BJP to go alone in Bengal civic polls, no alliance with NCPI, says Samik Bhattacharya
Senior BJP leaders from West Bengal, including Samik Bhattacharya, are opposed to taking NCPI on board for the Kolkata or Howrah municipal corporation elections, as it could create fresh confusion among grassroots-level workers
IISc Bengaluru develops more effective method to extract uranium from seawater
Kolkata/Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have found a more effective way of extracting uranium from seawater. The method will also help in the removal of uranium from groundwater in a more effective manner. Developing efficient technologies to extract uranium from seawater could offer a promising long-term pathway toward securing a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel. At the same time, uranium contamination of groundwater is an important environmental and public health concern, the institute has said. With land-based uranium deposits depleting fast, the focus is now on extracting uranium from seawater. As compared to about 7.5 million tonnes of uranium on land, seawater has about 4.5 billion tonnes of the vital material needed for nuclear power plants. Over the years, researchers have developed a wide range of materials for capturing uranium from aqueous environments and seawater, including porous organic polymers and functional nanomaterials. Many of these materials rely on strong chemical interactions between functional groups and uranyl ions to selectively capture uranium. However, achieving highly selective uranium separation in the chemically complex environment of seawater remains a major challenge due to the high concentrations of competing ions, the IISc has said. A recent study from the Department of Physics, IISc, presents a new approach to addressing this challenge. The team has shown that specially designed slipped covalent organic framework (COF) membranes can completely reject uranyl ions while allowing common seawater ions to pass through, it said. The researchers investigated the molecular-level mechanisms responsible for this selective separation. Their analysis of ion hydration structures, free-energy barriers, and membrane-induced friction revealed how the structural arrangement of the COF layers controls the movement of different ions through the membrane. Unlike conventional approaches that often depend on extensive chemical functionalization to introduce selective binding sites, the new strategy exploits the intrinsic structural confinement created by slipping the COF layers. This provides a way to control ion transport across the membrane primarily based on its nanoscale structure, rather than relying solely on strong chemical interactions with uranium, the institute has said. The findings provide important insights into how the architecture of layered COF membranes can be engineered to control ion transport pathways and free-energy landscapes. Overall, the work demonstrates the potential of combining advanced molecular simulations with rational membrane design to develop highly selective separation technologies for challenging environmental and energy-related applications. The research was carried out by Yogendra Kumar and Binu Varghese, under the mentorship of Prabal K Maiti, and carried out in collaboration with Accenture Labs, Bengaluru.
Mystery shrouds death of couple in Bengals Cooch Behar
Kolkata, Sep 6 (IANS) Sensation had surfaced at Bakshirhat under Tufanganj community development block in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal on Sunday following the recovery of a couples body under mysterious circumstances at two different locations within and near their residence. While the body of the husband, Sunil Biswas (70), was recovered from within their residence, the body of his wife, Janki Biswas (45), was recovered from within the thick bushes near that house. Janki is the second wife of Sunil. Incidentally, Sunils first wife, Gita Biswas and their biological son, Sajal Biswas, stay in the same locality but at a separate residence. The Cooch Behar district police have so far detained four persons for interrogation in the matter. However, the district police are yet to declare their identities for the sake of secrecy in the investigation process. Injury marks created by sharp weapons have been detected on the bodies of both Sunil and Janki. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem purposes. A district police officer said that on receiving the information about Sunils body from his residence, the cops from the Bakshirhat Police Station reached the residence. However, at that point in time, Janki was untraceable at the residence. The police started looking for her and finally recovered her body from the bushes, which were barely 20 meters away from their residence. Sensation is prevailing in the area over the mysterious death of Sunil and Janki. After initial investigation, the investigating officials are more or less convinced that the couple was murdered. But there is confusion about the reason. The police, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ricky Agrawal, have started searching for the weapon used in the murder and other evidence. The police have detained four persons so far for interrogation purposes. However, the cops are not willing to reveal anything further at this moment right now for the sake of the investigation. The local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and the West Bengal minister of state for women and child welfare Malti Rava Roy said that she had heard the news that a couple had been murdered. However, I do not know the reason for the murder. The police have started an investigation. I hope the criminals will be caught soon, she said.
Jaladashyu pakhi, pirate of the seas, makes a second appearance in Bengal
Call to keep Durga Pujas in West Bengal vegetarian kicks up a storm
Chief Priest of Bageshwar Dham, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Viswha Hindu Parishad leaders have asked Durga Puja pandals to avoid non-vegetarian food
Actors, directors dissect Guru Uttams acting skills
KMC Food Inspectors Knock on Mall Eatery Doors, Discards Meat in a Central Kolkata restaurant
AIIMS Jammu set to become India's first hospital to get CISF cover
AIIMS Jammu is poised to become the first hospital in India to receive armed security from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) due to its strategic location near the India-Pakistan international border. This move marks a significant shift in security policy for healthcare facilities, which the Ministry of Home Affairs had previously resisted. The CISF is also slated for deployment at Kolkata Metro and Donyi Polo Airport.
Minister Emphasizes Consumer Rights Awareness in Kolkata Event
In Kolkata, Minister Dilip Ghosh highlights the importance of consumer rights awareness to combat fraud during a special program. Minister Emphasizes Consumer Rights Awareness in Kolkata Event
Uttam Kumar beyond romance: Actors revisit Mahanayaks darker, complex roles
New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for a fundamental change in the way industry and research institutions collaborate, stressing that potential commercial partners should be brought into research projects from the very beginning. Addressing CEOs, CSOs and COOs from industry during an interaction at the 6th RISE Conclave at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB) in Kolkata, the Minister said the commercial arm should be in association with the lab right from day one. Dr Singh said involving industry at the project-planning stage would ensure that market requirements, user needs and commercial considerations are incorporated while a technology is still under development. This, he said, would help prevent situations where a technology reaches the market but subsequently requires substantial modifications to meet actual industry or consumer requirements. Responding to an industry suggestion that commercial partners should be involved at the laboratory stage itself, the Minister said early industry participation could provide valuable inputs on market dynamics, product design, environmental sustainability, supply-chain requirements and commercial viability. Such collaboration, he said, would help bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready products. The interaction also provided an opportunity for industry representatives to place specific technological challenges and requirements before the Minister. Critical minerals and indigenous technologies emerged as important areas of discussion, with participants highlighting opportunities in rare-earth extraction, permanent magnets, recycling, lithium beneficiation and the recovery of strategic minerals such as vanadium and titanium. Industry representatives sought technological support and hand-holding from CSIR laboratories to scale up technologies in these areas. Discussions also covered the possibility of exploring rare-earth resources and other critical minerals in eastern India. Dr Singh emphasised the need to make greater use of capabilities being developed across CSIR laboratories and other government scientific institutions. He encouraged industries to identify specific requirements and work with laboratories to develop practical technological solutions. Space technology and specialised optical components were also raised during the interaction. The Minister sought details on the issues presented by industry and indicated that matters relating to space technology could be taken up with the Department of Space.
Mamata Banerjee visits Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, pays tribute to Mother Teresa
Mamata Banerjee visited the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and met Sr. Mary Joseph M.C., Superior General of the organisation. She paid tribute to Mother Teresa, remembering her lifelong service to humanity and her message of love, compassion and dignity.
ED conducting searches at residence of business family in Kolkata
Kolkata, Sep 6 (IANS) An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was carrying out search operations at the residence of a business family, involved in share trading and money market operations, in north Kolkata since Sunday morning. In this raid, instead of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, the ED team was escorted by Kolkata Police personnel. It is learnt that a team of ED officials from the central agencys eastern regional office turned up at the Phoolbagan Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the residence of the said business family falls. After completion of the necessary formalities there, a joint team of ED officials and police from the Phoolbagan Police Station arrived at the multi-story building named Shivam located at Kankurgachi. The ED officials are tight-lipped over the exact reason behind the raid and search operations. It is learnt that the residence at which the raid and search operations are being conducted belongs to the Shah family, who are involved in share trading and money market operations. Recently, ED had become active again in West Bengal over a number of money-laundering cases. On September 3, ED officials conducted search operations at multiple locations in Kolkata, as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged Rs 290 crore bank-loan fraud by a private company. The private company had availed loans from banks to set up a 66 MW power plant in Jharkhand, but the loans were allegedly siphoned off to other group entities and for personal use. On September 2, the ED launched search operations at 14 premises under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in different locations in the country, including Kolkata, as part of an investigation into alleged fraudulent collection at various National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plazas. The searches were carried out in locations across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu, Madhya Pradesh, the National Capital Region (NCR), as well as Kolkata.
Bengal Police start probe against Trinamool legislator after rape complaint
Kolkata, Sep 6 (IANS) Police in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas have started an investigation against Trinamool Congress lawmaker from Canning (Paschim), Paresh Ram Das, following a complaint of rape filed against him. A state police official said that the woman had lodged a complaint in the matter with the sub-division police officer (SDPO) of Canning, and on its basis, an investigation had been initiated by the Baruipur police. In her complaint, the woman said that after the incident took place in 2023, she attempted to register a complaint with the police then only. However, she alleged that the police then refused to entertain her complaint and, in addition, she and her family members faced harassment from the Trinamool legislator and his associates for approaching the police. Now, with the change in regime in West Bengal, she had acquired the courage to proceed in the matter again, she said. The victim alleged that Das demanded Rs 4 lakh from her husband before the 2023 panchayat elections, promising to get him a ticket for the polls. The complainant claimed that when she went to the old age home set up by the MLA to deliver the money to him, as promised by her husband, she was subjected to physical harassment. The victim alleged that after extorting Rs 4 lakh from her, the legislator locked her in her house and raped her. She also complained that even though she went to the Canning Police Station to file a complaint, no FIR was filed against the accused legislator. In addition to that, the victim complained that Das and his associates attacked her house for approaching the police. She also alleged that his associates carried out a bomb attack on her house. According to district police sources, the Canning Police Station has registered a rape case based on the woman's complaint and started an investigation in the matter. Das, however, has claimed that there was a conspiracy to tarnish his image and an attempt to implicate him in a false case.
25_Kol_PM_Sanjib digital arrest
25_Kol_SL_Subrata Chattoraj Calcutta HC directs cancellation of Pradhan OBC
25_Kol_SL_Subrata Chattoraj Calcutta HC directed SDO Tamluk to cancel a pradhan obc certificate
25_Kol_SL_Srishti Lakhotia Calcutta HC increases compensation to an accident victim
25_Kol_TB_Tamaghna_four arrested in 2 crore investment fraud
2502 Mid salboni burishol village no devlopment copy UC
25_Kol_PM_Rupak Howrah shootout
2502 Sadiqul Ahmed died in a chemical drum explosion in Kharagachi area of Bhangarh.
Farakka rail restoration nears completion; North Bengaltrain servicesmayresume soon
Trial run conducted on restored down line as railway authorities inspect tracks for safety
2402 Guns and bombs recovered from ISA worker's house in Bhangarh
24_Kol_DG_Dwaipayan Two Maid Thefts
24_Kol_DG_Dwaipayan Southern Avenue Fire
24_Kol_DG_Dwaipayan 2 arrested for stealing more than Rs 1 crore cable
24_Kol_KB_rain brought relief to pollution
24_Kol_SN_Rupak Youtuber arrested for cheating
24_Kol_SN_Rupak Jewellery robbers pose as cops
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that two CM Shri schools, modelled after PM Shri schools, will be opened in each district
Kolkata Police Summons Abhishek Banerjees PA Again Over Hoarding Controversy
Kolkata police have summoned Sumit Roy, PA to Abhishek Banerjee, for questioning in a hoarding removal dispute involving TMC leaders. Kolkata Police Summons Abhishek Banerjees PA Again Over Hoarding Controversy
Spooked by med tourism dip, Kolkata hosps send liaison teams to Bangladesh
KC Das dispute reaches NCLT as Bengaluru business faces strain
KMC delimitation: Booth shift tops objection list
Dozen Bihar tigresses on shortlist for one Buxa slot
Among Other Things, Police To Keep Eye On Puja Pandal Themes
Cop drive against illegal hawkers at New Market
No one like him: Satyajit Ray on Uttam Kumar
Rain with 40kmph wind, lightning lashes north Kolkata
Kolkata croaks its way through temp swings after viral surge onslaught
A bloody good century: Kolkata man does 100th platelet donation
Designer dresses, jewellery from Guj, Kolkata to adorn Krishna this year
Kolkata to host food safety workshop for resto staff
After tragedy, clubs to keep watch even on seasoned swimmers, underwater drills
16-year-old boy drowns during practice in Sarobar swimming pool
Vidyasagar bust found dumped at Baruipur park
KMC cracks whip on Dacres Lane eateries
RSS journal slams JU, calls for relocation of depts to stop jihadi forces
Train pain eases but bus and airfares stay higher than usual
Trial run on repaired New Farakka railway line successful, normal services to resume
Kolkata, Sep 5 (IANS) The trial run on the repaired railways track along the New Farakka Line in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has been successful, following which the normal train services are expected to begin from Saturday, the Eastern Railway have claimed. The repair work was successfully completed on Saturday morning following which the trial run started. Now, an insider from the Eastern Railway said that normal train services will resume from Saturday night. However, he added that it might take some more time for the train services on the tracks to be fully successful, considering that several trains have to be cancelled and routes of some trains had to be diverted following the landslides occurring on the railway tracks of the New Farakka line on Thursday morning. Following the landslides, the train services connecting South Bengal to North Bengal were severely disrupted in the last couple of days. Shivram Majhi, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, said that repair work on the tracks damaged by the landslide had been completed and the train services are expected to return to normal by Saturday night. However, the exact time when trains will begin running according to the scheduled timetable has not yet been confirmed. Eastern Railway officers claimed that the officers and staff engaged in the track repair process had done a commendable job considering the two related hindrance factors that incessant rainfall in the area hampered the repair progress, as the soil at the repair site remained unstable and waterlogged. It is learnt that like Thursday and Friday, numerous trains have been cancelled on Saturday as well, while several others are being diverted. The state government is arranging food and water for stranded passengers, and additional buses are being operated across North and South Bengal. Despite these measures, the difficulties faced by a large number of passengers remain unresolved. The disruption also led to a sharp increase in demand for private bus services between Kolkata and Siliguri, with fares reportedly rising from around Rs 1,500 on normal days to between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 over the past few days.
Malda med college MSVP removed after 89 infant deaths in Aug
Fire at Siliguri pvt hospital sparks panic
Kin seek govt aid to bring migrants body from Kerala
Graft panel searches houses of two ex-TMC councillors in DA probe
DVC reduces water release, flood situation improves in south Bengal
Bengal launches scholarship for students at top institutions
Suvendu announces CM-Shri model schools in every district
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 4: Imagine six-year-old children, barely out of kindergarten, bent forward under a bag weighing nearly a quarter of their own body weight. This isn't a hypothetical scenario. It is a crisis in plain sight, a reality for millions of Indian schoolchildren - and a health concern that Kolkata-based social and cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria has now thrust into the national spotlight.
Rankings don't matter, says Brazil legend Cafu ahead of IND vs BRA friendly
Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while India are 138th, making the Kolkata fixture the highest-ranked opposition the Indian team has faced since the FIFA World Rankings were introduced
Diego Forlan to Begin Uruguay Coaching Stint With India Friendly
Uruguay has announced a star-studded squad, including Real Madrid's Federico Valverde and Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, for an international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 6. The match will also mark Diego Forlan's debut as head coach for Uruguay, who will also face Panama and Brazil in other friendlies.
World champions coming to India: Forln names Valverde, Nez-led Uruguay squad
Uruguay have announced a 46-player preliminary list for upcoming FIFA international matches. The squad includes prominent players like Federico Valverde and Darwin Nez. India will host Uruguay on October 6 in Kolkata. This match follows India's encounter with Brazil three days prior. The Panama friendly has been rescheduled to September 25.
Hotel crackdown leaves Bangladeshi patients without a roof in Kolkata
Bangladesh Deputy High Commission urges visitors to confirm hotel bookings before travelling
After Thug Life Setback, Mani Ratnam Shows Up Again
This time, Mani Ratnam has chosen West Bengal and its culture as the backdrop. The story is set in Kolkata, with the citys local trains seemingly playing an important part in the narrative.
KMC Seizes 500 Kg Meat, Fish From Kolkata
Kolkatas civic food-safety team seized around 500 kg of chicken and fish from Big Boss, while the restaurant said it was only four days stock.
India vs Brazil will be a great game: Brazilian football legend Cafu
Brazils World Cup-winning captain Cafu plays ball with university students at Navi Mumbai; insists October 3 friendly between both nations at Kolkata will hugely benefit Indian team and its supporters
West Bengal fire department orders vacating the basement and two floors of Abhisheks office
The order by the WB Fire Department directed not to use the premises at Camac Street until and unless the fire safety measures were complied with and the Renewal of Fire Safety Certificate was obtained.The premises used by Trinamool Congress general Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was vandalised on Thursday.
Three bonded labour victims rescued from cold storage at West Bengals Alipurduar
Local contractors from Sundarbans had engaged the victims after payment of some advance and all the three were denied minimum wages and their movement was restricted. The rescue was made from a cold storage facility.
In a first, Cal HC orders CBI probe in digital arrest case
Fire dept tags Abhishek Banerjees Camac Street office unsafe, orders it vacated
State govt set to appoint Mithun as cultural adviser
N-S Line: Smoke Billows From Metro Train
First book stay, then visit Kol, Bdesh tells tourists
Hoax Bomb Letter In Kol-Gorakhpur Flight Lavatory
Bengal govt to develop flats, plots for 3,500 families
State suspends teacher, files FIR in school tilak row
Portion of balcony and roof of old building in Kolkata collapses
