Mamata Banerjee pays tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam on his birthday
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday paid a heartfelt tribute to former President APJ Abdul Kalam on his birthday. The CM remembered the late scientist and visionary leader for his contributions to the country. Also ReadMamata terms Durgapur gangrape shocking, says no accused will be spared Solemnly remembering former President Dr APJ 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 .
Durgapur Rape Case: Victims Friend Wasif Ali Arrested, Police Hint at New Twist in Investigation
Kolkata, October 15 (Daily Kiran): In a major development in the Durgapur Medical College gangrape case, police have arrested Wasif Ali, a 23-year-old second-year student of the same college and a close friend of the victim. According to police sources, on the night of the incident Friday, after 9 p.m. Wasif allegedly took ... Read more Durgapur Rape Case: Victims Friend Wasif Ali Arrested, Police Hint at New Twist in Investigation
IndiGo Kolkata flight makes emergency landing after bird strike
Agartala: A Kolkata-bound Indigo flight on Tuesday made an emergency landing at the Agartala airport shortly after takeoff due to a suspected bird hit mid-air, an official said. All passengers are safe and they have been accommodated in other flights, Airport Director K C Meena told PTI. The plane did not suffer any major damage, 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 .
Durgapur gangrape case: One more apprehended, total arrests at 6
Kolkata's law enforcement officials have taken into custody another person connected to the harrowing case of gangrape involving a medical student in Durgapur, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six. This individual was present with the victim during that tragic night of October 10, when she was allegedly assaulted near her educational institution.
Centre to set up sixth NSG Black Cat commando hub in Ayodhya: Amit Shah
NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced that the government plans to set up the sixth regional hub of the Black Cat counter terrorism commando force NSG in Uttar Pradesh's temple town Ayodhya. The National Security Guard has regional hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Gandhinagar, along with a small unit called task force in Jammu. While addressing the 41 st Raising Day of the National Security Guard at its headquarters in Haryanas Manesar, the Home Minister announced that the NSG hubs in different parts of the country enabled its commandos to reach any emergency immediately and effectively. In his address, the Home Minister also indicated that the government is working on a plan to bring in major changes in the functioning of the NSG in the coming days. So far, five hubs of the NSG have been established in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad (Gandhinagar). In addition, a new hub is also going to be set up in Ayodhya. Here, the NSG personnel will be deployed and available round the clock, he said. The government operationalised four regional hubs of the NSG in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata on June 30 and July 1, 2009. The decision to set up these hubs was taken following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 to reduce the time in mobilising the elite commandos in the event of terror attacks. During the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the NSG commandos were required to be airlifted from Delhi, which caused critical delays. In March 2011, the central government gave the nod for setting up another NSG regional hub in Gandhinagar. Praising the NSGs efforts in fighting a formidable battle against terrorism for the past four decades, the Home Minister said that it was reassuring for the countrymen that their security and fight against terrorism are in safe hands. With the three principles: Sarvatra, Sarvottam, Suraksha, and by making Samarpan, Saahas and Rashtrabhakti, its hallmarks, the NSG has fought a formidable battle against organised crime and terrorism in this country for four decades, he said. Shah said that the Special Operation Training Centre (SOTC), which was inaugurated today, was not only for the NSG but also for the state police forces. I want to tell all the state police forces that the Special Operation Training Centre inaugurated today is not only for NSG, but it will be available to them, he said. The Home Minister said that the SOTC, which has been built at a cost of Rs 141 crore, would provide state-of-the-art training for commandos to combat terrorism.
Railway launches Mumbai-Kolkata door-to-door parcel delivery service
Indian Railways has launched door-to-door delivery services for on-time parcel delivery from Mumbai to Kolkata, aiming for significant cost and time savings compared to road transport. This initiative, along with new container train services and upgraded logistics hubs, aims to enhance logistics efficiency and increase containerized parcel movement.
Govt To Set Up A Hub Of Black Cat Commando Force NSG In Ayodhya: Amit Shah
Manesar (Haryana), Oct 14: The government will set up another regional hub of the Black Cat commando force NSG in Uttar Pradeshs temple town Ayodhya, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. This will be the sixth regional hub of the National Security Guard (NSG) after the existing hubs of Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Gandhinagar. The force also has a small unit called task force in Jammu. NSG hubs in different parts of the country enable its commandos [] The post Govt To Set Up A Hub Of Black Cat Commando Force NSG In Ayodhya: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt to set up National Security Guard Black Cat commando hub in Ayodhya: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the elite NSG commando force will establish its sixth regional hub in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This strategic move aims to significantly reduce response times during emergencies, ensuring swift deployment of commandos across the country. The new hub joins existing facilities in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Gandhinagar, enhancing national security capabilities.
Gambhir Turns 44; Receives Warm Wishes From Teammates And BCCI
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Former Indian opener and current mens team head coach Gautam Gambhir turned 44 on Tuesday and the cricket world came together to celebrate! Adding to the excitement, India sealed a commanding Test series whitewash against the West Indies, with the second Test win coming at the Arun Jaitley Stadium where Gambhir has a stand named in his honour. Gambhir served as one of India's most successful opening batsmen from 2003 to 2016, forming a formidable partnership with Virender Sehwag. He was the India's second-highest run-scorer with 393 runs in nine innings, including four fifties, in the 2011 World Cup. His crucial 97 runs in the final against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium helped India chase down 275 and lifted the coveted trophy after 28 years. The BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla shared a heartfelt post, that read, Your unwavering commitment to the game, relentless pursuit of excellence, and iconic contributions on and off the field have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Wishing you health, happiness and accomplishments. May this year bring you even more success and fulfilment in all that you do. Wishing a very happy birthday to the one who was Gambhir when he played for India and now even more Gambhir while coaching for India! Lots of love brother Keep up the great work and have a lovely year ahead! Gambhir's former teammate and India's star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted on X. Harbhajan Sigh said, Happy Birthday Gauti @GautamGambhir May you continue to be blessed and stay happy and healthy . Wish you all the happiness brother. Love Always Wishing a very happy birthday to the one who was Gambhir when he played for India and now even more Gambhir while coaching for India! Lots of love brother Keep up the great work and have a lovely year ahead! Gambhir's former teammate and India's star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted on X. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Across all international formats, Gambhir amassed 10,324 runs in 242 matches at an average of 38.95, including 20 centuries and 63 fifties. In the IPL, Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders to two titles in 2012 and 2014. He scored 4,217 runs in 154 matches, including 36 fifties. Article Source: IANS
Shameful To Target Rana For The Sake Of Your YouTube Channel: Gambhir
Kolkata Knight Riders: India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday slammed former player and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth for claiming that fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana was selected for the upcoming ODI series in Australia due to his personal rapport with Gambhir. The remarks, made by Srikkanth on his YouTube channel earlier this month, suggested that Ranas inclusion was less about merit and more about proximity, referring to his time with Gambhir, who was the mentor at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before becoming Indias head coach in July 2024. Gambhir, known for his forthrightness, responded sharply in the post-match press conference after India beat the West Indies by seven wickets to win the Test series 2-0 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, defending both the selection process and Ranas credentials, and slammed people for targeting young cricketers for the sake of earning popularity through their YouTube channels. Look, it's a little shameful, and I will be very honest with you. It is so unfair that you are targeting a 23-year-old kid for the sake of your YouTube channel because ultimately, his father is not an ex-chairman or an ex-cricketer or an NRI. No matter how much he plays cricket, he plays on his own strengths and will continue to play on his own merit. If you target someone individually, that is not fair. You can target people's performance, and there are selectors and coaches who target people's performance. But if you say such things to a 23-year-old kid, and then social media amplifies it even more, or you are told more of these things in such a way on social media, imagine the mindset. In future, someone can target your kid too. Someone can target anyone. At least you can realise that he is a 20-year-old kid not a 30 or 33-year-old , he said. New Delhi-based Rana, 22, was part of Indias T20 Asia Cup-winning squad in the UAE last month and has been named among four specialist quicks for the three-match ODI series in Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth. So far Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is for India. Gambhir also made it clear that selections for the Indian team are based on performance and not personal equations. You can criticise me, and I can still handle it. But a 23-year-old boy, is a 23-year-old boy. That is something which is not acceptable. I think that is why we need to be careful about what you say, just to run your YouTube channel. I think not only me, you guys, and every one of us have a moral responsibility towards Indian cricket. Indian cricket doesn't belong to me. It doesn't belong to people sitting in the dressing room. It belongs to all of you as well, he said. You can criticise me, and I can still handle it. But a 23-year-old boy, is a 23-year-old boy. That is something which is not acceptable. I think that is why we need to be careful about what you say, just to run your YouTube channel. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But, don't target a young boy, and, it is not only in Harshit's case, in future also, don't target these young boys. So, I think performance, we all know that it is important, results are important, Gambhir concluded. Article Source: IANS
New test facility at Sathyabama University to decode Chennais climate patterns
CHENNAI: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on Monday inaugurated an urban test bed facility at Sathyabama University. M Ravichandran, secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility which is equipped with advanced atmospheric instruments such as a ceilometer, sound detection and ranging micro rain radar. These systems offer continuous high-resolution data on wind circulation, aerosol presence, cloud formation and rainfall, critical components for understanding Chennais unique urban climate variability. Ravichandran said such urban radar network will be installed in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata under the Mission Mausam project launched by Centre last year, for monitoring extreme weather events. Under Mission Mausam, over 100 weather radars will be installed nationwide to strengthen forecasting services. Along with setting up such urban test beds to gauge climate changes in urban areas, we plan to set up automatic weather stations in the Himalayan region for better prediction of weather, said Ravichandran. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune will integrate urban test bed data with its modelling and research efforts. A memorandum of understanding was signed between IITM Pune and Sathyabama University on Monday. IITM Pune director A Suryachandra Rao was present. Speaking at the inauguration, Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor of Sathyabama University, said, Sathyabama is actively promoting sustainability-focused research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to the radar systems, the facility also launched a paleoclimatology laboratory and three climate awareness galleries Geochronos, Oceana, and Innovaria to promote climate literacy.
Durgapur gang rape: Guv says he lacks confidence to say Bengal is safe, calls for 2nd renaissance
KOLKATA, Oct 13 : Amid public outrage over the alleged gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur, Governor C V Ananda Bose on Monday expressed deep concern over the shocking incident, saying he lacked confidence to say that West Bengal is safe, and called for a second renaissance to make the state secure for women. Bose, who travelled to the industrial town in Paschim Bardhaman district and met the survivors family, said the incident has shaken the public conscience [] The post Durgapur gang rape: Guv says he lacks confidence to say Bengal is safe, calls for 2nd renaissance appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
KOLKATA: A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced condemnation for advising female students to not venture out at night, senior TMC leader Saugata Roy on Monday said that women should exercise caution, as the police cannot be everywhere at once. Roy claimed that women's safety in the state is better compared to other regions. Such cases are rare in Bengal. Women's safety in Bengal is better than in any other place. But women shouldn't leave their colleges so late at night, as the police can't patrol everywhere. Police cannot be present on every road; police can take action after an incident occurs. So, women should also be cautious, Roy told reporters in Kolkata. Whatever the chief minister has said is absolutely correct, he said. His comments came after a 23-year-old second-year MBBS student of a private medical college was allegedly gang-raped near her campus on the night of October 10. According to police reports, the survivor, a native of Odisha, was returning from dinner with a friend when three men accosted her near Shobhapur in the industrial township. The accused allegedly snatched her phone, dragged her into a wooded area, and raped her before demanding money to return her belongings. The West Bengal Police on Monday arrested two more persons in connection with the case, taking the total number of arrests to five. Three accused were taken into custody on October 12. Mamata Banerjee is a 'blot on womanhood', says BJP over her remarks on Durgapur gangrape incident
While North Bengal grappled with devastating floods and landslides, Kolkata hosted its dazzling Durga Puja carnival. This juxtaposition highlights Bengal's unique economic reality, where faith and commerce are intertwined, making the festival an essential annual stimulus for its creative industries and workforce.
Bhutan should compensate WB as floods caused by water gushing down from Himalayan kingdom: Mamata
KOLKATA, Oct 13: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that water flowing down from adjoining Bhutan caused floods in north Bengal and sought compensation from the Himalayan kingdom. The chief minister, who is visiting the natural disaster-hit region to oversee relief and rehabilitation work, said at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district that the losses occurred owing to rainwater flowing down from Bhutan through various rivers. We have faced losses due to water coming down from Bhutan We want them to [] The post Bhutan should compensate WB as floods caused by water gushing down from Himalayan kingdom: Mamata appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bengal gangrape: Two more arrested; all five accused now in custody
Kolkata: The West Bengal Police on Monday arrested two more persons in connection with the alleged gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur, taking the total number of apprehensions in the case to five, a senior officer said. The 23-year-old woman hailing from Jaleswar in Odishas Balasore district was gang-raped on Friday night when 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 .
22K & 24K gold price today, Oct 13, 2025 across Indian cities
Two more arrested in Durgapur rape case; all five accused now in custody: Bengal Police
KOLKATA: The West Bengal Police on Monday arrested two more persons in connection with the alleged gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur , taking the total number of apprehensions in the case to five, a senior officer said. The 23-year-old woman, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district was gang-raped on Friday night when she went outside the private medical college with a friend to have dinner. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhisekh Gupta of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate told PTI, Two more arrests have been made. With these, all five accused have been taken into custody based on the complaint filed by the woman. Three persons were arrested on Sunday for their alleged involvement in the 'gang rape' of the student. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the incident as shocking and said her government has 'zero tolerance' for such crimes. However, she also urged women not to venture out alone late at night, a remark that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and women's rights groups. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged that at least one of the arrested accused is a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker. Reacting to the claim, TMC spokesperson Debanshu Bhattacharya said, Even if he is a party worker, it must be appreciated that the TMC has zero tolerance for crimes. Had this incident occurred in a BJP-ruled state, the accused would have been garlanded instead. The incident has also triggered sharp reactions from neighbouring Odisha, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urging his West Bengal counterpart to ensure the strictest punishment for the culprits. Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) chairperson Sovana Mohanty will also reach West Bengal during the day and she would speak to the survivor and check her health condition, and meet her parents and hold discussions with the local police.
Despite Kolkata's reputation as India's safest city, female students in West Bengal face a growing crisis of insecurity. Recent brutal assaults, like the Durgapur gang rape, highlight persistent gaps in campus security and institutional accountability. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's advice for women to stay indoors has drawn widespread condemnation, reinforcing a culture of victim-blaming rather than addressing systemic failures.
Tea production falls in August 2025 year-on-year: Tea Board data
KOLKATA, Oct 13: Tea production during August 2025 has fallen to 170.12 million kilogrammes as against 184.45 million kilogrammes in the similar previous month of 2024, according to Tea Board data. Production volumes in Assam during August 2025 declined marginally to 103.52 million kilogrammes as compared to 104.46 million kilogrammes, according to the data. In West Bengal, production also dipped to 45.90 million kilogrammes in August 2025, from 56.08 million kilogrammes in the similar previous month of 2024. Taking Assam [] The post Tea production falls in August 2025 year-on-year: Tea Board data appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chit fund scam: SC to hear CBI's plea against pre-arrest bail to IPS officer Rajeev Kumar
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will later this week hear the CBI's plea challenging the anticipatory bail granted to West Bengal cadre senior IPS officer Rajeev Kumar in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam case. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran on Monday took note of the vehement submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, and posted the matter on October 17 (Friday). The solicitor general submitted that the probe agency's plea be listed along with other pending petitions, including a contempt plea for a broader understanding and consideration of the entire case. The bench posted the CBI's plea along with other pending cases on Friday. The senior IPS officer was granted anticipatory bail on October 1, 2019 and has not been called by the CBI for investigation even once during the last six years, according to his counsel. Why should we keep this matter pending? You have done nothing during all these years, the CJI said. The solicitor general said in this case the residence of a senior CBi officer was gheroed by goons and he had to literally cry for help to ensure the well-being of his family members in Kolkata. Mehta asked that other pleas also be taken up together after Diwali vacations. In January 2019, the Centre and the West Bengal government were locked in an unprecedented standoff after a CBI team had landed at Kumar's official residence for questioning him, but had to retreat as the local police detained its officers. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had come out in Kumar's defence and started a sit-in protest against the Centre's move. On November 29, 2019, the top court sought Kumar's response on the CBI's appeal challenging the anticipatory bail granted to him in the case. While issuing the notice, the bench said the probe agency will have to convince it on why the former Kolkata police commissioner's custody was needed. The IPS officer later went on to become the state DGP. The Saradha group of companies allegedly duped lakhs of people to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore, promising higher rates of return on their investments. Kumar was part of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the West Bengal government for probing the scam before the Supreme Court handed over the case, along with other chit fund cases, to the CBI in 2014. The Saradha chit fund scam was unearthed in 2013 during Kumar's tenure as the Bidhannagar police commissioner. The top court was hearing CBI's plea against the October 1, 2019 order of the Calcutta High Court granting anticipatory bail to Kumar, saying it was not an appropriate case for custodial interrogation. The CBI told the apex court that Kumar was required to be arrested and his custodial interrogation was needed in the case. The high court said in its order that if Kumar was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case, he would have to be released immediately on bail by an appropriate court on two sureties of Rs 50,000 each. The high court directed Kumar, who is currently the additional director general of the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to cooperate with investigating officers. It also directed him to make himself available before the investigating officers in the case for questioning on a 48-hour prior notice by the CBI.
YouTuber, Son Arrested For Raping Minor In Bengal
A YouTuber and his minor son have been arrested by the Kolkata police for allegedly raping a minor girl after blackmailing her by taking her private photos in the guise of making objectionable videos and reels on the social media, the police said on
Mamata terms Durgapur gangrape shocking, says no accused will be spared
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday termed the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district as shocking and said that no accused would be spared. Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before leaving for natural disaster-hit north Bengal to oversee relief and rehabilitation work, Banerjee said her 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 .
Mamata Banerjee calls Durgapur gangrape shocking, vows no accused will be spared
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before leaving for natural disaster-hit north Bengal to oversee relief and rehabilitation work, Banerjee said her government has zero tolerance for such incidents
Medical student from Odisha gang-raped in Bengal
Kolkata/Bhubaneswar: A student from Odisha, studying at a private medical college in West Bengals Paschim Bardhaman district, was raped allegedly by some men on Friday, October 10. The incident occurred outside the private medical college campus in Durgapur when the second-year student went out with a friend to fetch some food, a police officer said. 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 .
'Girls shouldn't be allowed out at night': Mamata's shocking remark on Durgapur gangrape
Reacting to the gangrape of a medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday made a controversial remark suggesting that girls should not be allowed to go outside college at night. Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport, Mamata called the incident shocking and said no accused would be spared. This is a shocking incident...We have zero tolerance for such crimes. Three accused have been arrested and police are conducting search for others. Nobody will be spared, she said. The student, from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly raped by several men in Durgapur, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred outside the private medical college campus on Friday night, when the second-year student went out with a friend for dinner. In her first reaction, Banerjee criticised the institution for letting the girls go out at night, saying: She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 am?... The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also. Students staying in hostels, especially those from outside West Bengal, are expected to follow hostel rules. They should avoid venturing out late at night, although they have the fundamental right to go wherever they want, the chief minister added. But the police have certain logistical limitations in monitoring the movement of every individual. Officers would not know who is leaving home at night and cannot stand guard outside every home, she said. Banerjee also held the college partly responsible. Private colleges must ensure security within and around their campuses, she said. Meanwhile, three people were arrested and another detained on Sunday for their alleged involvement in the gangrape, police said. The identities of the three arrested were not disclosed. We arrested three persons in connection with the case this morning. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case and we will give out further details later, a police officer told PTI. Sources said the mobile phones of the accused were seized. Police on Sunday cordoned off the crime spot, a jungle adjacent to the Paranaganj Kali Bari cremation ground. Massive search operations were being conducted in villages around the private medical college in Durgapur, with drones deployed to search the nearby jungles, the officer said. CM Majhi condemns gang-rape of Odisha medical student in Durgapur, urges WB govt for swift action
ED seizes Rs 45 lakh in cash, documents during raids regarding Bengal municipality recruitment scam
KOLKATA, Oct 12: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 45 lakh in unexplained cash, incriminating documents, and digital devices during raids conducted in connection with the alleged irregularities in recruitment to South Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, the agency said in a statement. Sleuths of the agencys Kolkata zonal office carried out search operations at 13 locations in and around Kolkata, including the residence and firms of West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose, on Friday in connection with [] The post ED seizes Rs 45 lakh in cash, documents during raids regarding Bengal municipality recruitment scam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mamata to visit natural disaster-hit north Bengal again to oversee relief ops
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Sunday again visit natural calamity-hit north Bengal to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work, officials said. She will also hold a series of administrative meetings to expedite assistance to the affected families, they said. At least 32 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in landslides 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 .
Mamata to revisit flood-hit north Bengal to review relief, rehab efforts
KOLKATA: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Sunday again visit natural calamity-hit north Bengal to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work, officials said. She will also hold a series of administrative meetings to expedite assistance to the affected families, they said. At least 32 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in landslides and floods in the northern districts of West Bengal since October 4, following heavy rain. Banerjee was in north Bengal for four days since October 5 to oversee the relief work. The CM will, during the day, visit Hasimara in Alipurduar district, where she will chair a high-level review meeting before touring multiple districts, including Darjeeling, to assess the extent of the damage, the officials said, adding she is expected to stay a few days in the region. Officials said a preliminary assessment report has been prepared, indicating that around 12,000 houses have been damaged, of which nearly 6,000 have completely collapsed in the disaster. The figures are, however, yet to be officially confirmed or released, they said. The chief minister had earlier announced financial aid for all affected families and directed district authorities to disburse assistance with wartime urgency. Relief camps have been set up in several areas, providing cooked food and temporary shelter to displaced residents. 'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides The state administration has also restored road connectivity in most locations where transport links were disrupted due to the calamity, officials said. Banerjee has instructed officials to prioritise rehabilitation efforts and complete damage assessments swiftly. The BJP mocked the chief minister's visit, with Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, sharing a video on Saturday, claiming that police personnel were busy arranging and displaying party flags along the roads instead of focusing on relief work. Opposition parties have launched fundraising drives to support victims of the north Bengal disaster. Senior CPI(M) leader Biman Bose was seen collecting funds in Belgachia in Kolkata, where he indirectly blamed unregulated and rampant construction in the hills for aggravating the loss of lives and property. The BJP-controlled Lebutala puja committee has also been collecting donations from local markets for relief efforts. Flash floods, landslides devastate over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens; Rs 50 crore loss feared: Planters
ED seizes Rs 45 lakh in cash, documents during raids linked to Bengal municipality recruitment scam
KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 45 lakh in unexplained cash, incriminating documents, and digital devices during raids conducted in connection with the alleged irregularities in recruitment to South Dum Dum Municipality in West Bengal, the agency said in a statement. Sleuths of the agency's Kolkata zonal office carried out search operations at 13 locations in and around Kolkata, including the residence and firms of West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose, on Friday in connection with its probe into the scam. During the searches, various incriminating documents, including those related to property, digital devices and unexplained cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh have been seized, the ED statement issued on Saturday evening said. The ED teams raided the minister's residence-cum-office in Salt Lake, a councillor's house in Nagerbazar area, and houses of former officials of the South Dum Dum Municipality on Friday. Bose has accused the central agency of argeting him politically ahead of the assembly elections. They conduct these raids every time there's an election knocking on the door. These visits are meant for leaders belonging to the opposition parties. This is nothing new. They have raided my properties before and found nothing incriminating against me. This is a strategy to exert pressure before the polls, Bose said. The minister claimed that his honesty certificate would ultimately be given by the people and not any agency. Let the investigating agency do its work. We will do ours. They keep talking about corruption, but fail to furnish the required evidence. The people know everything. They will give me my certificate, he said. In January 2024, the ED searched a few properties, including residences and an office, owned by the TMC leader, and questioned him in connection with the same case. Following that 14-hour raid, the agency had seized certain documents and the politician's mobile phone, prompting Bose to state that he would send his resignation papers to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee forthwith, if investigators could prove he accepted even one rupee from people in return for his ministerial services.
Three arrested in connection with gang rape of medical college student in Bengal's Durgapur
The West Bengal police have arrested three men in connection with the gang-rape of a second-year medical student on the premises of a private medical college in Durgapur , reported PTI citing police sources. Two other accused remain at large. The identities of the three arrested accused were yet to be disclosed by the police. We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case and we will give out further details later, the police officer told the news agency. The student is undergoing treatment at the hospital itself and has given her statement to the police. The incident took place late Friday evening near Shobhapur in Durgapur, roughly 170 km from Kolkata. The survivor, a native of Jaleswar in Odisha, was allegedly dragged to a secluded spot behind the hospital building and raped after stepping out of the campus around 8:30 pm with a male friend. Police were alerted immediately and rushed to the scene, launching an investigation. The student is now under medical supervision following a hospital examination. Authorities are questioning several individuals, including staff members of the medical college and the male friend who accompanied the student. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage and the campuss security arrangements. The case has evoked comparisons to the 2024 RG Kar Medical College tragedy, in which a junior doctor was raped and murdered, sparking widespread protests across the state. The West Bengal Doctors Front (WBDF) condemned the assault, describing it as a chilling reminder of the continued vulnerability of women even within educational institutions. The group called for swift justice and urged the Chief Justice of India to order a judicial inquiry. CM Majhi condemns gang-rape of Odisha medical student in Durgapur, urges WB govt for swift action Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi expressed deep concern over the incident. In an X post in Odia, he stated, I have instructed senior officials to coordinate with the West Bengal government and ensure all necessary assistance is provided to the victims family. He also urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take exemplary action against those responsible. The BJP seized on the case to launch a political attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief, said on X: West Bengal is not safe for women. Until the TMC is held accountable, women across the state will continue to live in fear. Mamata Banerjee must go in 2026. West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja responded by accusing the BJP of politicising a sensitive matter. Is there any space for politics here? Where were these voices when girls in Odisha set themselves on fire, or during the Manipur unrest, or when female athletes protested at Jantar Mantar? The police have already begun investigating. BJP should shut down its shop in Bengal, Panja said.
Class 9 Student Dies During Sports Event In Private School In Kolkata
A class 9 student of a private international school in the southern fringes of the city died during a sports event on the school ground, a police officer said on Saturday.
PVL 2025: Kolkata Thunderbolts Stun Chennai Blitz With Thunderous Win
Kolkata began targeting the middle zone through Matin Takavar, with Chennai lacking experienced players in the department.
Deaf-Mute Woman Allegedly Raped in Kolkata
20-year-old victim admitted to hospital; police arrest man following FIR.
IndiGo to start daily direct flights between Delhi and China's Guangzhou from November 10
The airline stated that it is among the first carriers to resume flights to China following the COVID-19 pandemic; Earlier, IndiGo had announced daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, starting October 26, 2025
Medical student from Odisha 'gang-raped' in West Bengal
KOLKATA: A medical college student from Odisha was allegedly raped by unidentified men in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred outside the private medical college campus in Durgapur on Friday night when the second-year student went out with one of her friends for dinner, her family members said. The medical student, from Jaleswar in Odisha, is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, a police officer said. Based on a complaint lodged by the family members of the medical student, we have started an investigation, he said. Talking to reporters, the parents of the student said they reached Durgapur this morning after getting a call from friends of their daughter. The mother alleged that her daughter was gang-raped late Friday night after leaving the college campus for dinner with a friend. According to the student's father, the family received a phone call from her friends informing them about the incident. We arrived this morning and filed a police complaint. We chose this college for its strong academic reputation, hoping to provide our daughter with the best opportunities, he said.
How Bengal revolutionaries often had their way in British jails
A new book by a Kolkata professor on British-era imprisonment in Bengal claims how incarcerated Bengali revolutionaries were different from their counterparts elsewhere in ideology and method
ED Raids WB Ministers Office Over Municipal Recruitment Scam
ED raided the Office, restaurant and eight other sites around Kolkata as inquiry continues
Kaziranga National Park has lost over 300 sq km of grasslands in a century, with forests expanding significantly. This ecological shift, driven by human pressures and climate change, threatens megaherbivores like the one-horned rhino. Invasive plant species are a major concern, impacting crucial grassland habitats.
Karwa Chauth 2025 Moonrise Time: Know When the Moon Will Appear in Your City
Karwa Chauth 2025 is being observed on Friday, October 10. Know the exact moonrise (chand) time, puja muhurat, and fasting details for major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and more.
ED raids 12 places in West Bengal, Telangana, Gujarat in Rs 2,700 crore bank fraud case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 12 locations across West Bengal, Telangana, and Gujarat in a Rs 2,700 crore bank fraud case. Raids are underway at 10 places in Kolkata, one in Hyderabad, and one in Ahmedabad. The operation aims to trace alleged diversion of bank funds and identify beneficiaries linked to a jewellery firm.
Jobs scam: Bengal minister Sujit Bose's property among six Kolkata locations raided by ED
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched six locations in Kolkata, including West Bengal minister Sujit Bose's residence, as part of an investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities in a civic organisation. Raids also targeted former officials of the South Dum Dum Municipality, aiming to gather corruption-related documents. This follows a previous raid and questioning of Minister Bose in January 2024.
Bengal Job scam allegations: ED conducts search operations at six locations in Kolkata
The ED raids include Minister Sujit Boses residence-cum-office in Salt Lake, and the houses of former officials of the Dum Dum Municipality
Bank fraud: ED raids jewellery firm's offices, accountant's residence in Kolkata
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous raids across Kolkata on Friday as part of a probe into a Rs 1,200 crore bank fraud. The investigation targets a jewellery company suspected of acquiring fake loans through fictitious entities. Raids included the residences of company officials and a chartered accountant believed to be instrumental in the fraudulent scheme.
Karwa Chauth 2025 Moonrise Time: Karwa Chauth 2025 falls on Friday, October 10. Married women will observe a day-long fast from sunrise to moonrise. The fast concludes after sighting the moon. Key timings for the puja and moonrise in various cities are provided. This tradition celebrates marital devotion and well-being.
Autonomy debate rages after IIM director quits
RAIPUR: The resignation of IIM Raipur Director, Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, highlights the inconsistencies between the IIM Act and the institutes HR policies, which some academics acknowledge have persisted for years and are seen as a key reason behind his decision to step down. Prof. Kakani said the contradiction between the institutes HR policies and the spirit of the IIM Act of 2017 was limiting his professional scope, thereby hindering his work and decision-making. He resigned abruptly on July 22, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. For more than two months, Prof. Sanjeev Parashar has served as Director in charge. He could not be reached for comment. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors. Two former directors of IIM KolkataAnju Seth (2021) and Uttam Kumar Sarkar (2023)resigned over disputes with their boards. A respected academic, Prof. Kakani has previously taught at IIM Kozhikode, XLRI Jamshedpur, and LLBSNAA Mussoorie. He is now the vice-chancellor of RV University, Bengaluru. Faculty and senior students at IIM Raipur said disputes over administrative authority between directors and board chairpersons have increased since the IIM Act, 2017. They said these differences affected the institutes administrative autonomy and functioning. Prof. Kanai had reportedly raised these concerns during his tenure. A source explained the probable circumstance behind Prof. Kakanis resignation. A grave academic integrity issue involving the institutes faculty member allegedly implicated in a forgery acted as a primary catalyst for the sudden exit of Kakani. The fraud specifically related to a doctoral students signature to reorder the co-authorship of a research article accepted in an A-star journal, the source said. 3rd head in five yrs to quit over rift with board Prof Ram Kumar Kakani resigned abruptly as the IIM Raipur Director on July 22 this year, well before his tenure was scheduled to end in March 2027. Prof. Kakani is the third director of a premier IIM in the past five years to resign, reportedly due to differences with the Board of Governors.
EC officials threatening Bengal govt officers: Mamata
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Election Commission, alleging that its officials were threatening officers of her government and acting under political influence even before the announcement of assembly poll dates. She also asserted that the BJP was playing with fire in the name of the 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 .
Explore Zees Mrigaya: The Hunt, the suspenseful thriller from Bengali cinema!
Prepare for the interesting Bengali thriller Mrigaya: The Hunt, which premiered in theatres on June 27, 2025. This movie is ideal for taking part in Durga Puja festivities. This action-packed movie, which was directed by Abhirup Ghosh, blends police drama with unvarnished human stories as it delves into Kolkatas dirty underbelly. With a UA score and a duration of two hours and 5 mins, it is best for fans of gripping, sensible memories. It is straightforward for anybody to follow [] The post Explore Zees Mrigaya: The Hunt, the suspenseful thriller from Bengali cinema! appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HNGIL revival kicks off with Kolkata as Madhvani Group's INSCO takes charge
Uganda's Madhvani Group, through INSCO, has successfully acquired Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNGIL) for Rs 2,250 crore. New chairman Shrai Madhvani visited Kolkata facilities, outlining a revival plan with Rs 1,000 crore capex for modernization and diversification. Employees express optimism about the group's global turnaround expertise.
SIR in West Bengal: EC sets 7-day deadline for voter list mapping
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed officials in West Bengal to expedite the voter list mapping process as part of preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), setting a deadline of seven days to complete the process, an official said. Nearly 40 per cent of the task remains unfinished, with progress 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 .
All India Trinamool Congress slams BJP over vandalism of party office in Tripura
GUWAHATI: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Wednesday slammed the BJP for its alleged involvement in the vandalism of its Tripura head office in the state capital Agartala on Tuesday evening. The AITC said under the BJPs rule, Tripura had been transformed into a theatre of terror, a place where jungle raj is the new normal and gratuitous political violence has become a tool of governance rather than an aberration. The AITC rushed a six-member delegation to BJP-ruled Tripura to take stock of the situation. The delegation met Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag to condemn the ongoing political violence and targeted intimidation in the state. The AITC alleged that Tripura Police remained silent spectators, both during the attack on the party office and when its delegation was restricted from visiting the same office on Wednesday. Our delegation condemned this misuse of state machinery to suppress democratic voices and urged the DGP to take immediate action, the AITC said. It further stated that when those in power themselves lead mobs and orchestrate violence, it is not just an attack on a political opponent, it is a direct assault on democracy. The mastermind of the Agartala vandalism is none other than Big-Flop Deb. After being unceremoniously removed from the Chief Ministers chair in 2022 and dismissed within his own party as incompetent, he has now been parachuted into Bengal as BJPs election in-charge for 2026, the AITC said, referring to Biplab Kumar Deb. Desperate to prove his worth, the AITC alleged, Deb is engineering provocation and orchestrating violence to pad up his scorecard. In Kolkata, AITC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she would go to Tripura, if required. The BJP had on Tuesday taken out a rally to condemn the assault on the partys West Bengal MP Khagen Murmu, allegedly carried out by AITC workers in North Bengal recently. It was during the rally that some people perpetrated the violence.
Mamata Banerjee to again visit landslide-hit Darjeeling next week
The West Bengal CM returned to Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon after visiting the affected regions of North Bengal. She had met the families displaced by the calamity, and launched emergency support measures
The Union Government has refuted the allegations made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the floods in North Bengal caused by rivers originating from Bhutan, stating that India is actively engaged with the Bhutanese government to manage trans-border river issues. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in response to Banerjees accusations, the Centre said it is working closely with the Government of Bhutan to address matters concerning river erosion, silt and debris deposition on riverbeds, and flash floods in West Bengal. The ministry stated that India and Bhutan have already formed a joint expert and technical committee to tackle these challenges. It also highlighted the role of existing bilateral mechanisms such as the IndiaBhutan Joint Group of Experts (JGE), Joint Technical Team (JTT), and Joint Experts Team (JET), of which officials from the West Bengal government are active members. These joint groups aim to ensure transparency and keep all stakeholders informed about ongoing efforts. Previously, Banerjee had written to the Prime Minister, urging the formation of an IndoBhutan River Commission to manage and regulate floods in Bengal. I had written to the Prime Minister advocating for this commission, warning that without it, North Bengal would continue to face consequences. Yet, I have not received any response, stated Banerjee. She also accused the Central Government of failing to provide funds for flood management. The Centre provides no funds for flood management and has even halted the Ganga Action Plan for cleaning the river. This is the level of discrimination being meted out to Bengal, said the Chief Minister. According to the Union Governments statement, the 11th JGE meeting was recently held in Paro, Bhutan, where discussions focused on eight additional rivers entering West Bengal from Bhutan including Hashimara Jhora, Jogikhola, Rokia, Dhawla Jhora, Gabur Basra, Gabur Jyoti, Pana, and Raidak (I & II). A joint study on erosion and sedimentation problems in these rivers was initiated. The Government of West Bengal has been asked to carry out the detailed study on the aforesaid to be presented during the next JTT meeting, scheduled later this year. In addition, strengthening of the hydrological observation network in Bhutan for improvement in flood forecasting on trans-border rivers on the Indian side is also being worked out, the statement further read. On the question of funding, the ministry clarified that there are no pending proposals related to flood management projects and noted that 1,290 crore has already been released to the Government of West Bengal under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP). It further underlined that under the Ganga Action Plan and Namami Gange Project, a total of 62 projects and interventions worth 5,648.52 crore have been undertaken in West Bengal. The statement concluded by noting that the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has sanctioned 31 sewerage infrastructure projects and 30 ghats and crematoria projects in the state. Additionally, a major initiative for river rejuvenation has been approved, specifically for the rejuvenation of Tolly Nullah in Kolkata.
IISER Kolkata develops friendly bacteria to fight cancer
KOLKATA: A team from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata has developed a strain of friendly bacteria that can safely and effectively fight cancer from within the patients body, the premier institute said in a statement. Simultaneously, the team is also developing a detection system capable of monitoring the progress of the therapy in real time. Together, these innovations represent a significant advancement in the integrated therapeutic and diagnostic approach, or theranostics, to cancer treatment, according to IISER Kolkata. Their project, titled ReSET (Reprogramming the Suppressive Environment of Tumour Microenvironment), aims to address one of the key challenges in cancer therapy. Cancer often hides behind special immune cells called T regulatory cells (Tregs), which suppress the bodys natural defence system. This makes standard therapies like immunotherapy or chemotherapy less effective, the statement explained. Taking a bold and innovative approach, the IISER Kolkata team is engineering probiotics, beneficial microbes, to detect tumours and disrupt their suppressive activity, thereby reactivating the immune system to fight the disease. In simple terms, the team is transforming friendly microbes into living, targeted medicines that could one day operate from inside the body, making cancer treatment safer and more effective. To ensure the project is not just scientifically sound but also ethically and socially relevant, the students have engaged with oncologists, surgeons, cancer survivors, and NGOs. They have also organised school outreach programmes, cancer awareness campaigns, and collaborated with hair donors and patient support groups. These interactions have helped them align their innovation with real-world needs, ensuring that the therapy is designed with a human-centred approach. The team emphasises that their work is not merely a laboratory prototype, but also a proof of concept that demonstrates the potential of Indias youth to lead global scientific innovation. By targeting the Tregs pathway with engineered bacteria, we hope to bring forward a completely new class of cancer therapeutics, one that could revolutionise the way we treat cancer, the team said. The 11-member undergraduate team will represent IISER Kolkata and India at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Grand Jamboree 2025, the worlds largest synthetic biology competition, to be held in Paris this October.
DelhiKolkata highway nightmare: Vehicles reportedly stuck for four days after heavy rains
Torrential rains in Bihar's Rohtas district have caused a massive traffic standstill on the Delhi-Kolkata highway for four days. Flooded diversions and waterlogged roads have brought hundreds of vehicles to a halt, with commuters reporting no visible efforts from authorities to resolve the gridlock.
Now in Bengaluru: lectures in bars
Sometime last year, a viral video shows New Yorkers enjoying a pint of bear in a laid back bar, and unlike the typical buzz of several conversations happening at once or scattered laughter, all eyes were on a presentation a lecture by a local universitys professor. Now, this off-beat experience has come to Indias pub capital, through the efforts of Cubbon Reads founders Harsh Snehanshu and Shruti Sah with software engineer Meghna Chaudhary. Bengalureans were already warmed up to the concept because of reels. There was an existing need for it with people wondering why we didnt already have this, explains Sah. The team has hosted events each Sunday since August, all focussed on topics with a catchy ring to them. They include Too Hot to Handle: Indias Growing Climate Crisis, Much Ado About Drawing, Deja Oops: Why Neuroscience Says Your Memory Cant be Trusted, and Off-Roading on an Alien World, a lecture by a former NASA engineer. The idea is to pick niche and interdisciplinary subjects that people wouldnt encounter on their own. Sah explains, Weve had a bat researcher and professor at NCBS speak, one was on memories that textiles carry and another was on how growing heat crisis is impacting Indians through someone who creates heat maps. So far, the audience has drawn a crowd of people mainly in their mid-20s to 30s with a few older people in attendance too those who have left college behind but long for intellectual stimulation. We are realising that Bengaluru is intellectually curious, leading to fascinating conversations, says Snehanshu. Lecturers, he says, are leaving pleasantly surprised by their audience. They were surprised that the audience is so engrossed and intelligent, because the follow up questions that come are really intriguing. We also realised that conferences dont pay but weve been able to give back to academicians and experts for their research while bringing it to the masses. Participant asks a question With the concept buzzing online, the duo has started chapters in other cities. People are noticing this happening in Bengaluru and want the same in their cities. So now we have active chapters in Delhi and Mumbai with upcoming ones in Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata. The early evening timing too is intentional as Snehanshu mentions, Generally, its the first drink of the day for most people and they will be sober enough to understand the lecture. If youre a teetotaller, non-alcoholic beverages are served too. Tickets range from 500 to 1,300 based on how early the booking is made. (More details: @pintofview.club on Instagram)
Video: Massive Jam On Delhi-Kolkata Highway, Vehicles Stuck For 4 Days
It is a very long line. Hundreds of vehicles queuing almost bumper-to-bumper have formed this never-ending, not-so-straight line as they have been stranded on the Delhi-Kolkata highway for the last four days
PVL 2025: Kolkata Thunderbolts Pick Solid Win Over Kochi Blue Spikers to Get Three Points
Pankaj Sharma named Player of the Match
AMUs Dr Hamid Ashraf Honoured with A.R. Seth Award
Aligarh: Dr Hamid Ashraf, faculty at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious A.R. Seth Award at the 54th Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESI) in Kolkata. The award, one of Indias top recognitions in endocrinology, honours exceptional research and clinical contributions [] The post AMUs Dr Hamid Ashraf Honoured with A.R. Seth Award first appeared on .
Mamata Banerjee's 'Courtesy' Visit To Injured MP, BJP's 'No Arrest' Question
Countering BJP's criticism over the West Bengal government holding a Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata after north Bengal was devastated by landslides, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said the event could not be cancelled because VIPs had come for it
Supreme Court defers RG Kar rape, murder case hearing till November
On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Sanjay Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The heinous crime triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests in West Bengal
SC defers RG Kar rape, murder case hearing till November
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred till November its hearing on the suo-motu case in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. On January 20, a Kolkata trial court awarded convict Sanjay Roy life term imprisonment till death in the case. The 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 .
Monitoring situation in landslide-affected north Bengal: Mamata
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she is personally monitoring the situation in landslide-hit districts in the northern part of the state to provide support to the affected people. In a social media post on X, Banerjee said that every arm of the administration has been mobilised with the singular purpose 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 .
SC defers hearing in RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case till November
The Supreme Court has postponed its hearing on the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The case, which caused widespread protests, saw the convict receive a life sentence. The court is monitoring related issues, including doctor safety. The National Task Force previously recommended against a separate central law for offenses against healthcare professionals.
Elderly woman swept away by Damodar river rescued 45 km downstream in West Bengal
KOLKATA: In what locals have described as a miraculous escape, a 65-year-old woman who was swept away by the swollen Damodar river was rescued nearly 45 km downstream in West Bengal, police said. The incident occurred at Jakta village in the Rayna area of Purba Bardhaman district, where the river was in spate following heavy rainfall and water discharge from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) dams, a senior police officer confirmed. Maturi Tudu had gone to bathe in the Damodar river alone. She was swept away by strong currents caused by the DVC's water release and continuous rains, the officer said. With the joint efforts of police and local villagers, Tudu was found and rescued 4550 km downstream. She was initially taken to Jamalpur Rural Hospital, where doctors noted that she had fallen ill due to prolonged exposure to water. She was later shifted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. I went to bathe in the river on Sunday afternoon and was swept away. I somehow managed to hold onto something until villagers rescued me, Tudu recounted. Jamalpur Block Trinamool Congress president Mehemud Khan said the elderly woman was handed over to her family after police verified her identity. She survived purely by luck, he remarked.
New Heft: Navy Commissions Submarine Hunter INS Androth
The ceremony was presided over by vice admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command, in the presence of senior naval officers, representatives of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE, Kolkata) and civilians
Second state-of-the-art submarine hunter INS Androth joins Indian Navy
NEW DELHI: In a boost to its anti-submarine capabilities in the countrys coastal areas, the Indian Navy on Monday commissioned its second state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), Androth, at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Indian Navy said the commissioning of INS Androth adds a significant punch to its ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats posed by adversaries in the littorals. The ships induction underscores the Navys continued emphasis on indigenisation, innovation, and capability enhancement, while reaffirming the vital contribution of GRSE in strengthening Indias maritime security architecture, the Navy said. At 77m in length and displacing about 1500 tonnes, INS Androth is specially designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. The vessel, a state-of-the-art submarine hunter, is fitted with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems, enabling it to detect, track and neutralise sub-surface threats with precision. It can sustain prolonged operations in shallow waters and is equipped with technologically advanced machinery and control systems, the Navy said. Powered by three waterjet propulsion systems driven by marine diesel engines, INS Androth is extremely agile and manoeuvrable. Its capabilities extend to maritime surveillance, search and rescue, coastal defence missions, and low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) making it a versatile platform for littoral operations. As highlighted by The New Indian Express earlier , the Indian Navy's focus on anti-submarine warfare is conspicuous with its planned induction of 16 ASW-SWCs, six P-8I Poseidon and more UAVs and drones for this purpose. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous components, Androth is a testament to the Centre's vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and a shining symbol of Indias growing maritime self-reliance. Constructed under the guidance of the Directorate of Ship Production and the oversight of the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata, Androth was handed over to the Indian Navy on September 13. The name Androth holds strategic and symbolic significance, derived from Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, underscoring Indias commitment to safeguarding its vast maritime territories. In its previous avatar, INS Androth (P69) served the nation with distinction for over 27 years before being decommissioned. The commissioning of the new Androth honours the legacy and spirit of her predecessor.
'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides
DARJEELING: Environmentalists described the landslides in Darjeeling as a man-made ecological disaster, the inevitable outcome of decades of deforestation, unplanned urbanisation and poor governance that have pushed the fragile Himalayan slopes to the brink. They said the way forward lies in decentralised disaster planning, strict enforcement of construction norms, and climate-sensitive development to prevent the 'Queen of the Hills' from turning into a recurring disaster zone. The picturesque Darjeeling hills, long a refuge for weary travellers, now bear the scars of nature's fury. Twelve hours of relentless rain triggered a chain of deadly landslides that killed over 20 people and left scores homeless. The serene slopes have turned into sites of wreckage and despair -- a grim reminder that nature's retribution often follows human neglect. Environmentalists and experts who have long warned of such a catastrophe said this was not an unpredictable calamity, but the result of years of ecological exploitation and administrative apathy. The hills are paying for decades of neglect -- deforestation, unplanned roads, and reckless construction have made the terrain unstable. The rain is only the trigger; the real cause is how we have treated the mountains, said environmentalist Sujit Raha, a member of the North Bengal Science Centre. There is no proper disaster management plan in place to tackle such crises. The administration and authorities must take this problem seriously and not treat it as an annual tragedy, he said. Unchecked urban growth, poor drainage systems and hill-cutting for construction altered Darjeeling's ecosystem beyond recognition, he added. Disaster management expert Shailendra Mani Pradhan, a professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women in Kolkata, said the landslides were a direct fallout of unregulated development in one of the country's most ecologically sensitive zones. Darjeeling lies in a high seismic area and is naturally prone to landslides. Yet, infrastructure development for tourism and housing continues without any adherence to building bylaws or drainage norms. The terrain is being pushed to its limits, he said. He pointed out that the rampant construction of multi-storey buildings on unstable slopes, particularly in Mirik, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling towns, has increased the risk manifold. He called for decentralisation of disaster management, saying that while national and state-level frameworks exist, district-level disaster management committees remain largely non-functional. People must be sensitised to the ecological risks of violating construction norms. Around 7080 per cent of land in Darjeeling Municipality has been allotted for residential purposes, which is unsustainable, he said. Environmental scholar Vimal Khawas said the tragedy fits a recurring pattern of extreme climatic events that have haunted the region for decades. What we are seeing now is not new, but the scale of devastation this time reflects both natural vulnerability and growing human pressure on a fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he said. Habitations have spread into marginal areas where construction should never have been allowed. Weak enforcement of land use regulations, especially after the Gorkhaland agitation, has led to rampant building and road expansion without adherence to safety norms, said Khawas, a professor at JNU's Special Centre for the Study of Northeast India. He said the pattern of disasters seen in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reflects a larger Himalayan crisis driven by global climate change, compounded by local governance failures. He said Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which administers the Darjeeling hills, lacks both expertise and infrastructure for disaster management. The plans are mostly drawn up in Kolkata without factoring in the local topography. What Darjeeling needs is a locally driven disaster preparedness plan linked with climate action and inter-departmental coordination, especially in managing water resources, he said. Environmental activist Subhas Dutta said the recurring landslides underline the need for a long-term environmental management plan for the entire north Bengal-Sikkim belt. The continuous soil erosion in the hills is causing stones and sand to flow down into the plains, raising the riverbeds and disturbing their natural course. As a result, many riverbeds now lie higher than the surrounding inhabited areas, increasing the risk of floods, he explained. Environmental expert Satyadeep Chhetri warned that the eastern Himalayas have moved from climate change to the climate crisis phase, urging relocation of habitations from high-risk zones and rehabilitation of affected families. The refilled South Lhonak glacial lake poses a renewed threat, and the shift of extreme rainfall to September-October signals a dangerous new climatic pattern for the region, he said. Chetri claimed that large-scale hill-cutting for highways and the ongoing construction of the railway line to Rangpo have destabilised the terrain. The recent disaster bears grim echoes of the October 1968 deluge, when nearly 1,000 people perished as continuous downpours washed away entire settlements across the hills and plains.
Bengal floods: Trajectory change of low-pressure system led to havoc
North Bengal faced devastating floods due to an unexpected recurve of a low-pressure system, meteorologists confirmed. Originating in the Bay of Bengal, the system shifted from its usual path towards north Bihar, bringing extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm in areas like Darjeeling. This unusual trajectory, influenced by retreating monsoon winds, also impacted Kolkata.
Opposition slams Mamata Banerjee govt for Kolkata Durga Puja carnival
Kolkata unveiled a mega Durga Puja carnival with 116 pandals, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition parties. They slammed the Chief Minister for holding the event while 20 people died in North Bengal due to incessant rains. BJP and Congress leaders questioned the timing, urging the CM to prioritize the flood-affected region over the celebration.
PVL 2025: Bengaluru Torpedoes Script Comeback Win Over Kolkata Thunderbolts
Joel Benjamin was named the Player of the Match
Indian Navy to commission INS Androth on October 6
INS Androth is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) to be commissioned. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content, INS Androth represents a significant step in Indias pursuit of maritime self-reliance.
Indian Navy to commission second ASW, Androth, on Oct 6
Androth has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and is a major step forward in Indias efforts to build its own defence equipment, an official statement said
Indie-pop artist Mali on full-circle moments, sound shifts and patience
Back in college, Maalavika Manoj better known by her stage name Mali stumbled upon a newspaper article about Parekh and Singh. The pastel-suited duo from Kolkata had just begun catching international attention, and to a young student in Mumbai, they seemed impossibly cool. I remember thinking, wow, lucky guy, she says of Nischay Parekh, then studying at the Berklee College of Music, USA. Their music felt like proof that indie pop from India could stand tall on a global stage. Fast forward to today, and Mali finds herself singing alongside Parekh on his latest release, Location . For the Mumbai-based artist with roots in Kerala, its a full-circle moment. The New Indian Express spoke to Mali about her creative process, her evolving sound, and the quiet discipline behind it all. You first came across Parekh and Singh in college. What does it feel like now to be singing with Nischay on Location ? Its such a full-circle moment. I read about Nischay back in college he was at Berklee then and I remember thinking, wow, lucky guy. Their music felt like proof that indie pop from India could stand tall globally. This song itself has had quite a journey. The first version was from 2020, when he submitted it for music school. Since then, weve tried different versions, even performed it live once or twice, almost shot a video Its been through all of that before finally reaching people now. Your own music often looks inward, drawn from emotion. Location feels more outward, about place. Did that open something new for you? Yeah, that makes sense. My songs usually come from the internal emotions, states of mind. This ones anchored in places, in the external world. And even though I didnt write it, when you live with a song long enough, you internalise it. You start to feel its world. So I think some of that perspective will naturally seep into what I write next. How has your sound changed since your early days with Rush ? You dont like the same things at 30 that you did at 20. Your interests, your subjects they change. Itd be hard to keep writing about teenage angst or heartbreaks when youve outgrown that space. For me, the evolutions been natural. Im enjoying showing that shift, and honestly, I like surprising people. What can listeners expect from your next album? Its in the works and should be out next year. Ive written about nine songs so far, and Im working closely with Keshav Dhar, whos producing. I first demoed them on my own, and now were refining them together. Next, I want to jam with the band see how the live energy shapes the tracks before returning to the studio. Its a slow, patient process, but thats what I love about it. You see the songs grow. The artists life can be solitary. How do you stay creative in that space? It can get siloed, yeah. Thats why I gave myself a concrete goal to finish the second album next year and worked backwards. I spent June and part of July just demoing alone, letting the songs simmer. If you take them to a producer too early, everything either sounds amazing or terrible, and you lose perspective. That alone time helps clarify what the song really needs. You also handle the admin side of being an artist. How do you balance that with creativity? It feels like doing one and a half jobs. In a single day, I might record for an ad, prep for a rehearsal, then attend a meeting about visuals. Plus, there are spreadsheets, website renewals, all of it. Switching between those roles is whats draining. If you were just doing music or just managing, it wouldnt feel so heavy. But as an independent artist, you wear both hats. Streaming and AI have reshaped the music landscape. How do you see it now? When I was on Spotifys On the Radar in 2020, around 50,000 songs were uploaded daily. Now its more like 120,000 and not all by humans. Weve already had a phase where music became so polished it felt plastic and thats what AI can replicate best. Whatll stand out in the future are things that feel human: real instruments, live rooms, even small living-room performances. That intimacy will matter most. When people leave your shows, what kind of connection do you hope they walk away with? I never want anyone to feel my show was overhyped. It is what it is. My favourite thing is when someone comes along with a friend, not knowing what to expect, and leaves saying, Whoa, Im going to listen to all your songs. Thats when I know the music spoke for itself. And on the tougher days when impostor syndrome hits what keeps you going? Every artist has impostor syndrome. On those days, I remind myself of three things Ill always be proud of, even when Im older. Sometimes Ill open Spotify for Artists and see five or ten people listening right then maybe at three in the morning, somewhere in the world. Thats such a hopeful feeling. It means the songs are travelling even when Im asleep. Your family roots trace back to Kerala. Has exploring that history changed your sense of self as an artist? Ive always been into genealogy and family history. Ive interviewed relatives, done a DNA test, and traced my ancestry. Im sketching a story about matriarchal women in Malabar a hundred years ago women who didnt know the word for it but were true feminists. Im not sure yet if itll become a book, a show, or a film. But digging into those stories grounds me, and Im sure itll find its way into my music. When youre not making music or tracing history, what keeps you grounded? Gardening, definitely. I know people joke because Mali means gardener in Hindi, but I just love plants. Ive got ladies finger and chilli plants, and I check on them every day. Seeing a bud one day and a bigger one the next its like writing a song. You add a verse, a hook, and slowly it becomes whole. Cooking too I dont do it often, but I enjoy it. Music, gardening, cooking theyre all patience games.
Magicpin eyes 5 lakh customers for food delivery vertical Inner Circle by year-end
NEW DELHI, Oct 5: Hyperlocal startup MagicPin on Sunday said it aims to onboard half a million students and corporate customers for its food delivery vertical Inner Circle by December. The newly launched service has achieved enrollment of over 1.5 lakh customers during the first month of its rollout in September. Currently, students from more than 3,000 colleges and users from over 500 corporates across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata are enrolled in the Inner Circle platform. [] The post Magicpin eyes 5 lakh customers for food delivery vertical Inner Circle by year-end appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SIR in Bengal: ECI team to review complaints on BLO selection anomalies
Kolkata: A team of the Election Commission of India, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, will review next week the complaints regarding widespread irregularities in the selection of West Bengal government employees as booth-level officers (BLOs), despite them not meeting the selection criteria mandated by the ECI. The ECI team will also review the 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 .
Kolkata celebrates the Red Road Immersion Carnival 2025 today with 113 Puja committees, VIP guests, and global diplomats. The city's heart turns festive as traffic curbs and parking bans are in place for the grand Durga Puja farewell.
Kolkata Tops 'Safe Cities' List Again. What RG Kar Victim's Parents Said
The father of the RG Kar Medical College rape victim has strongly contested the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report that labels Kolkata as the safest city in India, calling it a misrepresentation of ground realities.
Trinamool highlights NCRB report on low crime rate in Kolkata
The BJP leadership in the State, however, disputed the claims of Kolkata being the safest city and claimed that the data provided by the West Bengal government to NCRB is manipulated to present a rosypicture
Minor girl from Kolkata gang-raped in Patna, seven held
A minor girl from Kolkata was gang-raped in Patna after being lured with false promises of orchestra work. Police rescued three girls, including the minor, from captivity where they faced prolonged abuse for two days. Seven individuals, including a woman, were arrested and booked under BNS and POCSO Act, as police suspect an attempt to push them into flesh trade.
Woman Journalist Assaulted At Kolkata Railway Station, Chases Molesters Before They Flee
A 23-year-old woman journalist was assaulted at Sodepur railway station subway after resisting molestation.
After NCRB data shows Kolkata safest metro, TMC slams BJP for 'maligning' Bengal on law and order
Kolkata emerged as India's safest metropolitan city in 2023, according to new NCRB data. The city reported the lowest cognisable crime rate among 19 metros. This led to political debate between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. TMC highlighted the achievement, while BJP questioned the state's law and order situation. Other major cities showed significantly higher crime figures.
RBI has kept possibility of future rate cuts open: Report
KOLKATA, Oct 4: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the possibility of future rate cuts open, with its monetary policy committee (MPC) sharply revising its inflation forecast downwards, according to a recent report by Crisil Intelligence. The central bank had on October 1 kept its policy interest rate unchanged at 5.5 per cent for the second consecutive time, citing concerns over tariff uncertainties. The report said the MPC acknowledged that GDP growth would face downside risks in the [] The post RBI has kept possibility of future rate cuts open: Report appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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Bihar cabinet approves honorarium hike for ANMs, doubles scholarship, clears key projects
PATNA: In a significant pre-election move, the Bihar government has approved a series of welfare and infrastructure development proposals, including an increase in the monthly honorarium for contractual Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) workers in urban areas from Rs 11,500 to Rs 15,000. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday, which saw approval of 129 proposals in total. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Cabinet Department, Arvind Kumar Choudhary, said the revised honorarium would include a 5% annual increment, aimed at strengthening the states vaccination efforts. In another key decision, the cabinet doubled the annual scholarship for Class 9 and 10 students belonging to the general category (including minorities) under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship scheme. The scholarship amount has been increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,600 per student, resulting in an estimated additional annual expenditure of Rs 99.21 crore. The cabinet also gave its nod to the establishment of the Bihar Film and Theatre Institute, designed to address the lack of institutional training in film and theatre arts in the state. To boost tourism infrastructure, approval was granted for the construction of a five-star hotel on 3.24 acres of land at the Bankipore bus stand in Patna. The project will be undertaken by a Kolkata-based private firm, which has been issued a Letter of Award. Additionally, an Ahmedabad-based firm has been appointed chief consultant for the integrated development of the Vishnupad Temple area in Gaya, modelled on Varanasis Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. For womens safety and rehabilitation, the cabinet approved the conversion of short-stay homes under the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Yojana into Shakti Sadan centres. These centres will offer comprehensive shelter and support to women in distress, including survivors of human trafficking. In a move to simplify processes for pensioners, the government has selected CSC E-Governance Services India Ltd, a special purpose vehicle, to handle annual life certification. Pensioners can now complete the process free of cost at nearby CSC kiosks. Earlier on Friday, the state government also announced a 3% hike in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners, raising it from 55% to 58%, effective ahead of Diwali and Chhath festivals.
TMC, BJP step up political activities after Durga Puja in West Bengal
While the BJP leadership was huddled in a meeting with newly appointed election observers in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress has announced an outreach of Vijaya Sammilani in all blocks across the State.
Of faith, fervour and family: Durga Puja celebrations in rural Bengal
Unlike Kolkata's commercial celebrations, the rural Puja meticulously upholds faith and tradition, reaffirming precious family bonds and gratitude to ancestors, embodying true cultural heritage for the globally dispersed family.
'Focus is clear': Day after Puja festivities, TMC and BJP resume focus on 2026 Bengal polls
Barely a day after the Durga Puja festival concluded officially, West Bengal's political stage was reset on Friday with both the ruling Trinamool Congress and its principal challenger BJP wasting no time in shifting gears for the assembly elections due next year. While the BJP's central leadership descended on Kolkata for a marathon stock-taking and strategy session, the TMC sought to turn the Durga Puja fervour into a calibrated mass outreach drive, with party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee personally leading the festive optics and announcing a statewide series of Vijaya Sammelanis (post-Puja gatherings) from Sunday. The Durga Puja officially concluded on Thursday with Vijaya Dashami, but the immersion of idols will continue for a few more days. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and BJP's Lok Sabha MP Biplab Deb, the party's observer and co-observer respectively, to oversee the 2026 state elections, landed in Kolkata Friday morning to hold their first round of consultations after being handed charge by the party high command last month. The two, joined by central observers Sunil Bansal and Amit Malviya, huddled with state leaders including president Shamik Bhattacharya, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, former BJP Mahila Morcha chief Locket Chatterjee, and the party's organisational leadership at its Salt Lake headquarters. According to party insiders, the closed-door meeting dwelt on granular electoral arithmetic, from districts where the BJP lost narrowly in 2021 assembly elections to areas that showed promise in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The focus is clear. Every organisational reshuffle and assignment will be decided on the basis of electoral gains and losses. No decision will be taken without weighing its poll arithmetic, a senior BJP functionary said. The saffron party leadership also emphasised the importance of the Election Commission's upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party's focus would also remain on effective implementation of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise will begin shortly after the Puja vacations. If SIR is implemented properly here, names of a large number of illegitimate voters will be deleted, severely jeopardising Mamata Banerjee's chances for a fourth tenure, a BJP leader said. Though Yadav and Deb have been tasked with steering the poll machinery, leaders present said Bansal's pivotal role was underlined in the very first meeting. No major call can bypass Bansal, another party insider said. If the BJP camp projected urgency and structure, the Trinamool Congress sought to wrap its outreach in festival sentiment. During the Puja, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was spotted pandal-hopping in Dum Dum, Baguiati and other Kolkata neighbourhoods with his daughter, sampling street food, chatting with migrant workers, and even handing out gifts. The themes of the pandals he chose migrant labourers, Bengal's role in the freedom struggle were not accidental. They dovetail neatly into the TMC's political narrative, a party insider admitted. But the real organisational push begins this weekend, when the TMC rolls out block-level Vijaya Sammelanis across the state, coinciding with the government's grand Puja Carnival on Red Road here led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Around 50 ministers, MPs and MLAs have been tasked to crisscross the state to explain welfare schemes, network with grassroots voters and prepare cadres for the booth battle once the electoral roll revision begins. These are not just courtesy gatherings. The Sammelanis will set the campaign tone and sharpen cadre preparedness, a senior TMC leader said. The ruling party has previously used post-Puja gatherings as a springboard to shake off organisational lethargy - notably after the doctors' agitation at RG Kar Hospital last year. This time, the challenge is different. There is institutional fatigue, especially among the urban middle class. The danger is it may snowball into a larger anti-TMC wave, a party strategist said, pointing to the BJP's gains in several urban pockets in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. For Abhishek Banerjee, the shift from mass rallies to puja pandal strolls marks a visible recalibration. Durga Puja is about people, emotion and identity. Abhishek has chosen to be in the middle of it, not watching from the sidelines, a leader said, adding that the style change was aimed at plugging urban gaps and projecting accessibility. As the dust of the Puja settles, West Bengal's two main rivals appear determined to make every festive tradition count in their battle of optics and organisation. For the BJP, the urgency is to iron out factional rifts and sharpen strategy under central eyes; and for the TMC, it is to convert emotion into mobilisation while countering anti-incumbency after nearly 15 years in power. The festive lights may be dimming, but Bengal's political arena is only beginning to flare up.
India and China to resume direct flights after a five-year ban
India's IndiGo airline said that it would restart direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou from 26 October.
Households see easing in price pressures in major food and non-food products: RBI Survey
Indian households reported easing price pressures. The RBI survey indicated moderation in inflation expectations. Near-term inflation forecasts dropped. One-year ahead expectations also fell. Younger respondents showed a lower current inflation perception. Kolkata recorded the highest current inflation perception among cities. The survey offers insights into household views.
5 yrs on, India, China to restart direct flights later this month
India announced the resumption of direct air services with China from late October, a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations. This follows PM Modi's recent meeting with President Xi Jinping and earlier tourist visa resumption, aiming to boost people-to-people contact and economic cooperation. IndiGo will launch Kolkata-Guangzhou flights on October 26.
