Don Jr visits Agra, to attend star-studded wedding in Udaipur
LUCKNOW / JAIPUR: Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump, on Thursday visited the Taj Mahal in Agra. A group of 126 special guests from nearly 40 countries accompanied him during the tour of the 17th-century marvel. In view of the high-profile visit, the authorities had tightened security and spruced up the arrangements. According to sources, around 200 police personnel were deployed across key locations in the city and the security detail included officers of ACP and ADC rank. This is Trump Jrs second visit to India. In February 2018, he had toured New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata. From Agra, Trump Jr will travel to Udaipur in Rajasthan to attend a high-profile wedding. Sources said he will reach Udaipur on Friday evening and will stay there till Monday. Sources said Trump Jr will be staying at The Leela Palace. The multi-day celebrations, from November 21 to 24, are for the wedding of Netra Mantena, daughter of US-based billionaire Rama Raju Mantena, and Vamsi Gadiraju. The main ceremony is on November 23 at the iconic Jag Mandir Palace, set on an island in Lake Pichola. The guest list includes Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber, who are expected to perform at the event. Internationally acclaimed South African DJ and song writer Black Coffee is also set to perform at the gala wedding. From Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Karan Johar are expected. Event management firm Wizcraft, known for organising the IIFA Awards in Jaipur earlier this year, is overseeing the wedding arrangements.
A month-long fest in Kolkata that will celebrate arts and culture with a dash of politics
Uber partners with NGO Sulabh to direct drivers in nine cities to cleaner toilets
The partnership is in place in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kolkata.
Seven BLOs in Kolkata issued show-cause notice by EC for poor performance
Seven Booth Level Officers in Kolkata's Beliaghata have been showcaused by the Election Commission for their slow digitization of enumeration forms. This poor performance, with digitization rates between 4% and 8% against a target of 30%, is negatively impacting the assembly's overall progress. The Election Commission has urged officials to expedite the process to meet the December 4 deadline.
India's coach sparked fresh controversy by claiming people have an agenda against Gautam Gambhir while reopening the ongoing pitch debate. He suggested external criticism is unfair and also held players accountable for the recent defeat, reigniting scrutiny around the team's performance.
Mamata slams SIR as chaotic, coercive, urges CEC to stop exercise
Kolkata: Upping the ante on SIR, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a strongly worded letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, asking him to immediately halt the exercise that she claimed was chaotic, coercive and dangerous. Banerjee said she was compelled to write because the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in 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 .
Bengal CM Mamata blames SIR pressure for BLO deaths; urges EC to halt drive in Bengal
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday urging him to take immediate corrective measures to prevent loss of lives owing to SIR-related stress and work pressure. Hours after a Booth Level Officer (BLO) died by suicide in Jalpaiguri district on Wednesday, the chief minister came down heavily on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that precious lives were being lost due to the pressure generated by the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. She urged the commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. On Thursday, she reiterated the request, asking the ECI to stop the SIR process in the state. Now, I am compelled to write to you as the situation surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has reached a deeply alarming stage. The manner in which this exercise is being forced upon officials and citizens is not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous, Mamatas letter states. She wrote that the absence of basic preparedness, adequate planning and clear communication had crippled the process from the beginning. According to the letter, The human cost of this mismanagement is now unbearable. Yesterday, an anganwadi worker serving as BLO in Mal, Jalpaiguri, died by suicide reportedly under crushing SIR-related pressure. Several others have lost their lives since this process began. A revision that previously required three years is now being forcibly compressed into three months, subjecting BLOs and officials to inhuman working conditions and forcing common people under the shadow of fear and uncertainty. Standing beside the BLOs, mostly state government employees such as schoolteachers and ICDS workers, she criticised the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for serving show-cause notices to BLOs without reason. West Bengal: Chhitmahal tag for 51 enclaves in SIR forms BLOs are now operating far beyond human limits. They are expected to manage their principal duties (many being teachers and frontline workers) while simultaneously conducting door-to-door surveys and handling complex e-submissions. Most are struggling online due to lack of training, server failures and repeated data mismatches, the letter adds. She wrote that instead of offering support, extending timelines or addressing systemic flaws, the office of the CEO West Bengal had resorted to intimidation. Show-cause notices are being issued without justification. BLOs are being threatened with severe disciplinary action simply because the Commission refuses to acknowledge the reality on the ground, the letter says. Mamata urged the CEC to intervene decisively to halt the ongoing exercise, stop coercive measures, provide proper training and support, and thoroughly reassess the present methodology and timelines. Continuing this unplanned, coercive drive not only endangers more lives but also jeopardises the legitimacy of the electoral revision process, she said. Political observers believe the chief minister, who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo, is attempting a strategic outreach by standing beside the BLOs and bringing them into her confidence during the SIR drive. Opposition BJP and CPI(M) alleged that many BLOs were found carrying out SIR work from inside Trinamool Congress party offices or local clubs dominated by the ruling party, enabling dubious and dead voters to re-enter the electoral rolls. They claimed the letter was an attempt to influence BLOs so that Trinamools Booth Level Agents (BLAs) could pressure them to retain fake voters on the list. According to opposition allegations, names of around 6,000 dead voters were found in the electoral rolls during the Kaliganj bypoll in Nadia district. The SIR-charged upcoming election in West Bengal and why it's a cause for great worry
BJP accuses Mamata of halting SIR to shield fraudulently created bogus voter base in Bengal
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was complaining against the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls and resorting to dramatics over it because her political survival depends on shielding a voter base created fraudulently. The assertion came after Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state was being conducted in an unplanned and coercive manner, putting citizens and officials at risk. She also claimed that the SIR exercise has reached an alarming and a dangerous stage, and demanded an immediate corrective action. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari termed Banerjee's letter to the chief election commissioner signs of desperation and accused her of trying to halt the voter roll cleanup exercise to shield the very ecosystem that kept it in power. Mamata Banerjee writing a letter to the Election Commission on halting the SIR exercise is nothing short of an admission that the TMC's top leadership is rattled. For years, TMC quietly benefited from illegal infiltration and bogus voters, Bhandari alleged in a post on X. Signs of Desperation from Mamata Banerjee! Mamata Banerjee writing a letter to the Election Commission on 'halting the SIR exercise' is nothing short of an admission that TMCs top leadership is rattled. For years, TMC quietly benefited from illegal infiltration and bogus pic.twitter.com/7ybkTtFQpj Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) November 20, 2025 Now that the voter list is being cleaned through SIR and fake entries are being removed, Mamata is panicking. A nervous, desperate TMC is trying to shield the very ecosystem that kept it in power, he added. BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya claimed that Banerjee will continue to complain and dramatise the SIR process because she knows he noose is tightening and she risks being defeated in the 2026 assembly polls. Rickshaw-puller attempts suicide as his name was not in 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal Her political survival depends on shielding a voter base created through fraudulent and illegal means, he charged, adding, In 2026, West Bengal will elect a chief minister for the state, not someone who behaves as though she is the provincial leader of East Pakistan. Malviya said India shares its international land borders with seven countries, stretching a total of about 15,106.7 km. The longest of these is the boundary with Bangladesh, extending 4,096.7 km, touching West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, he pointed out. The BSF guards this entire stretch, yet West Bengal has witnessed the highest levels of illegal infiltration, he claimed. The reason is clear: Mamata Banerjee's administration has repeatedly been accused of enabling this infiltration -- facilitating documentation, providing cover, and settling infiltrators in electorally strategic areas, the BJP leader added. Malviya claimed the ruling TMC's mandate rests heavily on the seats it wins in the Kolkata Presidency region, which includes Kolkata, and parts of South and North 24 Parganas. These are also the areas that have seen maximum infiltration and the highest concentration of fake voters, he claimed. This region consistently witnesses widespread violence during elections, and the notorious Diamond Harbour is part of it, Madviya alleged. Mamata slams ECI after one more BLO dies by suicide in West Bangal; alleges 'unbearable SIR pressure'
Kotak Hopeful On Gills Recovery, Slams agenda-driven Criticism Of Gambhir Ahead Of Second Test
In T20s: Indias batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has offered guarded optimism on skipper Shubman Gills fitness even as he launched a fierce defence of head coach Gautam Gambhir amid growing scrutiny following Indias 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Kolkata. Gill, who suffered a neck spasm during the opening match and did not train on Thursday, will undergo a key fitness test on Friday that will determine his availability for the second Test beginning Saturday in Guwahati. See, he is definitely recovering really well, because I also met him yesterday, Kotak said. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening, because the physios and doctors have to decide whether, even if he is fully recovered, there's a chance of the spasm recurring during the match. That is very important. If there is a doubt, then I am sure he will rest for one more game because it won't help the team otherwise. A player like Shubman, and he's the captain, so any team would miss him. Kotak added that while the Indian team would sorely miss its captain, the squad has the depth to cover for him. But if he is missing out because of injury, we have batters and plenty of good players. They are professionals; they should come and perform for the team. We all wish he plays, but if he doesn't, we will definitely have a good replacement and maybe the guy coming in will score a hundred. If Gill sits out, Dhruv Jurel who batted at No. 4 in Kolkata is among the options. Jurel batted at No. 4, so he is one option. But until we know about Shubman, there is no point in discussing who will play. Once we know, and once we see the wicket tomorrow, we will think about the best combination. Kotak also stressed how Gills absence influenced the first Test. In the last game, nobody discussed much about what our chances would have been had Shubman batted in both innings. The second innings may not have even mattered. If in the first innings he had batted and we had one partnership, with a 100-run lead, we would have been fine. That's not an excuse, but a reality that he couldn't bat in two innings. Kotak hits back at criticism of Gambhir Kotak reserved his strongest words for those targeting Gambhir after Indias fourth home Test loss in a year. Gautam Gambhir, Gautam Gambhir (criticism) is being done. I am saying this because I am a staff member and I feel bad. That's not the way, he said, insisting that some reactions are agenda-driven. Maybe some people individually have agendas. Good luck to them, but it is very bad. He questioned why only Gambhir was being attacked when players also faltered. No one is saying that this batsman did this, this bowler did that, or we can do something different in batting. Kotak praised the head coach for taking responsibility for the turning track at Eden Gardens. Gautam said that he took all the blame on himself. He said that he took the blame because he felt that he should not blame the curators. Technical concerns and changing batting mindsets Kotak acknowledged that South Africa adapted better to the same conditions while explaining how modern batting, influenced heavily by T20 cricket, has altered technique. Technical concerns and changing batting mindsets Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the technical shift, he elaborated: In a Test match, you rely a lot on footwork. In T20s and in power hitting, you focus a lot on creating an early base. So, there will be no footwork in creating an early base. Article Source: IANS
'No one wanted': Batting coach contradicts Gambhir; hits out at Kolkata wicket
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak strongly defended head coach Gautam Gambhir against criticism following the Kolkata Test loss to South Africa. 'Gautam Gambhir, Gautam Gambhir' (criticism) is being done. I am saying this because I am a staff and I feel bad. That's not the way, Kotak said on Thursday ahead of the second Test starting Saturday.
Rickshaw-puller attempts suicide as his name was not in 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal
KOLKATA: A 64-year-old rickshaw-puller on Wednesday night attempted suicide, reportedly owing to depression after his name was not in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the 2002 electoral rolls in West Bengal. The incident occurred near the CCR Bridge at Belghoria Railway station in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night when the rickshaw-puller Ashok Sarder, a resident of Kamarhati Municipality area, jumped onto the railway track and sustained severe injury. He was rushed to the state-run R G Kar Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Ashoks family members alleged that he was suffering from depression after he couldnt find his name on the SIR in 2002, but his mothers name was there in the voter list. The spelling of his mothers name was also wrong in the last electoral roll revision list. He was desperately looking for documents so that he could include his name during the ongoing SIR process this time, and was psychologically upset, they alleged. Mamata slams ECI after one more BLO dies by suicide in West Bangal; alleges 'unbearable SIR pressure' There have been regular complaints of deaths of voters and booth-level officers (BLO) allegedly triggered by either suicides or severe cardiac arrests and cerebral attacks in Bengal since the announcement of the SIR exercise was made in the state. A female BLO who was an Anganwadi in Jalpaiguri died by suicide in Jalpaiguri district in the state, allegedly because of relentless work pressure in connection with rigorous SIR duty. The incident took place hardly 10 days after another BLO in East Burdwan on 9 November died of a cerebral attack allegedly triggered by the tremendous workload due to the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. With reports of these suicidal and normal deaths and suicide attempts, both ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP got involved in attacks and counterattacks with each other for the past several weeks. Hours after the BLOs death on Wednesday, the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying lives are lost due to work pressure and stress generated by the SIR process in the state. She urged the commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. The saffron camp alleged that the ruling party has been spreading an atmosphere of panic among common people through regular negative campaigns against the SIR process. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Playing in all formats for India is a luxury: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep returned home from Australia mid-way through a five-match T20I series to prepare for the South Africa Tests and made a decent impact in Kolkata, taking four wickets despite the hosts losing by 30 runs
Chopra Backs Indian Team To Adapt Quicker To Guwahati Pitch Despite Many Unknowns
ODI World Cup: There are many vital elements of intrigue with the ACA Stadium in Guwahati becoming India's 28th Test venue when the second India-South Africa game begins on Saturday. With India having a 30-run humbling loss on a spin-friendly pitch inside three days at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, how the surface would behave in Guwahati is the cynosure of everyones eyes. The stadium had been one of the five venues for the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup and aided the batters to make runs, as well as offer a lot of turn to spinners. But when it comes to red-ball cricket, an early morning start means moisture in the air will be there for an extended period and could make batting more difficult, thus helping the seamers. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed the hosts to adapt to the conditions quicker than South Africa, while admitting the unusually early start, danger of losing overs in the final session and the pitchs nature having an element of unknown makes things far more interesting in deciding the games result. Yes, it is interesting actually because this is having a start time of 9 am. When we used to play in Assam in November-December, then we used to look for start at 8:30 because it gets dark very early in the evening. So, in the end, the overs would be lost. I feel that no matter how much we try, we will lose overs. So, that will be a challenge for both teams, as they would want to get all the overs done for the day. It would also be on their mind because if the pitch is good to play on, where there is an equal contest for the bat and ball, like we saw in Delhi that it took 5 days to win a match and if you keep losing 10-15 overs every day, then by the end of the 4th day, you have lost more than half a day, which is 60% of the overs. So, I think that will be a challenge for both the teams in terms of how they go through their overs, said Chopra, a JioStar expert, while replying to an IANS query, during a virtual media day on Thursday. With Guwahati having both red and black soil pitches on offer, it adds to the mystery of the pitchs behaviour. Plus, it is a new pitch. No one has any idea how Test cricket will be played in Guwahati because it is a new Test venue. Of course, first-class cricket has already happened here. But how the Test will unfold will be a question in everyone's mind because we often say that home conditions are beneficial when the conditions are familiar to you. But if you are playing there for the first time, be it Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan or Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel, and the pitch is not as good for them as it is for Temba Bavuma or Ryan Rickelton, then it feels like there is no home advantage. But perhaps it is not as good as it can be in other venues. So, it is a challenge and a slightly uncharted territory for both teams. While it is correct that we are still playing in India and that advantage cannot be taken away from us, as we grew up playing on these kinds of surfaces. But Guwahati might be a different one, though the red and black soil for the pitches there must have come from somewhere in India, he added. In a rare adjustment, the lunch and tea breaks will swap positions, forcing players to rethink their dietary intake and normal routine. Despite all this, Chopra has backed India to bounce back and level the series 1-1. We would like to believe and back ourselves to know these conditions or adapt a lot faster even if we find them slightly different as compared to, say, somebody who is brought up in Johannesburg and has played all his cricket at the Wanderers ground. For him to come here and adapt will be tough. So we would like to assume and believe that it is going to be a lot tougher. So, yes, it is a new challenge for both teams. But you need to back the Indian players to get the most out of it and adapt to it relatively quicker than the opposition, he said. With moisture in the air and on the pitch during the early morning session, it can make life difficult for anyone who loses the toss. It would mean the losing side at the toss will need to negotiate tricky conditions longer than usual before the surface settles, thus adding another layer of complexity to the contest. Though Chopra said in jest that talking about the tosss importance wont have any change in Indias bad luck with the toss result, he also felt that if the losing side at the toss survives the opening session unscathed, then it might be a blessing in disguise. See, again, it could be a blessing in disguise if what you are saying is true and it can't be a better thing. It's because when you win the toss in India, no one gives you bowling. No matter how much data is available historically, but when you see there is no grass or no live grass on the pitch, and there is no or limited moisture, it is very difficult to actually win the toss and bowl first. Because if the first session goes well, then the batting will be good later on and maybe the fourth innings is going to be the toughest part of the game. So, since we lose tosses more than we win far more, it might actually be a blessing in disguise. See, again, it could be a blessing in disguise if what you are saying is true and it can't be a better thing. It's because when you win the toss in India, no one gives you bowling. No matter how much data is available historically, but when you see there is no grass or no live grass on the pitch, and there is no or limited moisture, it is very difficult to actually win the toss and bowl first. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Catch all the action from the second Test of South Africa's tour of India 2025, from November 22, 9 am IST onwards, live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS
'Pitches are hurting their own batters': Ponting warns India after Kolkata collapse
Ricky Ponting takes a critical stance on the pitch conditions in Kolkata, arguing that the extreme turning nature of the surface is counterproductive for India's own batting lineup. He endorses Rishabh Pant as the ideal choice for captain in the upcoming Test, highlighting Pant's vast experience in the IPL.
Shubman Gill yet to return to nets; green tinge Guwahati surface under spotlight
Preparations for the second Test in Guwahati are underway, with the Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch showing a green tinge. Shubman Gill, recovering from a neck spasm, may join practice tomorrow. The red soil pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, aiming for a balanced surface after Kolkata's criticism.
Bengal SIR: ECI sets target for daily digitisation of enumeration forms
Kolkata: To complete the digitisation of the enumeration form for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal by the month-end, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has set a target for the daily digitisation of the forms for the booth-level officers. Under this target, each BLO will have to upload 150 enumeration forms 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 .
From Awadh to Bengal: Old Lucknow to come alive in Kolkata this month
The heritage walk, titled Biryani and Beyond, will take place on November 29 and will be essentially a food walk where participants will get to taste traditional but lesser-known delicacies that will be accompanied with stories of migration, culture and cuisine
South Africa eye historic first Test series win in India in 25 years
After a breathtaking victory in Kolkata, South Africa are on the brink of achieving their first Test series win in India in over two decade and a half. Under the inspiring leadership of Temba Bavuma and backed by an exceptional bowling lineup, the Proteas are eager for a historic triumph.
Kolkata woman duped of Rs 78 lakh in phone call fraud, 3 Gujarat men arrested
KOLKATA, Nov 19: Three persons were arrested from Gujarat for allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of Kolkata of over Rs 78 lakh after convincing her that a parcel in her name contained illegal drugs, police said on Wednesday. The suspects were nabbed from different parts of Gujarat by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Kolkata Police, they said. Deepanwita Dhar, a resident of Kolkatas Maniktala, received an automated call on March 9, 2024, informing her that a parcel in her [] The post Kolkata woman duped of Rs 78 lakh in phone call fraud, 3 Gujarat men arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The Hindu journalists win Laadli awards for gender-sensitive reportage
Reports on the rape and murder of a doctor in R.G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata and a feature on transgender welfare bag accolades
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it would consider transferring the case of rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to Delhi or Calcutta High Court. The top court had taken suo moto cognisance of the case in 2024. A bench of justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma said the matter cannot be heard piecemeal as several matters were pending in Calcutta High Court. During the hearing, the court asked senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the Association of junior and senior doctors, to submit a table of matters pending before the Calcutta High Court. Nundy submitted that protesting doctors were being harassed by police and were called for interrogation repeatedly. She sought directions from the apex court that protection be given to the doctors. The top court after noting her submissions said it cannot pass lanket orders protecting doctors but will look in the matter on the next date of hearing. We are grappling with so many things and there is no end to this. It is easier for the Calcutta High Court to monitor protests. Is it possible for us to monitor the protests in Kolkata sitting in Delhi? How can we pass blanket orders protecting doctors. The police has a right to call you, the bench observed orally. The matter will now be heard after winter vacations. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the hospital's seminar room on August 9 last year. Kolkata police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, the next day. On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The heinous crime triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests in West Bengal. The apex court, even after the primary conviction, is monitoring multiple ancillary issues, including regularising the unauthorised absence of doctors. While taking suo motu notice of the case, the bench constituted a National Task Force (NTF) on August 20 last year to formulate a protocol to ensure safety and security of medical professionals in the wake of the crime. In November last year, the NTF in its report -- part of the Central government's affidavit -- said a separate central law to deal with offences against healthcare professionals was not required. The panel said state laws had adequate provisions to address minor offences besides serious ones under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. In a slew of recommendations, the NTF said 24 states had enacted laws to address violence against health care professionals while defining the terms health care institutions and medical professionals. Initially investigated by the Kolkata police, the case was transferred to the CBI on August 13 after the Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the former's investigation. The top court subsequently assumed oversight of the matter on August 19, 2024.
No neck brace for Shubman Gill! Team India arrive in Guwahati - watch
India captain Shubman Gill arrived in Guwahati without his neck brace, signaling encouraging recovery from his injury sustained during the Kolkata Test. While his participation in the second Test against South Africa remains uncertain, the management will make a late decision. The team has secured ample cover with drafted-in players and available reserves.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee lodges complaints against Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose
KOLKATA: The four-day-long confrontation between West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee escalated further after the veteran parliamentarian lodged complaints against the states constitutional head at Hare Street police station on Wednesday, a day after the Governor filed an FIR with the same police station on Tuesday accusing the MP of making derogatory remarks. Raj Bhavan had lodged the FIR on Tuesday against Kalyan for his statements alleging Bose of giving shelter to BJP goons and stocking arms and ammunition inside the Governors House premises to kill Trinamool Congress workers. Kalyan has been booked under various sections of the BNS, including those pertaining to crime to assault or wrongfully restrain the President or Governor intentionally in a manner that can endanger Indias unity and integrity. Sources at Raj Bhavan said it would file a defamation case against Kalyan in the Calcutta High Court within this week. Several specific complaints have been lodged against the Governor with Hare Street police station. I will urge the police to investigate the complaints, Kalyan told reporters this afternoon. Interestingly, the designation of Bose has not been mentioned in the complaints lodged with the police station. Bose had on Sunday threatened to take legal action against Kalyan for his remarks made on Saturday. The face-off between Bose and Kalyan aggravated further on Monday after the former asked Kolkata Police to deploy its bomb disposal squad with a sniffer dog, disaster management team and civil defence department to conduct search operations inside the Raj Bhavan premises to find out whether arms and ammunition were lying stacked there. Police officials, the bomb disposal squad and CRPF personnel conducted combing operations inside the Raj Bhavan premises, including every room, other parts of the building and the lawns, on Monday afternoon under the Governors physical supervision. The MP had made his remarks on Saturday while reacting to Boses recent statement on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Bose had said the exercise helped purify the voter list. As long as an incompetent governor like you remains, as long as a BJP-servant governor remains, you will never see anything good happening in West Bengal, Kalyan added.
Double disaster for South Africa! Two key players hit by injury scares before crucial Guwahati Test
South Africa have been rocked by a double injury scare ahead of the crucial Guwahati Test, with two key players reporting fitness issues shortly after their Kolkata heroics. The Proteas camp is on alert as both players undergo assessments that could impact their plans for the second Test.
India Captain Gill Recovering, Final Call on Playing 2nd Test to Be Taken Soon
India captain Shubman Gill has responded well to treatment for a neck injury, the BCCI said Wednesday, but it remains to be seen if he plays the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Gill suffered the injury on the second day of the first Test in Kolkata and spent one night in hospital, taking no further part in the match, which South Africa won by 30 runs. Ahead of the second Test on Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said: Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team (on Wednesday). He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Top-order batsman Gill retired hurt on four and did not return to resume his innings and nor did he field, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant leading the hosts for the remainder of the first Test.
SIR in Bengal: Mamata slams ECI after death of BLO in Jalpaiguri
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed shock over the death of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Jalpaiguris Mal block, alleging that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has imposed inhuman pressure on field workers and led to 28 deaths so far. The chief minister claimed the deceased 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 .
BLO dies by suicide due to work pressure in WB, CM Mamata Banerjee demands ECI to halt SIR exercise
KOLKATA: A Booth Level Officer (BLO), Shanti Muni Ekka, a resident of Rangamati panchayat, died by suicide on Wednesday in West Bengal, allegedly due to tremendous work pressure in connection with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State. Hours after the BLOs death, the CM Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that precious lives are lost due to work pressure and stress generated by the SIR process. She urged the Commission to immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost. This incident comes hardly 10 days after a BLO in East Burdwan on 9 November died of a cerebral attack allegedly triggered by relentless work pressure during the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. Deeply shocked and saddened. Today again, we lost a Booth Level Officer in Mal, Jalpaiguri Smt Shanti Muni Ekka, a tribal lady, an anganwadi worker who took her own life under the unbearable pressure of the ongoing SIR work. 28 people have already lost their lives since SIR Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 19, 2025 The deceased, identified as Namita Hansda, was an Anganwadi worker and had been assigned as the BLO for Booth No. 278 in Chak Balarampur, Memari. Shanti Muni Ekka was engaged as a BLO in the rural belt, committed suicide by hanging in a tree close to her residence, according to police. Her body has been sent to the police morgue for postmortem examination. Family members of the deceased alleged that she could not bear the work pressure because of rigorous duty-related distributions and collections of enumeration forms during door-to-door visits to voters. She was suffering from depression as the SIR duty became unbearable to her, they alleged. Mamata slammed the national poll body on her X handle post this afternoon, saying, Today, once again, we lost a Booth Level Officer in Mal, Jalpaiguri Smt Shanti Muni Ekka, a tribal lady, an anganwadi worker who took her own life under the unbearable pressure of the ongoing SIR work. 28 people have already lost their lives since SIR began some due to fear and uncertainty, others due to stress and overload. Precious lives are being lost due to the unplanned, relentless workload imposed by the so-called Election Commission of India. A process that earlier took three years is now being forced into two months on the eve of elections to please political masters, putting inhuman pressure on BLOs. I urge the ECI to act with conscience and immediately halt this unplanned drive before more lives are lost, she added. The state OBC minister, Buluchik Baraik, visited the bereaved family members of the deceased BLO.
AIMIM to contest from minority-dominated seats in Bengal Assembly polls
Kolkata: Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has started strengthening its organisational bases in West Bengals two minority-dominated districts of Malda and Murshidabad in preparation to fight the 2026 Assembly elections. The party has a special focus on Malda. The state leadership of AIMIM has already started announcing the names of the partys block 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 .
Rise in illegal Bangladeshis attempting crossings amid SIR drives: BSF officials
Kolkata: The number of illegal Bangladeshi nationals attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border in South Bengal has risen sharply in recent weeks, a surge that is being linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a senior BSF official said. According to BSF officials, the flow of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants trying to 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 .
Mitchell Replaces Rohit As Top Ranked Mens ODI Batter, Bumrah Retains No 1 Spot In Tests
T20I Player Rankings: New Zealands Daryl Mitchell has replaced Rohit Sharma as the top-ranked batter in the latest update to the ICC Mens ODI rankings, while India pacer Jasprit Bumrah continues to hold the pole position in the Test bowlers rankings. Mitchell has become the first New Zealand player since Glenn Turner in 1979 to be on top of the mens ODI batting rankings, following his match-winning century against the West Indies in the series opener. Before being ruled out of the series due to a groin injury, Mitchell hit a 118-ball 119, which earned him the Player of the Match award. That knock has lifted him past Afghanistans Ibrahim Zadran and Rohit by a single rating point, ending the latters brief 22-day reign at the summit of the rankings. While Turner was the last New Zealander to hold the number one spot 46 years ago, others such as Nathan Astle, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson have climbed as high as third in the rankings. Pakistans Babar Azam, meanwhile, rose to sixth place after hitting an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, while his teammates Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman have moved up to 22nd and 26th places respectively after scoring two half-centuries each in the series. In terms of bowling, Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed attains a career-best ninth position, after gaining 11 slots post picking a three-wicket haul in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has moved up five places to 23rd while the West Indies Jayden Seales (up three places to 20th) and Roston Chase (up 12 places to 46th) have also made moves in the rankings. In terms of Tests, Bumrah has retained his position as the number one bowler in the Test rankings after claiming six wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. His teammates Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also made gains, with the former rising two places to a career-best 13th spot and the latter climbing four slots to be at 15th place. Off-spinner Simon Harmer also made significant gains by rising 20 places to a career-best 24th following a match-winning eight-wicket haul at the Eden Gardens. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has climbed to a career-best fifth spot in the Test batting rankings after making an unbeaten 55 in the second innings of the low-scoring Kolkata Test. In terms of Tests, Bumrah has retained his position as the number one bowler in the Test rankings after claiming six wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. His teammates Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also made gains, with the former rising two places to a career-best 13th spot and the latter climbing four slots to be at 15th place. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score In the mens T20I Player Rankings, New Zealander Tim Robinsons knock of 45 in the final match against the West Indies has helped him move up eight places to a career-best 15th position. Seam bowler Jacob Duffy has moved up from third to second position, while Mitchell Santner (up five places to 18th) and Mohammad Nawaz (up four places to 27th) also made good progress in the mens T20I bowler rankings. Article Source: IANS
Ngidi added to South Africa squad for second Test against India
With Kagiso Rabada missing the Kolkata Test with a rib injury, the visitors have bolstered their fast bowling stocks
Gill will travel to Guwahati for 2nd Test: BCCI
New Delhi, Nov 19: India skipper Shubman Gill will travel to Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa despite his participation being in doubt due to a neck injury, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Gill suffered the injury on the second day of the first Test that India lost by 30 runs in Kolkata. He could not bat after retiring hurt in the first innings and was even hospitalised. The second Test starts on November 22. Shubman [] The post Gill will travel to Guwahati for 2nd Test: BCCI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Gill Will Travel To Guwahati, Decision On Playing Second Test To Be Taken Accordingly: BCCI
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: Gill will travel with the side to Guwahati on Wednesday, with a final decision on his participation for the second Test against South Africa starting on Saturday to be taken accordingly. On day twos play in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, after sweeping South African off-spinner Simon Harmer for four on the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill immediately clutched his neck in visible discomfort and had to retire hurt on four. Gill was then taken to hospital for examination after stumps, with a cervical collar around his neck. The BCCI announced ahead of day threes play that Gill was ruled out for the remainder of the game, which India lost by 30 runs to be 0-1 behind in the two-game series. Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in a statement. Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Since the Asia Cup in the UAE, Gill has been on an unbroken playing spree across formats and was among four Test players who flew in to Kolkata directly from Australia after the T20I series ended in a 2-1 win. Article Source: IANS
IND vs SA: Gill to Travel to Guwahati With Team; Participation in 2nd Test Still Uncertain
Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata
Gill travels with the team to Guwahati, management to take late call on participation
India's Test captain Shubman Gill is set to join the team in Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa, commencing November 22. Despite a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test, Gill's condition has improved, and the BCCI medical team has cleared his travel.
South Africa Hit By Injury Scare Before Guwahati Test; Harmer & Jansen Undergo Medical Tests
Ahead of the second Test against India in Guwahati, South Africa faces major concerns as key players Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen were taken to the hospital with injury and health issues. Both played crucial roles in the Kolkata Test, which SA won ...
India has called in ambidextrous Bengal spinner Kaushik Maity to help prepare for South Africa's spin threat in the second Test at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. Maity's rare ability to bowl both off-spin and left-arm spin offered invaluable practice to Indian batters after their defeat in Kolkata.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it cannot pass lanket orders protecting doctors involved in protests in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma said any order passed would amount to interference with the authority of the police. Observing that the matter cannot be heard piecemeal, the apex court said it was inclined to transfer the matter to the Calcutta High Court. We are grappling with so many things and there is no end to this. It is easier for the Calcutta High Court to monitor protests. Is it possible for us to monitor the protests in Kolkata sitting in Delhi? How can we pass blanket orders protecting doctors. The police has a right to call you, the bench observed orally. The top court directed senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the Association of junior and senior doctors, to submit a table of matters pending before the Calcutta High Court. During the hearing, Nundy submitted that protesting doctors were being harassed by the police and were called for interrogation repeatedly. She sought directions from the apex court that protection be given to the doctors. The matter will now be heard after winter vacations. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the hospital's seminar room on August 9 last year. Kolkata police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, the next day. On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The heinous crime triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests in West Bengal. The apex court, even after the primary conviction, is monitoring multiple ancillary issues, including regularising the unauthorised absence of doctors. While taking suo motu notice of the case, the bench constituted a National Task Force (NTF) on August 20 last year to formulate a protocol to ensure safety and security of medical professionals in the wake of the crime. In November last year, the NTF in its report -- part of the Central government's affidavit -- said a separate central law to deal with offences against healthcare professionals was not required. The panel said state laws had adequate provisions to address minor offences besides serious ones under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. In a slew of recommendations, the NTF said 24 states had enacted laws to address violence against health care professionals while defining the terms health care institutions and medical professionals. Initially investigated by the Kolkata police, the case was transferred to the CBI on August 13 after the Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the former's investigation. The top court subsequently assumed oversight of the matter on August 19, 2024. A year on, RG Kar victim's parents still ask: 'Who killed our daughter?'
Officers will be held accountable for any lapse in SIR process, says EC
Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti made the statement while chairing review meetings in Kolkata
'Very tricky': DK questions Gambhir's move to play Sundar at crucial No. 3 spot
Dinesh Karthik has questioned India's decision to bat Washington Sundar at number three in the Kolkata Test. Karthik believes this move, intended to bolster the batting order, could negatively impact Sundar's primary skill as a bowling all-rounder. He warned that the increased batting focus might compromise his bowling preparation and long-term effectiveness.
On November 19, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 12,365 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,334 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,61,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
India, Slovenia eye deeper economic cooperation in key sectors: Envoy
KOLKATA, Nov 18 : India and Slovenia are poised to significantly enhance their economic cooperation, with an upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and collaborations in sectors like green technology and pharmaceuticals set to provide a major impetus, Slovenian Ambassador to India Tomaz Mencin said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Merchants Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) here, Mencin highlighted that the two countries have already decided to collaborate on the production of medical instruments. The two countries are set to [] The post India, Slovenia eye deeper economic cooperation in key sectors: Envoy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
State publishing house gets award
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Nov 18: Eastern Panorama Offset, a Meghalaya-based prominent publishing and printing house, has been conferred the prestigious Platinum Award for Quality Management System in the Printing and Publishing Division by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The award was presented at a ceremony held at The Park Hotel, Kolkata, where Monica []
Defamation case filed against TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee over 'arms stockpile in Raj Bhavan' remark
KOLKATA: Raj Bhavan on Tuesday filed a defamation case with the Calcutta High Court against the veteran Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee for making invective remarks against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose aggravating the spat between the two for the past couple of days. It has not yet been confirmed whether the complaints have been treated as an FIR so far till tonight. The charges are so serious that it may sentence an accused to jail for maximum seven years. While reacting to Raj Bhavans move against him, Kalyan told TNIE tonight, I will also move the court tomorrow. The Governor acts like a BJP worker and with clearance from Amit Shah, he has filed cases against me. He wants to project me an extremist by giving so many cases under different Sections of the BNS. His move is false, motivated and vindictive, the ruling party MP said. Raj Bhavan sources claimed that the MPs remarks are not only political but also detrimental to national security. An officer on special duty (OSD) on behalf of the Raj Bhavan has filed a petition against the ruling party MP from Sreerampur constituency in the state under Sections 151, 152, 197, 196A and 196B, 353-1B and 353C, 353-2 under the BNS. Bose on Sunday had threatened to take legal action against Kalyan for his remarks he made on Saturday. The MP had made the remarks while reacting to Boses recent statement on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar claiming that the exercise helped purify voter list. As long as an incompetent governor like you remains, as long as a BJP-servant governor remains, you will never see anything good happening in West Bengal, Kalyan added. The Raj Bhavan, in an official statement, on Sunday had demanded an apology from Kalyan and called for an immediate inquiry into the matter, noting that the MPs allegations suggested a breach of Z-plus category security for the Governor. The faceoff between the Bose and Kalyan aggravated further on Monday after the former asked Kolkata Police (KP) seeking to deploy its bomb disposal squad with a sniffer dog, disaster management team and civil defence department to conduct search operations inside the Raj Bhavan premises to find out whether arms and ammunitions are lying stacked there. Kalyan further claimed that the Governor had been sheltering BJP goons and supplying them with arms and ammunitions to kill his party workers. Police officials and bomb disposal squad and CRPF men conducted combing operations inside the Raj Bhavan premises including every room, and other parts and lawns on Monday afternoon under the Governors physical supervision. Employees at Raj Bhavan were also asked to vacate their rooms so that search process could be done thoroughly. Nothing is found during the search. I will take legal action against Kalyan. Bengal has tradition of making wrong and fake allegations against Governor. But I have decided to take strong actions if fake allegations are made, Bose told reporters after the search operations ended today. Earlier in 2024, molestation charges brought against him by a woman employee at Raj Bhavan was proved false and baseless after an inquiry through a retired judge Poducherry.
Ahead of the second and final Test match in the 2-match series against India, South Africa added their star pacer to the squad, who missed the Kolkata Test.
India will fight back in the second Test, says Justin Langer
India have experienced a dip in home Test dominance, losing four of their last six matches. Concerns are rising over their batters' struggles on spin-friendly pitches. Former Australian coach Justin Langer believes India's talent pool remains strong and expects a fightback in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. India lost the opening Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.
The Shubman Gill-led Team India lost to South Africa in the Kolkata Test by 30 runs before the Stumps of Day 3.
'Even Tendulkar, Virat won't survive here': Harbhajan tears into Eden pitch
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh came down heavily on the pitch curator during his YouTube show, expressing concerns over the direction in which Test cricket is heading in the country. India suffered a 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Garden in Kolkata, exposing their struggles against quality spin. Chasing a modest target of 124, the Indian batting lineup folded for just 93 runs.
India Womens Home Series Against Bangladesh In Dec Likely To Be Postponed
ICC Future Tour Programme: Indias upcoming home series against Bangladesh, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in December as part of the ICC Future Tour Programme, is reportedly set to be postponed due to significant political developments in Bangladesh. Although specific dates and venues had not been announced, the tour's schedule had been uncertain even before this weeks political developments in Bangladesh. On Monday, a tribunal court sentenced country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. Her refuge in India has heightened tensions, strengthening Dhakas insistence on her return and affecting diplomatic relations between the two countries. ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday that the BCB received a letter from the BCCI stating that the white-ball series will be rescheduled for a later date. Although no specific reason has been provided, it is believed that the ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh played a significant role. The series, part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme, was intended to be India's final set of matches before the 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL). It also served as the only series between their successful ODI World Cup campaign and the WPL. The matches were planned to take place in Kolkata and Cuttack, with the ODIs marking the start of the new phase in the Women's ODI Championship for both teams. The series, part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme, was intended to be India's final set of matches before the 2026 edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL). It also served as the only series between their successful ODI World Cup campaign and the WPL. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score This decision has been reached following discussions between the two boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams. The BCB looks forward to welcoming India in September 2026 for this eagerly anticipated series. Revised dates and fixtures for the tour will be announced in due course, the BCCI had said in a statement at the time. Article Source: IANS
IND vs SA 2nd Test: Gill doubtful for Guwahati Test, additional batter unlikely to be called up
The reserves for the Kolkata Test included B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, both specialist batters
ECI may introduce AI-based voter list verification in West Bengal amid intensive revision
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) may introduce an AI-based verification process for the voter list in West Bengal amidst the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. A panel of ECI representatives arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday to supervise the overall progress of the SIR exercise in West Bengal, one of the most violence-prone states in the country during elections. The dates for the Assembly elections, scheduled for AprilMay next year, may be announced in February. According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the AI-based verification technology would help detect cases where the same photograph has been used to enrol multiple voters. Opposition parties allege that this practice is particularly common during the enrolment of migrant workers, with photos of migrants allegedly used to register dead or fake voters. The national poll panel believes that the application of AI could help curb this issue. However, the use of AI alone is not considered sufficient to ensure transparency in the SIR process. The role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) remains crucial, as they must thoroughly check every detail, including electors photographs, during door-to-door verification, sources said on condition of anonymity. Around two crore voters have yet to establish links with the 2002 electoral rolls during the ongoing SIR drive, which began on 4 November. The ECI is preparing to conduct hearings and verification for this large number of voters. So far, around two crore and forty lakh voters have directly established links with the 2002 electoral rolls, as their names appeared in the post-SIR list prepared that year. It is assumed that another 2.5 crore people will be able to establish their links with the 2002 list if the name of at least one parent features in the rolls prepared after the 2002 SIR, the sources said. These voters will not be required to undergo any further verification. There are 7.66 crore voters in the 2025 electoral rolls in Bengal. We estimate that around two crore voters will need to undergo the verification process to establish their links with the 2002 voter list, the sources added. Meanwhile, the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has deactivated the Aadhaar numbers of around 34 lakh deceased people in the poll-bound state, triggering controversy. UIDAI officials recently met with the office of state CEO Manoj Agarwal to inform them of the mass deactivation. The revelation has caused embarrassment for the ruling party at a time when the ECI is attempting to ascertain the exact number of dead and bogus voters through the SIR exercise. Around eight crore enumeration forms have been distributed so far across the states 294 Assembly constituencies since the month-long SIR process began on 4 November. In addition to the 34 lakh deceased Aadhaar holders, the ECI has identified a further 13 lakh deceased individuals who did not possess Aadhaar cards. The ECI has included Aadhaar in the list of indicative documents that may be submitted as proof of identity during the SIR. Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have been demanding the removal of dead and fake voters from the states electoral rolls.
Sudharsan, Jurel face spinners with only one pad on
Indian cricketers Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel adopt an unusual net session technique, batting with one pad to counter spin. Shubman Gill faces uncertainty for the second Test due to a neck injury. All-rounder Nitish Reddy joins the squad as a potential replacement. Gill will travel with the team to Guwahati. Reddy's arrival in Kolkata signals his readiness.
Elderly woman sets herself on fire, family alleges SIR anxiety
Kolkata, Nov 18 (PTI) An elderly woman from the southern part of the citys Kudghat area died after allegedly setting herself on fire due to panic over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, police said on Tuesday. The woman, identified as Jamuna Mondal (67), had been living with her family, who claimed that her anxiety intensified as the SIR process began, a senior police officer said. Preliminary findings suggested that the deceased did not receive her enumeration form, which contributed to her distress, he said. Mondal, a long-time resident of Dhalai Bridge and New Putiari Udayachal area
Your Boy Is Finally Home, Dilli: DC Shares Welcome Post For Nitish Rana
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals franchise shared a welcoming post for Nitish Rana, whom they traded from Rajasthan Royals for Donovan Ferreira ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. Rana began his professional career in 2013 when he made his List A debut for Delhi against Assam during the 2012-13 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He had played age-group and domestic cricket for Delhi until 2022. A couple of years later, in 2015, he made his first-class debut for Delhi against Vidarbha in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season. In his debut first-class season, he amassed 557 runs to end as Delhis top run scorer. 10 years later your boy is finally home, Dilli, DC shared on X with a video, in which Rana said, Log usually bolte hai ki Dilli wale... jab dekho ladayi jhagda hi karte rehte hai... Par ye koi nahi bolta ki sabse jyada pyaar bhi Dilli wale hi karte hai. Aur Dilli se jyada pyaar mujse koi nahi karta. See you soon, Dilli. In 2016, Rana made his Indian Premier League debut but had limited opportunities that season. He had a breakthrough year in IPL 2017, scoring 333 runs and playing a key role in Mumbai Indians' title win campaign. However, he was released by the Mumbai franchise before the 2018 Indian Premier League auction. The Kolkata franchise showed faith in him and signed him for the 2018 season. He was released before the 2022 mega auction but re-signed for INR 8 crore, scoring 361 runs at a strike rate of 143.82. However, he was released by the Mumbai franchise before the 2018 Indian Premier League auction. The Kolkata franchise showed faith in him and signed him for the 2018 season. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With Iyer returning to lead the side in 2024, Rana's campaign was marred by a finger injury, which sidelined him for 10 consecutive matches. He managed only a couple of appearances in what turned out to be a title-winning season for Kolkata. Ahead of the 2025 auction, Kolkata decided to release him, and Rajasthan secured his services for Rs 4.20 crore. Article Source: IANS
Nitesh Kumar Reddy: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra spoke in depth about Indias transition struggles in the red-ball format and how the Shubman Gill-led side has been trying different permutations and combinations to get a settled long-term XI. He said that while India drawing the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar trophy in England earlier this year was encouraging, the team is still experiencing labour pains before new growth emerges. Chopra discussed India's current transition in Test cricket on JioStar, providing an in-depth analysis as he said, Transition is always painful, though the England series temporarily hid this harsh reality due to unusual English pitch conditions. While drawing that series felt encouraging, we must acknowledge we're still in the labour pains before new growth emerges. Adding further about the uncertainties in the teams playing XI, he said, The number three position remains unsettled - we've seen Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and now Washington Sundar batting there. Dhruv Jurel shows promise but has played only five Tests. Role clarity remains a concern. Is Sundar primarily a batter or bowler when he only delivered one over? We faced similar uncertainty with Nitesh Kumar Reddy recently. Rather than pretending we're a finished product, we must accept this transition continues and will involve challenging phases before achieving stability. India suffered a disappointing 30-run defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded first Test of the two-match series in Kolkata on Sunday, raising questions about the players preparation and mindset ahead of a home game. While the pitch and the pitch curator faced criticism after the match ended in the second session of Day 3, head coach Gautam Gambhir clarified that the team received exactly the kind of pitch they had requested. Chopra further spoke on India's pitch preparation strategy after their Test defeat, saying, Our practice sessions should feel like real match conditions. Players like Pant and Jurel needed time on rank turners, and someone like Gill, coming from bouncy Australian pitches, needed that adjustment too. Pitch preparation isnt an exact science, but we still need to ask whether extreme turning tracks are the best way for us to win. When a Test ends in two and a half days, it shows something isnt balanced. With four spinners compared to their two, why bring the contest down to their level? Weve seen this happen against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa before. If this becomes our only home strategy, then every batsman will need very different and specific preparation just to cope. When the pitch was dubbed difficult to bat on, South African skipper Temba Bavuma put up a terrific knock with the bat and scored a remarkable half-century, which was the turning point in the game as his knock, coupled with the bowlers brilliance, helped the visitors go one up in the series. Pitch preparation isnt an exact science, but we still need to ask whether extreme turning tracks are the best way for us to win. When a Test ends in two and a half days, it shows something isnt balanced. With four spinners compared to their two, why bring the contest down to their level? Weve seen this happen against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa before. If this becomes our only home strategy, then every batsman will need very different and specific preparation just to cope. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The second and final Test will be played from November 22 in Guwahatis Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Article Source: IANS
After Indias collapse for 93 and a 30-run defeat to South Africa in the Kolkata Test, Mohammad Kaif accuses the team management of creating fear and confusion. Kaif questions selection decisions, spin preparation, and players lack of confidence ...
EC to use AI tools to detect fake, deceased voters during SIR in Bengal
KOLKATA: The Election Commission is set to introduce artificial intelligence-based verification systems during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal to prevent the inclusion of fake or deceased voters, a senior official said on Tuesday. By analysing facial similarities across photographs in the voter database, the AI system will help identify individuals registered at multiple locations. We are taking the help of AI because of a rise in the number of complaints regarding the misuse of voters' photographs, especially those of migrant workers, the official told PTI. AI-enabled facial matching technology will be used to detect instances where the same voter's photograph appears in multiple locations across the rolls, he said. The measure has become particularly important following a rise in complaints that photographs of migrant workers were being misused during voter registration, he said. The official, however, said the booth-level officers (BLOs) will continue to play the central role in the verification process. AI will assist the verification. But despite the use of technology, the role of BLOs will remain crucial. They will be required to conduct door-to-door visits and take voters' photographs directly, he said. Even when booth-level agents (BLAs) submit completed forms, BLOs are required to visit the household in person for signature verification. BLAs will also obtain handwritten statements from voters confirming that the forms were filled in their presence, the official stated. He also stressed the strict accountability norms. If any fake or deceased voter is detected after enumeration and filling of the form are completed, the responsibility will lie with the BLO of the polling station concerned, he added.
SIR in Bengal: EC to use AI tools to detect fake, deceased voters
Kolkata: The Election Commission is set to introduce artificial intelligence-based verification systems during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal to prevent the inclusion of fake or deceased voters, a senior official said on Tuesday. By analysing facial similarities across photographs in the voter database, the AI system will 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 .
Land swap with Nepal consulate clears hurdle for Kolkata Metro's Purple Line work
Under the agreement, 409.53 sq. metres of land owned by the Consulate General of Nepal will be exchanged with 526.34 sq. metres of adjoining Metro Railway land, facilitating the construction of a ramp between Mominpur and Kidderpore for the proposed Mominpur-Esplanade underground section.
DRS: What do you make of Gambhir's choice for a rank turner in Kolkata?
DRS: What do you make of Gambhir's choice for a rank turner in Kolkata?
Fresh protests erupted in Kolkata ahead of the interview as many untainted teachers who lost their jobs after the Supreme Court order cry foul
Madhya Pradesh HC grants relief to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in defamation case
BHOPAL: TMC MP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been granted relief by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a defamation case filed against him in 2021 by former Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. A single-judge bench of the MP High Court in Jabalpur has stayed the arrest warrant issued against Banerjee by the Bhopal MP/MLA cases Court for non-appearance in during the trial of the defamation case. While staying the arrest warrant on Monday, Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal of HCs principal bench in Jabalpur, also issued notices to all parties in the case, including the complainant in the defamation case, former Indore-III MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the former BJP national general secretary and senior most cabinet minister in Dr Mohan Yadav-led MP government. The matter will next be heard by the MP High Court on December 8. Back in November 2020, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour seat, had allegedly referred to then MP BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, as a goon. Taking objection, Akash had lodged a defamation complaint in April 2021. The MP/MLA Court in Bhopal began hearing the case from May 1, 2021. But owing to Banerjees continued non-appearance before the court in the case, the Bhopal special court had issued the arrest warrant against him for the August 11 and August 26 hearings in the case. The TMC MP subsequently moved the MP High Court against the arrest warrants issued against him by the special Bhopal courts judge, Judicial Magistrate Tathagat Yagnik. While hearing Banerjees petition, the HC reserved the order on November 12 and granted him relief on Monday, by staying the execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal court. The HC also issued notice to the respondents, including the complainant in the defamation case Akash Vijayvargiya and posted the matter for next hearing on December 8. In the High Court, Banerjees counsel argued that the statement made by the TMC MP at the public rally in Kolkata in November 2020, was misinterpreted and sensationalised for filing the defamation case. While seeking stay on the arrest warrant, the petitioners counsel argued that he was a sitting MP and there was no possibility of him absconding. He had filed an application with the MP-MLA Court seeking exemption from personal appearance, but the Bhopal court did not consider the application and issued an arrest warrant.
Shamis Trade To LSG Was Surprising, Russell Being Released Is Risky: Amit Mishra
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has termed veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami's trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on IPL 2026 retentions day as a surprising move. He also called three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) decision to release Andre Russell into the auction pool as a very risky one ahead of the auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. At the last IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Shami was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 10 crore. However, his returns in IPL 2025 were modest - picking just six wickets at an average of 56.17 and an economy rate of 11.23, which were well below his IPL career benchmarks of 28.19 and 8.63 respectively. I think it was of Shami he's a wicket-taker for any team, especially in Hyderabad. Good wickets are there and you need a wicket-taker. In terms of releases, Andre Russell was also surprising as releasing him into the auction is a very risky move, as no one can say whether he will go for a cheaper price or not. These two developments surprised me as Hyderabad has a wicket where you need a wicket-taker who can bowl under pressure. Hyderabad's wickets produce around 250-250 runs. You need a bowler (like Shami) who can get you a wicket at the start, put a yorker or bouncer in pressure time. All teams will need an all-rounder, like Andre Russell, in the auction. Teams will especially need either a fast bowler or an all-rounder, as they are in most demand always, said Mishra in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Monday. Shami has played 64 Tests, 108 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India and was a member of the 2025 Champions Trophy winning team in the UAE. At LSG, Shami will reunite with bowling coach Bharat Arun, who was in the Indian team in the same role from 2014-2021. In those years, under Aruns guidance, Shami evolved to become an indispensable part of the highly successful Indian fast bowling line-up. Mishra also felt Shami's wicket-taking abilities in the powerplay overs can come handy on pitches during LSGs home games at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The only reason Lucknow got Mohammed Shami on board is that he's a wicket-taking bowler. It will be very good if Shami picks wickets early as he has a very good skills to do so. He can bowl good yorkers and if the ball reverses, he can bowl good yorkers and bouncers. Basically, he's a wicket-taker and Lucknow must have felt the need to get one fast bowler who can take wickets in the starting overs, and Shami has that ability to do it, he said. Mishra also praised LSG's decision to retain young speedster Mayank Yadav despite recurring injury concerns, including undergoing a back surgery earlier this year in Christchurch, New Zealand. Mishra, who was in the LSG set-up when Yadav was there for 2023 and 2024 seasons, stressed that fitness management would be crucial for keeping Yadav fit for a longer period. Regarding Mayank Yadav, he's young and the most important thing will be his fitness after return. When I was in the Lucknow team for two years, he played 1-2 games, and then got injured. After playing 1-2 more games, he was injured again. Now with the team keeping him and showing their trust in him, he should take it positively and fully focus on his fitness. He should try not to get injured whenever he comes on the field. Along with that, his load management and everything else will be taken care of. I will praise Lucknow for keeping him even after his injury. He's a talented bowler and will stay with them for the next 3-4 years, he said. Quizzed on LSGs decision to release leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who had a below-par IPL 2025 after being retained for INR 11 crore, Mishra suggested it could be a calculated financial move to reacquire him at a lower price in the auction. This is a good thing. If they want him back, then they could bring him for a cheaper price in the auction and save some money. I am sure they will go for him because it will be in their mind to get Bishnoi, but at a cheaper cost. At the same time, they will try to save some money and go for other players who can help them in the upcoming season, he said. On the broader trend of franchises releasing a few high-profile players, Mishra noted this strategy has become increasingly common in recent years. That started 2-3 years back. The reason is that the players who are expensive and were let go of in the auction, teams will try to get them back at a cheaper price. Many players don't perform, so you should have an option to get a replacement for a player who was not in form in the IPL. For players like Andre Russell, we all know that teams will try to get them at a cheaper price, or even get their replacements, he said. When asked which franchises could dominate the upcoming mini auction, Mishra pointed to financial muscle of sides like KKR and Chennai Super Kings, who have an auction purse of INR 64.3 crore and INR 43.4 crore respectively. Mostly, the core team is always strong. The teams that have more money will dominate in the auction. They have options and the ability to force the other teams to spend more money on a player. You can't say which team will dominate in the auction, as sometimes you don't get what you really want. You then have to look for options. And the team that has more money has more options, he said. Looking ahead to his own involvement in IPL 2026, after ending his playing career earlier this year with 166 scalps in 154 games, including the most hat-tricks by a bowler in the tournaments history, Mishra signed off by expressing interest in talent identification and nurturing spin bowling talent. Mostly, the core team is always strong. The teams that have more money will dominate in the auction. They have options and the ability to force the other teams to spend more money on a player. You can't say which team will dominate in the auction, as sometimes you don't get what you really want. You then have to look for options. And the team that has more money has more options, he said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We didn't have so many options at that time and now that we do have, I would like to say that players don't get time to think due to so much cricket happening around. Like, I would talk to them about their skills and mindset. I would like to say that their thoughts should be clear and they should know what is bowling in T20s, one-days and Tests. Whenever I get a chance, I am ready to do it. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Pat Cummins To Lead Sunrisers Hyderabad For Third Consecutive Years
Indian Premier League: Australia's Pat Cummins will continue as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for a third consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with the franchise confirming his role on Monday through a post on its official X handle. Though the announcement featured only Cummins photos and no formal statement, the message was unmistakableSRHs leadership remains in the hands of the Australian fast-bowling ace as they enter the 2026 season. Cummins is currently recovering from a back injury and has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test in Perth. He is, however, expected to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane starting December 4. In his absence, Steven Smith will lead Australia in the series opener against England from November 21. Despite the temporary injury setback, SRH have shown full faith in Cummins leadership, reaffirming his central role in their long-term plans. The 31-year-old took over SRHs captaincy in 2024 after being acquired for a staggering 20.50 crore at the auctionthen one of the highest bids in IPL history. His appointment followed Australias dominant run in international cricket, including victories in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Cummins previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals before joining Hyderabad. Despite the temporary injury setback, SRH have shown full faith in Cummins leadership, reaffirming his central role in their long-term plans. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score In a major shake-up, the franchise traded veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants while releasing star spinners Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar. These moves appear aimed at recalibrating the bowling attack around Cummins expertise and strengthening squad balance after the teams underwhelming IPL 2025 season. SRH failed to qualify for the playoffs last year, finishing sixth with six wins, seven losses, and one no-result from 14 matches. Article Source: IANS
Lack Of Communication, Rush Of Blood Led To Indias Loss To SA In Kolkata, Says Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra: Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra said the teams 30-run loss to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens was down to poor communication and inadequate guidance for the young batting unit, adding that a rush of blood in critical moments with the bat also hurt them. India were bundled out for 93 while chasing 124 for victory, as the opening Test concluded inside three days on a challenging two-paced pitch where the ball had uneven bounce from the word go. None of the teams managed to post 200, with South Africa captain Temba Bavuma's unbeaten 55 being the highest individual score of the match. I feel there was a lack of communication and we had to tell the players how to bat on a wicket like that. I mean, we have to guide them well. There were a few young players as well and I think there was a huge lack of experience in this team. So because of that lack of experience, you have to talk to the players. I think that was the biggest reason because a huge thing for a young player is that there is a lot of rush of blood while batting. So you have to talk to them and guide them well, Mishra said in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Monday. The defeat in Kolkata also exposed vulnerabilities of the Indian batting line-up on spin-friendly wickets, something which was on display during 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home last year. In Kolkata, South African spinners claimed 12 of the 18 Indian wickets in the match, with off-spinner Simon Harmer bagging the player-of-the-match award for his match haul of eight wickets. India were also a batter short as captain Shubman Gill retired hurt in the first innings due to a neck injury and did not bat in the chase. Senior opener KL Rahul's 39 in the first innings was the highest score by an Indian batter in the match. Mishra dismissed suggestions that the pitch was solely to blame for the batting collapse, and instead called for players to enhance their technical abilities and mental approach. See, this is not the first time and it hasn't really happened before that wickets like this were dished out under previous captains and games got over in two-three days. I don't think it's the pitch - it's the problem more of skill. Like, you have to improve your skill. When we go to play in England, you have to play against swing and counter moisture. As per that, one has to enhance their skill and mind. So I don't think this is the first time we have got such a wicket in India, as we have got such surfaces for many years. Sometimes we get better wickets than this to play on. But mostly, this is not the first time - you have to improve your skill and mind according to the wicket. You have to look at how to bat and see the strategies you have to use for playing on such wickets. In all, you have to improve your batting line-up. Mishra went on to highlight that the young batters need to work on their foot movement and shot selection for thriving on challenging pitches. Like I said, it's down to lack of experience. They are a young team and it will take time to build a strong unit. There are many young players in this team. They have to improve upon their rush of blood through their mind and skill. You have to talk to them like speak to two or four senior players and the coaches will have to talk to them. They have to improve your skill and the kind of shots they have to play on what kind of wickets and the strokes to avoid, as well as look at balls to defend. Foot movement is very important, especially on these kinds of wickets. When you get a wicket like this, you have to tell them about foot movement and the shots to be played or shelved, and that too against what kind of bowlers. You have to communicate all this to the players because they are a young team and I think in the coming years, this team will get better because all the players are talented, he elaborated. When asked whether the lack of game time on spin-friendly wickets in domestic cricket has affected the batters' ability to handle turning tracks in Tests, more so due to a heavy diet of white-ball games, Mishra suggested that playing more domestic games between international assignments could boost confidence. But there is a rush of blood in this team and one has to talk to the young players about it. Like you said about domestic games, if you get a chance to play in between, then you should play, as I think it will increase your confidence if you make runs there, he said. On the question of whether India should prepare more balanced wickets instead of spin-friendly pitches, Mishra signed off by saying that skill development should take precedence over blaming the conditions. But there is a rush of blood in this team and one has to talk to the young players about it. Like you said about domestic games, if you get a chance to play in between, then you should play, as I think it will increase your confidence if you make runs there, he said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score It is not the first time that we have got such wickets or a match is over in 2-2.5 days. So, before blaming the wicket, you have to think about how you can improve for playing on this wicket. Like, what can we do better? Can we bowl better? Can we run less? Can we bowl faster or bat better? You have to focus on those things. Article Source: IANS
Lack Of Communication, Rush Of Blood Led To Indias Loss To South Africa In Kolkata, Says Amit Mishra
South Africa: Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra said the teams 30-run loss to South Africa in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens was down to poor communication and inadequate guidance for the young batting unit, adding that a rush of blood in critical moments with the bat also hurt them. India were also a batter short as captain Shubman Gill retired hurt in the first innings due to a neck injury and did not bat in the chase. Senior opener KL Rahul's 39 in the first innings was the highest score by an Indian batter in the match. Mishra dismissed suggestions that the pitch was solely to blame for the batting collapse, and instead called for players to enhance their technical abilities and mental approach. See, this is not the first time, and it hasn't really happened before that wickets like this were dished out under previous captains, and games got over in two to three days. I don't think it's the pitch - it's the problem more of a problem with skill. Like, you have to improve your skills. When we go to play in England, you have to play against swing and counter-moisture. As per that, one has to enhance their skill and mind. So I don't think this is the first time we have got such a wicket in India, as we have got such surfaces for many years. Sometimes we get better wickets than this to play on. But mostly, this is not the first time -- you have to improve your skill and mind according to the wicket. You have to look at how to bat and see the strategies you have to use for playing on such wickets. In all, you have to improve your batting line-up. Mishra went on to highlight that the young batters need to work on their foot movement and shot selection to thrive on challenging pitches. Like I said, it's down to lack of experience. They are a young team, and it will take time to build a strong unit. There are many young players in this team. They have to improve upon their rush of blood through their mind and skill. You have to talk to them like speak to two or four senior players, and the coaches will have to talk to them. They have to improve their skill and the kind of shots they have to play on what kind of wickets and the strokes to avoid, as well as look at balls to defend. Foot movement is very important, especially on these kinds of wickets. When you get a wicket like this, you have to tell them about foot movement and the shots to be played or shelved, and that too against what kind of bowlers. You have to communicate all this to the players because they are a young team, and I think in the coming years, this team will get better because all the players are talented, he elaborated. When asked whether the lack of game time on spin-friendly wickets in domestic cricket has affected the batters' ability to handle turning tracks in Tests, more so due to a heavy diet of white-ball games, Mishra suggested that playing more domestic games between international assignments could boost confidence. But there is a rush of blood in this team, and one has to talk to the young players about it. Like you said about domestic games, if you get a chance to play in between, then you should play, as I think it will increase your confidence if you make runs there, he said. On the question of whether India should prepare more balanced wickets instead of spin-friendly pitches, Mishra signed off by saying that skill development should take precedence over blaming the conditions. But there is a rush of blood in this team, and one has to talk to the young players about it. Like you said about domestic games, if you get a chance to play in between, then you should play, as I think it will increase your confidence if you make runs there, he said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score It is not the first time that we have got such wickets or a match is over in 2-2.5 days. So, before blaming the wicket, you have to think about how you can improve for playing on this wicket. Like, what can we do better? Can we bowl better? Can we run less? Can we bowl faster or bat better? You have to focus on those things. Article Source: IANS
NCW Flags Serious Lapses in RG Kar Probe
At a two-day mass hearing, NCW member Archana Majumdar criticises Kolkata Police for slow progress and poor communication in the rape-murder case of the RG Kar trainee doctor
'Sab dar ke khel rahe hai': Former Indian cricketer claims there is insecurity among Test players
Former Indian cricketer claimed that one of the main reasons behind Team India's embarrassing loss in Kolkata is 'insecurity' among players.
KOLKATA: The face-off between West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose and Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee continued on Monday with the former asking the Kolkata Police to conduct search operations inside the Raj Bhavan premises to find out whether arms and ammunition have been stored there. Bose took this unprecedented move to counter Kalyans claim that the Governor had been sheltering BJP goons and supplying them with arms and ammunition to kill Trinamool workers. The veteran MP from Sreerampore in Hooghly district had made the remarks on Saturday while reacting to Boses recent statement on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Bose had said the exercise helped purify the voter list. As long as an incompetent governor like you remains, as long as a BJP-servant governor remains, you will never see anything good happening in West Bengal, Kalyan added. Police officials, a bomb disposal squad with sniffer dog, disaster management personnel and CRPF men reached Raj Bhavan on Monday afternoon and carried out the search operation in every room and the lawns inside the complex. The search was conducted under the Governor's physical supervision. Employees were asked to vacate their rooms so that the search process could be done thoroughly. Nothing was found during the search. I will take legal action against Kalyan Banerjee. I have decided to take strong action if fake allegations are made, Bose told reporters on Monday. Earlier, in 2024, molestation charges brought against Bose by a woman employee at Raj Bhavan were proved false and baseless after an inquiry by a retired judge. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the Governor had said Kalyan's allegation was inflammatory, explosive and irresponsible. Bose demanded an unconditional apology from Kalyan or else he would take legal action against the Trinamool Congress MP. The latter threatened to countersue if the Governor took any action against him. When a ruling party MP says that arms and ammunition are there inside Raj Bhavan, is he expressing his lack of confidence in the police force of the state? Bose had asked on Sunday. Raj Bhavan has been open since early morning for around 100 people including the public and journalists for inspection and verification of any arms and ammunition stacked within the premises. Already, some people have come, and some are still coming. They can see everything themselves, the constitutional head of the state had said. The BJP also strongly criticised the Trinamool MP's remarks. BJP MP Jaganath Sarkar said that Kalyan has lost his mental balance. As he is a member of Parliament, action should be taken against him for such a comment, Sarkar added.
Sai or Padikkal - Who should replace Shubman Gill in Guwahati Test?
India's Test captain Shubman Gill's neck spasm casts doubt on his participation in the second Test against South Africa. Former spinner Anil Kumble suggests Sai Sudharsan as a potential replacement if Gill is unfit, while also noting Devdutt Padikkal as another batting option. India aims to avoid a series defeat after their Kolkata loss.
On Trinamool MP's 'Guns Stockpile' Jab, Bengal Governor Orders Raj Bhavan Sweep
Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose led a team of Kolkata Police and central security forces Monday in searching the Raj Bhavan in the wake of allegations by Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee.
The former India spinner said that preparing pitches such as the one in the first Test has been going on for many years, and I feel it is the wrong way of playing
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to revoke the appointment of an interlocutor for Darjeeling. This comes exactly 29 days after her first letter on 18 October. The Centre had appointed former deputy national security adviser Pankaj Kumar Mishra as 'interlocutor and government representative' on the issue of 'Darjeeling, the Dooars and the Terai', prompting the chief minister to oppose the move. In her second letter written to the Prime Minister today, Mamata said, It is a matter of grave concern that without any further communication in response to my letter and despite your kind intervention, the Office of the Interlocutor under Ministry of Home Affairs, has, vide Memo dated 10th November 2025, communicated that the office of the interlocutor has already started functioning. This is really shocking. The state government categorically rejects and strongly objects to this unconstitutional, arbitrary and politically coloured interference in the internal affairs of the State, the chief minister said in the letter. This unilateral and arbitrary action of the Central Government, undertaken without any consultation or concurrence of the Government of West Bengal, is wholly unconstitutional, without jurisdiction, and devoid of any legal sanctity. The said order has no foundation either in the Constitution of India or in any valid statutory provision, the letter added. The Darjeeling region is an inseparable and integral part of the State of West Bengal. It is governed by the Gorkha Territorial Administration Act, 2011, and a law duly enacted by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and notified on 12th March, 2012, after getting the Presidential assent. The Act was designed to ensure self-governance in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong subdivisions, and under Section 2(h) of the said Act, the appropriate Government is expressly defined as the Government of the State of West Bengal, the letter stated. Pankaj Mishra, appointed in the rank of the secretary to the Union government, had been tasked with taking forward and recommending measures for social and economic upliftment, cultural recognition, preservation of the cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region and addressing their aspiration within the constitutional framework of the country. Many believe that the latest development is an indicator that the Centre is looking to tread the issue cautiously following Mamatas strong objections. CM Mamata had immediately written to Modi expressing her surprise and consternation over the appointment, objecting to the unilateral decision of the Centre. The appointment of the interlocutor also comes at a time when the Assembly elections are scheduled in April-May next year in the state. The Opposition BJP, which has marked a phenomenal rise here since the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, has not fulfilled two of its key promises to Darjeeling. These include finding a 'permanent political solution' for the region, which is generally interpreted as Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling hills, even though the BJP has not specified what the term means, and granting tribal status to 11 Gorkha communities. If the support for Gorkhaland is unanimous in the Darjeeling hills, the Opposition to it is as strong in the rest of Bengal, an observer added. The Darjeeling hills elect three MLAs in the 294-seat Bengal Assembly.
Indian Batters Actually Aren't That Good Of Players Of Spin On A Surface Like That, Says Haddin
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has criticised Indias reliance on playing Tests on turning pitches, stating that Kolkata Test is the second such instance of this backfiring in Gautam Gambhirs tenure and has exposed that the batting unit doesnt have players who can play spin bowling well on such surfaces. Indias batting struggles on spin-friendly pitches continued as they crashed to a 30-run defeat to South Africa at Eden Gardens inside three days. The loss came less than a year after India failed to chase 147 against New Zealand in Mumbai, resulting in a historic 0-3 series sweep defeat for the hosts. Theyve done it twice now under Gambhir. They play their best cricket when, its not about turning wickets but building scoreboard pressure with their runs. They're taking their world-class batters out of the game. I just think they're leaving too much to chance. India play their best cricket when they put a big total on the board, and then they make the opposition claustrophobic with their fields. Their spinners are better than anyone on those surfaces. Their batters actually aren't that good of players of spin on a surface like that, Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast episode on Monday. Haddin, who had been with Gambhir during their playing days for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, further pointed out how things were different under Virat Kohlis captaincy. When Virat Kohli took over as captain back then, they batted long and put big scoreboard pressure. But they are leaving too much to chance. It brings ordinary spinners into the game. Your skill and the craft of using your drift, the different angles of the crease go out of it. You just have people who can throw the ball and the wicket will do the rest. The strange thing I heard was that Gambhir came out and said we are happy with the surface we are playing on. This cost them against New Zealand as well. India are now 0-1 behind in the two-game series and will face South Africa in the second Test, starting at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Australia womens captain Alyssa Healy believes India need to play on better wickets as them losing Tests at home is just bizarre. I just don't know what they're doing to themselves. Batting against spin is not an easy thing around the world at the moment, even if you grow up playing on those wickets, and I think they should start working that out for themselves. But they keep giving themselves turning wickets, thinking it's going to help them, and it hasn't. India are now 0-1 behind in the two-game series and will face South Africa in the second Test, starting at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Australia womens captain Alyssa Healy believes India need to play on better wickets as them losing Tests at home is just bizarre. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Like when you think about Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel to an extent as well, they actually were effective attacking the stumps. So I don't know, but they'll have to rethink it. They're losing Test matches at home, which is a really bizarre thing for India to do. They're going to have to look at it and go, what do we need to do? I think it might be, let's play on some better wickets, she added. Article Source: IANS
Air India to resume operations between India and China from February 1
New Delhi: Air India on Monday announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghaifrom February 1, 2026, marking Air Indias return to mainland China after nearly six years. Air India also intends to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai next year, subject to regulatory approvals. An official release said Air India will operate four times a weekbetween Delhi and Shanghai using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. The reinstatement of Air Indias services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored the air links paused in early 2020. Air India first launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said,The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the worlds most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India. Indigo had resumed operations from Kolkata to Guangzhou in Southern Chinaon October 26 and from Delhi to Guangzhou on November 10. Shanghai is the 48 th international destination to be served by the Air India group. The restored air link is expected to further boost exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and several other spheres. Bookings for Air Indias flights between Delhi and Shanghai are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air Indiaswebsite, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
Texmaco wins Rs 15 crore DMRC contract for ballast-less track installation in NCR
KOLKATA, Nov 17: Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd has secured a Rs 15.06 crore contract from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for installing, testing and commissioning ballast-less track systems across key corridors in the National Capital Region, the company said in a statement on Monday. Ballast-less refers to a type of railway track that replaces traditional crushed stone ballast with a rigid concrete or asphalt slab to which the rails are fastened. The project covers a 5.8 km track [] The post Texmaco wins Rs 15 crore DMRC contract for ballast-less track installation in NCR appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Vehant Technologies gets Rs 40 cr order from AAI to install explosive detectors at airports
MUMBAI, Nov 17: Vehant Technologies on Monday said it has secured an order worth Rs 40 crore from Airports Authority of India for supply, installation and maintenance of 232 units of Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs) at over 60 airports in the country. The airports include Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Varanasi, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Port Blair, Coimbatore, among others, the company said. The company had received an order for 20 units of ETD NanoSniffer from AAI for deployment on trial basis, [] The post Vehant Technologies gets Rs 40 cr order from AAI to install explosive detectors at airports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shubman Gill: India captain could travel with Team to Guwahati; remains doubtful for 2nd Test
Shubman Gill has been discharged from hospital and continues to recover from a stiff neck at the team hotel in Kolkata. His participation in the Guwahati Test remains a 50-50 call, with the BCCI medical team monitoring his progress. India may travel with or without their captain on Wednesday, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
'I don't buy this' - Pujara won't accept transition as excuse for losing Tests at home
Cheteshwar Pujara also questioned India's approach and shot selection on the turning Kolkata pitch
'We still find a way to win': Rabada hails SA's spirit after epic Eden heist
South Africa secured a significant Test victory against India in Kolkata. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada highlighted the team's resilience and depth. Despite injuries, the Proteas defended a low target. This win marks their first on Indian soil in 15 years. Rabada expressed pride in the collective effort and individual contributions that led to this memorable triumph.
Bengal govts telemedicine consulations surpass 7-crore mark: Mamata
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the state governments telemedicine services reached a major milestone, with its Swasthya Ingit initiative crossing 7 crore consultations. Health care in West Bengal achieves yet another milestone. #Swasthyaingit, a unique GoWB initiative to connect remote areas with higher level health facilities through telemedicine, crossed 7 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 .
Win Over India In Kolkata Among SA's Top-3 Test Wins: Rabada
World Test Champions South Africa: Ace fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has ranked South Africas 30-run win over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens as amongst the teams top three victories in the longer format. The win coming inside three days is also South Africas first win in Tests in India since 2010 and has given them a 1-0 lead in the two-game series. Definitely right up there. With the types of wins that we've had this season, it's hard to say because we've had some pretty epic wins. But this one is definitely in top three, said Rabada in a video posted on Proteas Men account on X on Monday. Though Rabada missed out on playing due to a rib injury, he said watching the game from the sidelines was a proper emotional roller coaster. That was typical Test cricket. I mean, like, just the ebbs and flows of the game. We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot. So, I mean, it's quite nerve-wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out. But, I mean, I don't know what to say. It's just like an emotional roller coaster and I'm glad that we finished on the right side. He further said the Proteas believe in all of their members chipping in to make the team win from any situation. We had a good start in the first innings with Aiden and Rickelton. They set the tone. Marco stood up, Boshie stood up at crucial times. Everyone chipped in and really, that's the hallmark of what this team is made of. So, I mean, it's quite nerve-wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out. But, I mean, I don't know what to say. It's just like an emotional roller coaster and I'm glad that we finished on the right side. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score After having secured crucial 12 points in Kolkata, the current World Test Champions South Africa will take on India in the second Test starting at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
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'Done well in domestic': Gambhir backs Team India despite Kolkata defeat
India's fourth consecutive home Test defeat to a SENA country, often on turning wickets, raises concerns about technique or pitch suitability. Despite a seemingly ideal pitch, India's batters struggled with pressure, according to coach Gautam Gambhir, rather than a lack of skill. Strategic decisions, like playing four spinners and Washington Sundar at No. 3, are also under scrutiny.
Cricket-India confront batting blind spot after Kolkata pitch boomerangs
In a shocking turn of events, India faced an unexpected setback against South Africa in the first test match. The challenging conditions at Eden Gardens played a significant role, proving tough for both squads. Indian batsmen faltered against the deceptive spin, leading to a flurry of wickets taken by the South African spinners.
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Football legend Lothar Matthaus reflects on his intense rivalry and eventual friendship with Diego Maradona, comparing their dynamic to Messi and Ronaldo. Matthaus, in Kolkata for the Bengal Super League, expressed his admiration for Messi's entertaining style and lamented Germany's recent lack of passion on the field, citing their early World Cup exits.
RIP Test Cricket: Harbhajan slams Kolkata pitch after India suffer shock loss to SA
RIP Test Cricket: Harbhajan slams Kolkata pitch after India suffer shock loss to SA
Agencies | Kolkata Indian batters frailties against high quality spin in challenging home conditions were exposed yet again as South Africa outplayed their fancied counterparts by 30 runs in the opening Test here on Sunday for their first success in India after 15 years. Chasing 124, India never showed the composure or method that Temba []
Sourav Ganguly's advice to Team India after Kolkata Test defeat
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly advised Gautam Gambhir and his troops to play on good wickets and ensure that the batters put up tall scores.
South Africa spinners deliver top performance to secure victory in Kolkata
Thats how the tricky Eden surface preyed on Indias batters who struggled against the lateral movement and extremely unpredictable bounce
