahesh Kumbhani, the managing director of Teerth Gopicon Limited, and Gaurav Dhakad were arrested by the CBI on Monday. The duo will be produced before the special CBI court on Tuesday. The two arrests came three months after the central investigation agency arrested three men from Kolkata in the same cases. In June, the CBI had arrested three men, including Govind Chandra Hansda, a senior manager of the Punjab National Bank and Mohd Firoz Khan in connection with the Rs 183.21 crore crore fake bank guarantee scam-related cases. Earlier, acting on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the CBI had registered three cases pertaining to the major financial fraud involving the submission of eight forged bank guarantees by the Indore-based Teerth Gopicon Limited, an Indore-based company to get Rs 974 crore worth contracts from the MP Jal Nigam Limited (MPJNL). Back in 2023, the company secured three irrigation projects in Chhatarpur, Sagar and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh, with a total value of Rs 974 crore. To support these contracts, the company submitted eight fake bank guarantees worth Rs 183.21 crore. On the strength of these forged guarantees, it also received approximately Rs 85 crore as mobilization advances from MPJNL. During the initial verification, MPJNL received fraudulent email responses impersonating the official domain of Punjab National Bank (PNB), falsely confirming the authenticity of the bank guarantees. Relying on these false confirmations, MPJNL awarded three contracts worth Rs 974 crore to Teerth Gopicon Limited.
Silent Push-Out: Courts, States & Deportation of Bengali-Speaking Muslims
From migrant workers vanishing in midnight raids to a Kolkata man driven to suicide by fear, reports across states reveal a disturbing pattern of expulsions without due process now under scrutiny in Indias courts.
Asian Paints Cholte Cholte 40 - A Royale Tribute to Kolkata
The taxi project builds on a thought first explored in 2023, when Asian Paints marked 150 years of Kolkatas tramways by turning a bogie on the TollygungeBallygunge route into a moving artwork.
IndiGo to begin thrice-weekly flights between Kolkata and Purnea from September 15
IndiGo, India's leading airline, will launch direct flights connecting Kolkata and Purnea, commencing on September 15, 2025. The service, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, aims to enhance connectivity between smaller cities and major hubs. This initiative is expected to boost regional economies and provide greater travel options for passengers.
PM Modi to inaugurate Combined Commanders` Conference 2025 in Kolkata on Sept 15
The CCC 2025 will focus on Reforms, Transformation & Change and Operational Preparedness. Together, these reflect the Armed Forces` commitment to institutional reforms, deeper integration and technological modernisation, while sustaining a high level of multi-domain operational readiness
PM to open Commanders' Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata next week, marking the first edition after Op Sindoor. The conference, centered around the theme 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future,' will host key figures including the Defence Minister, National Security Advisor, and Chief of Defence Staff, alongside officers from the three Services.
Differing approaches of PUCLs Report and Congress on Manipur crisis remain
PUCL is now ready for public discussion on IPT Report to evolve reconciliation By Rabindra Nath Sinha KOLKATA: Responding to the points raised and concerns expressed over the findings of the Independent Peoples Tribunal (IPT) on the Ongoing Ethnic Conflict in Manipur by Inner Manipur constituencys Congress Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Peoples [] The post Differing approaches of PUCLs Report and Congress on Manipur crisis remain appeared first on Northlines .
Prime Minister Modi To Inaugurate Combined Commanders Conference 2025 In Kolkata On Sept. 15
The conference, which will be held from Sept. 15 to 17, will focus on reforms, transformation and change and operational preparedness,
PM Modi to inaugurate combined commanders' conference of armed forces in Kolkata on September 15
The conference will focus on reforms, transformation and change and operational preparedness, an official statement said
PM Modi to inaugurate 3-day armed forces' combined commanders' conference in Kolkata on September 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a three-day combined commanders' conference of the armed forces in Kolkata on September 15. The conference, centered around the theme 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future', will address reforms, transformation, operational preparedness, and technological modernization.
ED raids 22 locations across Bengal in illegal sand mining, money laundering probe
The Enforcement Directorate launched raids at 22 locations across West Bengal, including Kolkata, Jhargram, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, over alleged money laundering linked to illegal sand mining. Searches targeted offices of G.D. Mining and businessman Sheikh Zahirul Alis residence in Gopiballavpur. ED suspects sand from Subarnarekha River was sold at double rates. CAPF personnel accompanied officials.
ED raids multiple locations across West Bengal in crackdown on sand smuggling racket
KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched a series of coordinated raids across West Bengal, including several parts of Kolkata, as part of its investigation into an alleged sand smuggling racket, a senior official said. Search operations are being carried out in areas such as Behala, Regent Park, Bidhannagar, and Kalyani, with central security forces accompanying ED officials during the raids. At the centre of the investigation is Sheikh Jahirul, a key figure in the alleged racket operating in the Jhargram district. ED teams are conducting searches at his sprawling residence near the Subarnarekha River in Gopiballavpur, as well as at his office and vehicles. Jahirul is accused of being deeply involved in illegal sand extraction and trade. He owns multiple sand mines and is believed to have amassed considerable wealth through this business, the official said. Notably, Jahirul previously served as a village police officer before entering the sand trade. Simultaneous raids are also being conducted at the properties and offices of other sand mine owners in Beliaberia and Jamboni blocks of Jhargram district. The operation aims to uncover financial networks linked to the illicit sand trade. We suspect large sums of money from the racket have been funnelled into various insurance firms and business ventures, the official added. ED sleuths are examining business records, financial documents, and assets tied to the individuals involved as part of their ongoing investigation.
'Will pour acid': TMC leader threatens BJP MLA over remarks on migrant workers
KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Abdur Rahim Boxi sparked controversy after purportedly threatening to pour acid down the throat of anyone speaking against migrant workers from West Bengal. The Malda district TMC president allegedly made the remarks during a public meeting in Malatipur on Saturday night. A video of the incident went viral on social media, though PTI has not independently verified its authenticity. Boxi was reacting to a BJP MLAs comment during an Assembly discussion, in which the latter reportedly referred to migrant workers from Bengal as Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. I strongly resent the abominable comments made by a BJP MLA, Boxi said. How dare he insult our Bengali citizens who leave the state in search of work? I caution him, I will pour acid in the throat of anyone making such statements to silence them. He further accused BJP leaders of viewing the people of the state through the prism of a divisive political agenda, adding that they should have their eyes checked. BJPs IT Cell head Amit Malviya condemned the remarks on X, saying, Violence is not new to TMC, it is their political culture. In Malda-Murshidabad, where illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas form Mamata Banerjee's committed vote bank, such threats reflect how TMC sustains its politics.
India witnesses rare total lunar eclipse as crowds gather to watch blood moon
Excitement swept across India as thousands gathered in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata to witness the rare Total Lunar Eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon. From planetariums to science institutes, enthusiasts flocked to catch a glimpse of the celestial spectacle that last occurred in 2018 and will next be seen in 2028.
Kolkata woman alleges rape after being invited to birthday party; Police book two men
A 20-year-old woman in Kolkata has filed a police complaint alleging rape after attending a birthday party at her friend's apartment. She stated that upon arrival, only her friend and another man were present. The woman claims she was forcibly taken to the second man's house, where the alleged assault occurred, prompting a police investigation under the Haridevpur police station.
Bengali must on all signboards of shops in Kolkata by September 30, says municipal corporation
The development comes at a time when Trinamool Congress is pushing for Bengali Asmita (language and culture) in an attempt to counter the BJP
20-year-old alleges gang rape by acquaintances on her birthday in Kolkata: Report
A 20-year-old woman from Haridevpur has alleged that she was gang-raped by two acquaintances during her birthday celebration on Friday, September 5, India Today reported. The accused, identified as Chandan Mallick and Dwip (Deep) Biswas, are currently absconding, and police have launched an investigation, according to the report. Citing police sources, the report said the survivor had met Chandan Mallick several months ago. Mallick, who claimed to be the head of a South Kolkata puja committee, later introduced her to Dwip. Both allegedly promised her involvement in the committee, and the three began talking regularly. On the night of the incident, the accused allegedly took the survivor to a flat in the Regent Park area, where they shared a meal. When she tried to leave, they allegedly locked the door, assaulted, and raped her. She managed to escape the next morning and returned home, the report added. The survivor then lodged a complaint at Haridevpur police station. In its statement, police said: The FIR-named accused Chandan Mallick brought the complainant to the house of another accused, Dwip Biswas near Malancha, where both allegedly raped and assaulted her. An investigation in the case is ongoing. Authorities are working to trace the accused and have urged anyone with information to come forward. The incident comes months after a 24-year-old law student was gang-raped on the South Calcutta Law College campus in June this year. Three students and a security guard were arrested in that case, which triggered widespread protests and heightened concerns over womens safety in the city.
Kolkata Woman Found Dead After Suicide Threat on Video Call
23-year-old ends life in Bansdroni after warning boyfriend; police probing
Woman abducted, raped by two friends in Kolkatas Haridevpur
The woman alleged in her complaint lodged with the police that she was abducted by the two accused and taken to a place near Malancha on Saturday (September 6) night, where she was raped, a police official said
Kolkata Woman Gang-Raped By 2 Men Who Wanted To Celebrate Her Birthday
A 20-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by two of her acquaintances on her birthday in an upscale locality in Kolkata, police said on Sunday.
Bengali Must On Signboards In Kolkata: Civic Body's Big Language Move
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued a directive mandating that all business establishments, commercial institutions, and shops across the city must display signboards prominently in Bengali.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has reissued directives mandating that all business and commercial establishments in the city include Bengali on their signboards, hoardings, and signage by September 30. This initiative aims to promote linguistic authority and ensure inclusivity. Mayor Firhad Hakim has warned of potential consequences for non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of Bengali alongside other languages.
Lunar eclipse 2025: City wise 'Sutak' time for Chandra Grahan
The final Chandra Grahan of 2025 will occur on September 7-8. The Sutak period, significant in Hinduism, begins before the eclipse. Sutak is an inauspicious time when activities are avoided. In Delhi and Noida, Sutak starts at 12:19 pm on September 7. Timings vary across cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. Sutak ends after the eclipse at 1:26 am.
Kolkata woman allegedly raped by two friends after being abducted from home
KOLKATA: A 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two of her friends in the southern part of the city's Haridevpur area, a police officer said on Sunday. The woman alleged in her complaint lodged with the police that she was abducted by the two accused and taken to a place near Malancha on Saturday night, where she was raped, he said. The two accused have fled, and we are searching for them. The victim is being medically examined. We are investigating the matter. Our officers are visiting the place where the crime took place, the officer told PTI. One of the two accused, Chandan Mallick, had invited the victim to a birthday party yesterday. But the young woman did not want to go. Later, Chandan and his friend Debangshu Biswas abducted her from her home and took her to the Malancha area and raped her multiple times, he said. The victim went home and narrated the entire incident to family members, who then took her to the police station to lodge a complaint, he added.
AI Is No Longer the Future, Its Here: Education Must Embrace the Change
Like every other sector, the field of education is no longer untouched by the sweeping transformation brought by Artificial Intelligence (AI). While educators worldwide are still debating how best to adapt to this new reality, a recent seminar in Kolkata underscored one clear message: AI is no longer the futureit is the present, and ignoring []
