kolkata News

BLOs protest in Kolkata against fresh workload, clash with police

They have been directed to go door to door again to correct discrepancies, deliver notices regarding hearings

Sreenanda announces divorce to Shilpa recreates FA9LA song: Top 5 news

Bollywood buzzed on Dec 22: Shilpa Shetty aced 'FA9LA' trend, praising 'Dhurandhar' cast; Sreenanda Shankar announced divorce after 16 years; Lagnajita Chakraborty alleged harassment in Kolkata; Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan' teaser eyes Dec 27; Gulshan Devaiah defended Ranveer's 'Kantara' controversy.

Anger spills onto streets in India, Bangladesh as protests erupt over lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das

Kolkata has become a hub of fervent protests in response to the horrific mob lynching and burning of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. Stirred by the tragic event, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari rallied demonstrators to voice their condemnation and insist on justice. As the call for accountability resonates, further actions including a border blockade are anticipated.

Calcutta High Court reserves verdict on PILs over Lionel Messi event fiasco at Salt Lake stadium

KOLKATA: Hearing of three PILs over the fiasco during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi showcasing event last week that saw spectator rampage at the Salt Lake stadium here concluded before the Calcutta High Court on Monday. The petitioners sought investigation into the incident by central agencies as well as refund of ticket price to the spectators, a section of whom had gone on a rampage over not being able to see their favourite star and early conclusion of the event following a messy situation on the ground with some people jostling around Messi, thus blocking the view of those seated on the stands. The court reserved judgment after arguments by the parties in the matter were concluded. The counsel for the West Bengal government argued before a division bench presided by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul that the state did not sell the tickets, and it was an event organised by a private event management company. Claiming that the investigation was being done in right earnest by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, he stated before the court that the state's director general of police (DGP) was issued a show cause letter over the incident. The owner of the event management company, Satadru Dutta, was arrested on December 14, soon after the event on that day, in connection with the fiasco. Dutta's lawyer submitted before the division bench, also comprising Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, that they were unaware as to how so many people, who milled around Messi blocking the view of the spectators, entered the ground as the police were in charge of entry points. He further stated that the football legend's events were also held in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi and that all went off smoothly. Billwadal Bhattacharya, the lawyer for Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who is one of the petitioners, questioned the source of funds for organising the event and prayed that the court order an investigation by a competent central agency. Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing another petitioner, submitted before the court that the enquiry committee formed by the state government is not a judicial commission, but is simply an administrative one. The state's lawyer stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had, soon after the incident, expressed regret for the fiasco and that her government formed the committee comprising a retired high court judge and top officers of the administration. He also said that the police are probing as to how water bottles, which were thrown onto the ground by irate spectators, found their way into the stadium when the police had ordered that these were among the objects not allowed to be taken inside.

SuvenduAdhikari leads protests outside Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata against attack on Hindus

Congress workers also stage protest, call for end to violence against minorities in Bangladesh

Four of family charred to death in midnight fire in Bengal's Howrah village

KOLKATA: Four members of a family were charred to death while sleeping inside a room during a fire on Sunday night in Howrah district of West Bengal, officials said on Monday. The incident took place around midnight in Sauria village under the jurisdiction of Joypur police station in Howrah. The deceased were identified as Durjodhan Dolui (72), his son Dudhkumar Dolui (45), daughter-in-law Shibani Dolui (40), and granddaughter Shampa Dolui (15). Their bodies were recovered from the room by police after locals informed the police station. An investigation is underway to ascertain how the thatched house caught fire, officials said. Two fire tenders were deployed and the blaze was brought under control after about an hour. The bodies have been sent to a government hospital in Uluberia for post-mortem examination, officials confirmed. Locals said the family was reportedly very poor. Dudhkumar also had a son who works as a migrant labourer outside the state, officials added.

Kolkata Port plans to float tender for development of agro processing zone on port land within two months

The port has facilitated development of a large cold storage facility, where marine products, fruits, vegetables and medicines can be refrigerated and preserved for exports or imports

Kolkata sarod maestro flees Bangladesh after concert venue attacked

Renowned sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh after the cultural venue Chhayanaut was vandalized amid unrest. Khan, who concealed his Indian identity during his escape, expressed shock at the attack on the venue where he was scheduled to perform. His tabla player remains stranded in Dhaka.

Codeine syrup seized in UP; six held in separate operations in Etah, Mirzapur

ETAH:The Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown on the alleged illegal trade, diversion and distribution of regulated codeine-based cough syrup, arresting six persons in separate operations in Etah and Mirzapur districts, officials said on Monday. The action comes as the probe widened into the alleged codiene syrup trafficking racket, suspected to be involved in illicit trade estimated to be worth hundreds of crores -- with links stretching across several states and possibly beyond international borders. In Etah, a joint team of the Agra anti-narcotics unit and Aliganj police recovered 47 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, estimated to be worth around Rs 50 lakh, from a tobacco warehouse under Aliganj police station area limits Sunday night. Four persons, including a retired serviceman, were arrested on the spot, police said. According to police, the raid was carried out at a warehouse in Nagla Bani village following a tip-off. Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized cough syrup bore the name of a Baddi-based pharmaceutical company, 'Wings', but the batch numbers printed on the wrappers had been deliberately scratched off, indicating that the consignment was illegally manufactured. Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal The arrested accused have been identified as Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Shakya, Pramod Shakya and Punjab Singh, a retired soldier. Cases have been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other relevant sections, and further investigation is underway, police said. Official sources said the Etah recovery is suspected to be linked to Varanasi-based drug trader, Shubham Jaiswal, who is allegedly associated with an international drug syndicate. A lookout circular has already been issued against him, while his father was arrested earlier from Kolkata. The main accused remains absconding, officials said. In a separate development, Mirzapur police arrested two more accused -- Ajit Yadav and Akshat Yadav -- in connection with a case of illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrup registered at Adalhat police station. The arrests were made on Sunday evening following sustained investigation of the suspects, police said. According to officials, the two accused had allegedly floated firms using forged Aadhaar cards and supplied cough syrup through fake documentation. During investigation, police found that transactions worth over Rs 1 crore had been routed through bank accounts opened in Varanasi in the name of the fake firms. Police said Akshat Yadav, proprietor of a firm named A K Distributors, was supplied around 36 litre of New Phensedyl cough syrup (100 ml bottles) from a trader based in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The firm was found to be non-functional on the ground, and records showed it had been opened only once or twice without carrying out any genuine pharmaceutical business. Further scrutiny revealed that the Aadhaar card used for obtaining the drug licence carried a Mirzapur address and was forged, while a different Aadhaar card with a Varanasi address was used for banking purposes, pointing to deliberate fabrication of documents, police said. The firm's bank account in Varanasi showed a turnover of around Rs 1.28 crore. The two accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act and sent to jail. Police said involvement of more suspects is likely and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the recoveries and arrests form part of a broader state-wide investigation into the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup, a regulated drug.

Cameron Green breaks IPL overseas record in move to Kolkata Knight Riders

The Australia allrounder was part of a bidding war which saw him finish with a AU$4.2 million deal

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir announces new political party

Kolkata: Humayun Kabir, the suspended Trinamool Congress legislator from Bharatpur Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, on Monday announced his political party, christened the Janata Unnayan Party. According to Kabir, the name of his new political outfit was the result of a well-thought-out exercise since he neither wanted to include the word Congress 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 .

Meet The Kolkata-Born Indian Woman Who Built The World Of Avatar Fire And Ash

With her incredible talent and creative vision, Aashrita has played a pivotal role in bringing the world of Pandora to life

Meet Mohammad Izhar - The Left-arm Pacer From Bihar Who Caught The Eye Of Mumbai Indians

The Bihar Cricket Association: Mohammad Izhar had little time to savour the feeling of his IPL dream coming true. As his name was called out at the IPL 2026 auction, the left-arm pacer from Birpur in Bihars Supaul district was already racing against the clock - within 15-20 minutes, he needed to board a bus for a six-hour ride to Patna, where the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp awaited him. When the auction was on, I was at home with my brothers in law. While from the outside I was very excited and nervous, I was very anxious about whether my name will come in the auction or not. Finally, the Mumbai Indians picked me and it brought in a different level of happiness. While I was feeling very good and excited about getting a chance to be in IPL, I became very emotional. Though everyone began celebrating at home, I had to leave to catch the bus for Patna, so I didn't celebrate it much, Izhar recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANS. The five-time champions have been renowned for unearthing uncapped gems through a robust scouting system. Though they had a small purse in IPL 2026 auction, picking Izhar for his base price of Rs 30 lakh is very much a signal that they may have unearthed another gem in the making. Even as he remained engaged with the trials of Kolkata Knight Riders, Izhar recalled how the five-time champions chose patience in having a look at him. Though Mumbai Indians is a big franchise, they are so humble, which even words cannot explain. When they called me for a trial, I was at KKR's trial. But despite being such a big team, they waited for me to come for the trials. When I reached, I was very tired, but I saw they waited for me and told me to rest for a while, so that I could bowl comfortably after recovering. I rested well and then went through the trials very well. It's a very good franchise and the coaches there were very humble. Izhar's cricketing journey began in Birpur, a town in Supaul district, where tennis ball cricket was the gateway to bigger dreams. His transition to leather ball cricket came through a chance observation by his local mentor Jaichand, who spotted raw talent that others missed. Jaichand bhaiya and Birbal bhaiya got me into leather ball cricket and taught me a lot for the last 2-3 years. Previously, I played tennis ball cricket and in one of the games, Jaichand bhaiya saw me bowling and then he told me to start playing with a leather ball. I then went on to play for the district and initially it felt a little tough as I was straightaway playing these games without having played leather ball cricket before. But it began so well that I havent looked back after that. Birbal bhaiya is a star bowler himself. I learnt a lot from him and Jaichand, who himself was a cricketer, he added. Watching legendary fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee also transformed Izhars casual interest into a Junoon (passion) to play cricket. Starc has always been my idol from the start. Then seeing Akhtar and Lee take wickets brought in a junoon in me about playing cricket. From the start, it was not like I will play for India or be in IPL. Gradually, I started playing and those thing started to come in my mind. You do get a good understanding of these things once you start to put yourself through the grind. I started setting aims that I want to play for the state and do well there. It was in my mind that I wanted to play in the IPL, though the goal of playing for India is still at the top. But I didn't anticipate that I will get picked this year. So, I am very thankful to God that I got picked for IPL this year. Like many young cricketers from smaller towns, Izhar's early journey wasn't paved with automatic support. Bihar's limited cricketing infrastructure meant initial struggles were there, but his father's growing belief in him transformed everything. When I started playing, my father started giving me a lot of support. He began to understand that I have games to play and do well in them. The support from him grew so much that he started taking care of everything around me by himself. Whenever I got small bruises, he would put a bandage quickly at home. The Bihar Cricket Association's faith proved equally crucial, especially after Izhar had a disappointing previous season. The backing from BCA officials, including previous President Rakesh Tiwari, allowed Izhar to rebuild confidence and rediscover form when it mattered most. Last year, I did not get anything great in terms of performances. I started preparing for this season early and the association trusted me to come good. So I am very thankful for that to all of them in BCA. I am very thankful for the chances because of which I got selected for the IPL. I had a good performance this time in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (taking nine wickets in five games in Kolkata), where the IPL scouts saw me, called me for trials, got into the auction and now I will be in IPL. Izhars bowling arsenal centers on both inswing and outswing, complemented by variations of slower ball essential for success in T20s. Operating around 135 kmph, Izhar acknowledges his game remains a work in progress, particularly his execution of yorker and consistency with swing deliveries. I also have the yorker in my repertoire, but I need to groom and polish it more. In all, I need to do everything better because I am not always perfect. Like my in swing and out swing is not perfect yet, and I need to work on it more. I always try to work on the small things and make my bowling better. Plus, there are some variations of slower ball that I need to polish and groom more. With an IPL deal in hand, Izhar will have access to two masters of the craft - Trent Boult, whose left-arm swing bowling mirrors Izhar's own style, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose yorkers and control have redefined modern-day fast bowling. Boult bowls with the left arm like me and Bumrah swings the ball well. His yorkers are deadly. I am going to learn a lot from them. For youngsters from modest cricketing outposts, Izhars rise carries a clear message: patience and persistence outweigh the lure of instant success. His journey from tennis-ball matches in Birpur to an IPL contract with MI stands as validation of that belief. With an IPL deal in hand, Izhar will have access to two masters of the craft - Trent Boult, whose left-arm swing bowling mirrors Izhar's own style, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose yorkers and control have redefined modern-day fast bowling. Boult bowls with the left arm like me and Bumrah swings the ball well. His yorkers are deadly. I am going to learn a lot from them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Now on the cusp of wearing MIs iconic blue and gold in IPL 2026, Izhars emergence adds fresh momentum to his promising cricketing story. It underlines once more that, with the right backing, cricketing talent can emerge from the games most unheralded corners. Article Source: IANS

Mamata Banerjee accuses Amit Shah of controlling ECI; warns against voter deletions ahead of 2026 polls

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday once again lashed out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that he controls the Election Commission of India (ECI). Addressing a meeting of Trinamool Congress Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, around 1.5 km from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) at BBD Bag, the Chief Minister intensified her attack on Shah. I have never seen such an autocratic, worthless home minister who controls the Prime Minister, she said. Notably, Abhishek Banerjee, the partys national general secretary, was absent from the meeting. However, several ministers, including controversial leader Arup Biswas, who recently resigned from the sports and youth affairs portfolio following the Salt Lake Stadium chaos on December 23, along with Sujit Bose, party MLAs and MPs, attended the programme. Think about the future if these rioters run our country. They deleted Gandhijis name from the 100-day job guarantee scheme, Mamata said. On December 11, a day after Shah slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha over alleged Bangladeshi infiltration into Bengal on December 10, Mamata Banerjee had termed him dangerous. She accused the Centre and the ECI of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to unlawfully delete the names of lakhs of eligible Bengali voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The Election Commission is working only as per the directions of the BJP. There are gross errors in the mapping of voters during the SIR exercise in the state, she alleged at Mondays meeting. The Trinamool Congress supremo also claimed that central officers appointed as micro-observers for SIR hearings have little knowledge of the local language and are unfit to conduct verifications during the second phase of the revision exercise. Mamata further alleged that Shah was directly guiding attempts to remove as many as 1.5 crore names from the electoral rolls in the state. During a previous rally in Nadia district on December 11, she had warned that she would sit on an indefinite dharna if even a single eligible voter was excluded during the SIR exercise. The countrys home minister is dangerous. His two eyes send a message of disaster. In one eye you see Duryodhan, and in the other, Dushasan, she said, dramatically intensifying her rhetoric over the past week. She also alleged that the Commission was deploying officers close to the BJP during the revision process. According to her, the Commission has deleted 44,000 dead and bogus voters from the electoral rolls in her Bhawanipore Assembly constituency, while 72,000 names have been removed from the Chowringhee seat. What do you think? Can you defeat us in the coming Assembly elections by deleting voters? she asked. Names are being deleted if someones address changes because of delimitations. We will win the battle again despite these attempts at deletions, she said, targeting the ECI. We will win Delhi (the Centre) once we come back again in Bengal, she said, urging party grassroots workers to remain alert. She asked BLAs to verify draft electoral rolls through door-to-door visits to ensure whether voters whose names were deleted during the SIR exercise were genuine cases. Voters whose names have been deleted can fill up Form VI and Annexure IV and submit them to the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) for inclusion, she said. She also instructed BLAs to carefully check whether voters who were unmapped during the first phase of the SIR process had been issued notices by the Election Commission for hearings.

How much money did Messi take home from his India tour?

Hyderabad: Lionel Messi is not just a footballer, he is a global brand and a World Cup winning icon. Wherever he goes, stadiums fill up, airports turn into fan zones, and people travel just to catch one glimpse. That same stardom was seen in India during his GOAT India Tour, starting in Kolkata, where massive 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 .

Sachin Tendulkar and Cricket Legends Pay Emotional Tribute to Dharmendra

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, 89, died recently after a long illness. A lot has been written about his films and his versatility. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, for his work. He left a legacy in films, had a fan base that crosses borders and was equally popular in non-film zones which included sports. Thats why various sports persons also paid him glowing tributes describing him a legend and icon of Indian cinema, whose work left a lasting mark on the masses. Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him, said Virat Kohli. I, like many others, took an instant liking to Dharmendra ji, the actor, who entertained us with his versatility. That on-screen bond became stronger off-screen when I met him. His energy was incredibly infectious, and he would always tell me, Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera. He had an effortless warmth, making everyone around him feel valued and special. Aisa lagta hai jaise mera 10 kilo khoon kam ho gaya hai. Will miss you, said Sachin Tendulkar. Several Pakistani cricketers also paid a moving tribute to the star, calling him a global legend. Dharmendra ji was a legendary hero, and Sholay remains an all-time classic. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy across the subcontinent and was immensely popular in Pakistan as well. My deepest condolences, said former captain Rashid Latif. Dharmendra was a huge cricket fan and regularly followed the Indian cricket team and many a times openly praised players for their performances. Once he shared a photograph on social media of a chance encounter with Sachin Tendulkar on a flight and captioned it, Desh ke gauravshaali Sachin se aaj achanak hawai jahaz mein mulaqat ho gai. Sachin jab jab mila mujhe hamesha mera pyaara beta ban ke mila Jeete raho. Love you, Sachin. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir also paid his condolences and revealed that Dharmendra was the favourite actor in his household. He added that his personality and charisma were like none other. Mohammed Siraj will also never forget him. On Indias historic Test series triumph against Australia in 2021, Dharmendra praised Indian pacer from his heart, not just for his heroics with the ball, but for his emotional strength. Siraj had remained with the Indian team despite the tragic loss of his father during the tour and fulfilled his late fathers dream of playing Test cricket. He claimed 13 wickets in the series and helped India in winning the series by 21. When Siraj returned India, he drove straight from the Hyderabad airport to Khairtabad graveyard to pay his respects to his father and this deeply moved Dharmendra, and he penned an emotional note, Siraj , Brave heart son of India Love you Naaz hai tujh par, dil par walid ki maut ka sdma liye tum watan ki Aan ke liye match khelte rahe ..aur ek unhoni jeet watan ke naam darj kar ke lote..Kal tujhe apne walid ki qabbr par dekh kar mun bhar aya. PT Usha, one of India's greatest athletes, often called the country's queen of track and field who won 23 medals in all, 14 of which were gold, is now a MP as well as the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). She recently shared a secret while paying a tribute to the late actor and disclosed that the Bollywood legend had gifted her a princely sum of Rs.50,000 as a private token of appreciation for her performance at the Seoul Asian Games 1986, where she won four gold and one silver medal. On an inflation calculator, that amount is worth approximately Rs.4.26 lakh today. The best part was that the gesture was made quietly, without disclosing to media, for publicity and never sought an acknowledgement. This was a sign of his humility and genuine support for sports. Incidentally PT Usha now regrets that she never got to meet Dharmendra in person, We couldn't meet personally due to our busy schedules but sometimes love & affection are enough to keep the hearts connected even 1000 miles apart. Veteran film star Sharmila Tagore remembered him with the note, Stardom can make people larger than life. Dharmendra, paradoxically, became larger by remaining human. She worked with him in many films and she also disclosed a cricket story. The India-West Indies Kolkata Test was played from 31 December 1966 to 5 January 1967, and the last day of the Test was the birthday of India captain Tiger (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi). During those days Sharmila Tagore was dating Pataudi and wanted to wish him his birthday in person. At that time Sharmila Tagore and Dharmendra were working together filming Mere Hamdam Mere Dost. Also Read: Live Cricket Score She wanted to take an early morning flight from Mumbai to be in Kolkata for the match, and to celebrate Tigers birthday but also didnt want the producer to suffer due to her sudden absence. She requested Dharmendra for an all-nighter, which he graciously agreed and shot till 7 am. No disclosure, no story and he never spoke of the inconvenience of working the whole night. However, this gesture helped Sharmila to board the flight that morning, without a guilt of putting producer in any inconvenience or loss.

India Is a Hindu Rashtra, No Constitutional Approval Needed: RSS Chief Bhagwat

New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 22: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that India is a Hindu Rashtra and does not require constitutional approval for it, asserting that it is a factual reality. He made the remarks while addressing a programme at Science City auditorium in Kolkata. Expressing concern over the condition of [] The post India Is a Hindu Rashtra, No Constitutional Approval Needed: RSS Chief Bhagwat appeared first on Northlines .

Singer Lagnajita alleges harassment while performing 'Jago Maa'

During a heartfelt performance in Kolkata, renowned playback singer Lagnajita Chakraborty experienced a harrowing moment when an audience member stormed the stage, purportedly seeking to disrupt her devotional singing with aggressive demands for secular music. Following the alarming encounter, she has taken steps to file a complaint and remains assured of the authorities' commitment to her safety at upcoming shows.

Resolving differences among warring groups in Manipur will take time: Bhagwat

KOLKATA: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said it would take time to resolve differences among warring sides in ethnic strife-torn Manipur, exuding confidence that peace will ultimately prevail in the northeastern state. Bhagwat, who recently visited Manipur, said he had held talks with all tribal and social leaders as well as youth representatives of the state. []

Bengal SIR hearing sessions: ECI disallows individual institution certificates

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that academic qualification certificates issued by individual educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will not be recognised as valid identity documents or age proof during the hearing sessions on the claims and objections to the draft voters list in West Bengal, which will start 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 .

Had To Hide Indian Identity: Kolkata Sarod Player Shiraz Ali Khan Recalls Harrowing Bangladesh Escape

Shiraz said his mother is still in Bangladesh, along with several Hindu accompanists whose names he has withheld for safety reasons.

Bengal SIR: Mamata Banerjee to hold meeting with TMCs BLA on Monday

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to hold an important meeting with the Trinamool Congress booth-level agents (BLAs) at Kolkatas Netaji Indoor Stadium on Monday. According to a senior Trinamool Congress leader, the Chief Minister will hold a meeting with selected BLAs from Kolkata and surrounding districts. BLAs from 11 Assembly constituencies Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gold, silver prices today, December 22: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 22, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,485 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,361 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,11,000 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

Centre rejects mining push charge behind Aravalli definition, asserts no relaxation

New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 21: Asserting that 90 per cent of the Aravalli region will remain protected, the Centre on Sunday rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining and cited a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases in the region. It said a Supreme Court-approved framework provides for []

Sarod player forced to flee Bangladesh hiding Indian identity

Renowned sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh to Kolkata after his concert venue was vandalized. Hours before his performance, the cultural hub was attacked amid unrest. Khan, whose family has roots in Bangladesh, concealed his Indian identity to safely depart, while his tabla player remains stranded. He vows not to return until artists and cultural spaces are protected.

World 25K Kolkata: Cheptegei, Azimeraw win; Gulveer, Seema rewrite Indian course records

Kolkata, Dec 21: Ugandas Joshua Cheptegei underlined his mastery of the distance to win the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata mens race while Indias Gulveer Singh and Seema rewrote the course records in their respective elite categories here on Sunday. Ethiopias Degitu Azimeraw produced a clinical performance to dethrone defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede []

Sports must get priority over politics, bureaucracy: Bhaichung Bhutia

Kolkata, Dec 21: Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Sunday termed the chaos during Lionel Messis public event at the Salt Lake Stadium here as undesirable and said sports events must be given priority over political and bureaucratic formalities. Speaking after a running event in Kolkata, Bhutia said fans turn up to watch sport []

JMM distances itself from Health Minister's remarks offering job to Muslim doctor involved in Bihar hijab incident

RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday distanced itself from the remarks of Health Minister Irfan Ansari , who offered a job to the female Muslim doctor who was allegedly assaulted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public event in Patna last week. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that there is no provision empowering the minister to offer a job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. I dont think a minister can provide a Rs 3 lakh job to anyone. However, the issue that is being suppressed should be discussed, the JMM spokesperson said, stressing that the minister's statement was personal. The party was responding to Ansari's remarks, inviting the female doctor to Jharkhand and offering her a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting and full security, the minister said in Jamtara on Saturday. The minister was responding to the December 15 incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. He accused Nitish Kumar of attempting to demean the hijab (veil) and the Muslim community through the act. Without naming anyone, Ansari also contrasted the incident with Jharkhand's governance. This is Jharkhand. Governance here is sensitive, inclusive and rooted in respect for human dignity, the minister said. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Secretariat on December 15 to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn widespread criticism , with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, former BJP minister C P Singh alleged a possible connection between the woman doctor and the Al-Falah University in Haryana, which has come under scanner in connection with the alleged white collar terror module. Singh demanded an NIA inquiry into the episode and said Ansari was not the health minister for one community alone. People from this particular community want to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind. Therefore, the NIA should investigate whether Nusrat Parveen has any connection to Al-Falah University, the BJP leader alleged. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

Green Is A World-class Cricketer Who Is Going To Get Better With Time, Says Shane Watson

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson has hailed Australias seam bowling all-rounder Cameron Green as a world-class cricketer who, in his view, will only get better with time. Green emerged as the headline signing of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, as three-time champions KKR secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore. It made Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy in all after India internationals Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. I'm going to initially talk from my selfish point of view, okay? I've always been a massive fan of Cameron Green. I'm an all-rounder at heart, so I know what it takes to push the limits to be the best all-rounder that you possibly can be. And I've always absolutely loved everything about Cameron Green - the way he goes about his skill set as a batter, and his incredible skill set as a bowler as well. He's got incredible height, he's got incredible skill, and I've been wanting to have a chance to be able to work with him really closely. I've had a number of conversations with him over the years, to be able to just help him wherever he needs it. But I haven't had a chance to work with him in a team and help him on his journey to be the very best that he possibly can be. Now, because of KKR, I get a chance to be able to work with him and pass on my knowledge that I was so fortunate to be able to gain throughout my playing days, playing with so many incredible players, said Watson in a video posted by the franchise on their YouTube channel on Sunday. In the run-up to the auction, there was chatter on who between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would get Green, and the former prevailed. Watson also said Green will further grow as an all-round T20 player by being in the KKR set-up. From a KKR perspective, to be able to have someone who can bat in the top three (he has scored IPL hundreds in those positions) or if needed, he also can bat at six and seven, and power hit - he's an incredible power hitter. That makes him incredibly versatile. He is also a world-class fast bowler. He's tall, he gets bounce, and he's also got more to be able to grow from a bowling perspective. He's got Dwayne Bravo and also Andre Russell to work with, along with me, to develop his T20 bowling skills. Hes a super nice guy, he's a great team man, so look, you can see why the bids went up so high for him. We were adamant to be able to get him, because we knew the calibre of cricketer he is, and he's a young guy too. He's 26, so he's got a lot of years of IPL cricket left in him. I'm so stoked to be able to have a chance to work with him; weve certainly got a world-class cricketer who is only, in my opinion, going to get better with time, he added. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. He's nowhere near reaching his ceiling, and he's already done some pretty spectacular things on the cricket field so far. I was pretty vocal about how good he was and how big a pick he could be for us, because in the IPL, he's been an unknown entity. He hasn't played much, even though he was at RCB for a couple of seasons. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He can take down the best bowlers in the world and has done that throughout his career. I'm thrilled to be working with him again and continuing to support him on his journey. I know the rest of the leadership group at KKR are feeling the same way as well, knowing the incredible skill that Finn's got, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Bhutia criticises chaos in Messi's Kolkata event: 'Sports should get priority'

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has criticized the chaotic public event for Lionel Messi in Kolkata, emphasizing that sports should always take priority over politics and unnecessary formalities. He highlighted that fans attend to watch the sport and players, not lengthy speeches or VIP arrivals, and hopes the incident serves as a lesson for future event organizers.

Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhaichung Bhutia

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia criticized the chaos at Lionel Messi's Kolkata event, advocating for sports to take priority over political formalities. He emphasized that fans attend to watch the sport and players, not for lengthy speeches or VIP delays. Bhutia hopes the incident serves as a lesson for future sporting events.

Convincing wins for Ugandas Cheptegei and Ethiopias Degitu

Gulveer Singh and Seema, the best home runners, rewrite Indian event records in the 10thTata Steel World 25K Kolkata

Cameron Green Important For Us, Needed Someone To Take The Franchise Forward: Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has defended the franchises record-breaking move for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, describing him as a long-term investment to take the three-time IPL champions forward following the retirement of Andre Russell. Green emerged as the headline signing of the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi last week after KKR secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy overall after Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Explaining the franchises aggressive approach at the auction, Nayar told JioStar that KKR were determined to land Green and were unconcerned about the price tag, saying, I can't say how high we were willing to go for him, but we wanted to go all out. If we have the money, we spend it. There was no point in saving the money. The idea was to do whatever we could to get Green because he is a very important player for us. With Andre Russell gone, we need someone to take the franchise forward. So, we decided we must have Cameron Green. Nayar also revealed that KKR see Green as a key top-order batter capable of delivering consistently across the season. We see Cameron Green batting in the top three. He is a player who can score 500 runs for us. That is why we were so desperate to get him. We know he has that ability. He has scored over 500 runs in the IPL before, so he can do well in the top order. He solves different problems for us, he added. The head coach highlighted the importance of top-order contributions in KKRs past successes. Over the past few years, our success came when our top three players scored more than 400 runs. The hope is that he can score big runs for us. Nayar also revealed that KKR see Green as a key top-order batter capable of delivering consistently across the season. We see Cameron Green batting in the top three. He is a player who can score 500 runs for us. That is why we were so desperate to get him. We know he has that ability. He has scored over 500 runs in the IPL before, so he can do well in the top order. He solves different problems for us, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by rival franchises during the bidding process. We tried, but RCB always seems to go after our players. This year they got him. Venkatesh has been phenomenal for us over the years, and I wish him all the best in his new IPL journey. Article Source: IANS

Misconceptions About RSS Owing To Misleading Campaigns: Mohan Bhagwat

Kolkata, Dec 21: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said there are some misconceptions about the organisation among a section of people, owing to misleading campaigns. Speaking at a programme at the Science City auditorium here to mark the centenary celebrations of the RSS, Bhagwat said the Sangh has no enemy, but there are some whose shops of narrow interest will shut down if the organisation grows. He said a person has the right to make an opinion [] The post Misconceptions About RSS Owing To Misleading Campaigns: Mohan Bhagwat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bengal SIR: ECI to seek explanations from BLOs on doubtful cases in draft voters list

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will take written explanations from the booth-level officers (BLOs) engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal on the doubtful cases in the draft voters list, which was published on December 16. Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, 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 .

Top 5 cities in India to celebrate this Christmas holiday 2025 with lights and cheer

Christmas spirit is already alive across India, with cities offering diverse ways to celebrate. From Goa's relaxed charm and Shillong's intimate warmth to Puducherry's gentle pace, Mumbai's inclusive energy, and Kolkata's vibrant street festivities, each destination provides a unique experience. These five cities beautifully capture the season's joy, lights, and shared warmth.

Lobo Lobo is Messi-ed up

You were there in person, Lobo Lobo? Kolkata or Mumbai?

The man who defied his mother

Souvik Ghosh At a time when political ambition is often wrapped in calculation, Shashi Tharoors entry into Indian politics was shaped by doubt, family anxiety, and personal conviction. That story unfolded with rare intimacy at a tte--tea hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, in association with Sanskriti Sagar and FICCI FLO Kolkata, where Tharoor appeared alongside his sisters Shobha and Smita. What followed was not a political speech, but a deeply personal conversation-about motherhood, fear, idealism, and the cost of [] The post The man who defied his mother appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi posts on CAA, Lionel Messi mess to target TMC

Prime Minister Modi took to X after leaving Kolkata, addressing CAA concerns for Matua and Namasudra communities, assuring them of dignity and rights. He also criticized Trinamool Congress over the Salt Lake Stadium incident and alleged infiltration from Bangladesh. Trinamool countered, calling his statements damage control and questioning his script.

Dont Join Politics: Why Shashi Tharoor Defied His Mother And Chose Conviction Over Comfort

By Souvik Ghosh At a time when political ambition is often wrapped in calculation, Shashi Tharoors entry into Indian politics was shaped by doubt, family anxiety, and personal conviction. That story unfolded with rare intimacy at atte--tea hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, in association withSanskriti Sagar and FICCI FLO Kolkata, where Tharoor appeared []

Sesa FA stumbleagainst Garhwal Utd

NT Reporter Panaji Sesa FA suffered a 3-1 defeat to Garhwal United FC in an Indian Womens League clash at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE), Kolkata on Saturday. Garhwal United raced into a commanding lead through Lhingdeikim (12), Sanfida Nongrum (15) and Deepika Pal (45+4), all in the first half. Sesa FAs Sarjida Khatun [] The post Sesa FA stumbleagainst Garhwal Utd appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Messi was unhappy with being touched at Kolkata event: Dutta tells SIT

Kolkata: Satadru Dutta, the arrested main organiser of Lionel Messi event here on December 13, has told investigators that the football icon was unhappy with being touched or hugged during his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium and left before staying there full-time as scheduled, a source in the SIT said on Saturday. During prolonged Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi slams maha jungle raj in West Bengal, seeks BJP vote

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, calling the states prevailing situation maha jungle raj and alleging that corruption, nepotism and appeasement of the ruling dispensation have prevented development in the state. Addressing a massive gathering at Taherpur in Nadia district over the phone from Kolkata, 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 chaos: Messi's event derailed after a 'influential person' reached stadium?

Lionel Messi's event organiser, Satadru Dutta, revealed the footballer disliked physical contact, leading to his early departure. Dutta claimed an influential person disrupted crowd control plans, allowing unauthorized access. Messi reportedly received Rs 89 crore for the tour, with Rs 11 crore paid in tax. Investigations into security lapses and financial dealings are ongoing.

Ahmedabad Metro to add Made-in-India trains to its Hyundai Rotem fleet

The train manufactured from Kolkata will join a set of 32 trains supplied by South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem for Phase-1 of Ahmedabad metro, which include trainsets imported directly from South Korea

PM Modi's silence on voter deletions during West Bengal rally irks Matuas

KOLKATA: As the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal puts thousands of Matua community members at a risk of losing Indian citizenship, Prime Minister Modi's silence during his rally in West Bengal has sparked sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress. While addressing the crowd at the Taherpur rally, a Matua-dominated region of the state, the PM started his audio message from Kolkata airport saying Jai Netai, and remembered the roles of social reformers such as Harichand Thakur, Guruchand Thakur and Baroma. However, the PM did not address a major issue plaguing the Matua community as thousands of names were deleted from the voters lists following the 2025 SIR process. Jai Netai is a devotional slogan used to venerate Nityananda Prabhu, a primary figure in Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which is closely associated with the Matua Mahasangha, a significant social and religious reform movement in Bengal. Matuas attending the rally were expecting the PM to address the mass name deletions. Many were excluded from the 2025 draft rolls due to their absence from the 2002 electoral rolls. A majority of the Matuas who had migrated from Bangladesh are Hindus. Aggrieved Matuas staged demonstrations on Saturday in different parts of Ranaghat parliamentary area, a politically significant belt for BJP, demanding that their citizenship be secured. The agitators shouted slogans such as Go Back Modi. The PM could not attend reach the rally site as dense fog had prevented his helicopter from landing at the makeshift helipad in Taherpur this morning. BJP sources said, We had a phenomenal rise in since 2019 Lok Sabha elections in North 24 Parganas, Nadia and parts of Jalpaiguri because Matuas voted for us. But a large section of Matuas anxious about the SIR outcome that deleted thousands of voters belonging to the community. Modiji didnt say anything about their crisis during the rally, and it is upsetting for Matuas, the sources added. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur, belonging to the Matua community, said, BJP has been giving false promises to the community for a long time, but our Prime Minister has nothing more to give them. Instead, he has taken away their voting rights what they used to enjoy in elections. BJP has got Matua votes by giving them false promises. Out of 17 Matua-dominated assembly constituencies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas district, BJP had won all the seats in 2021 assembly polls. The saffron party had also won Ranaghat and Bongaon Lok Sabha seats in Matua belts in 2024 elections. Interestingly, around 85,000 Matua voters names in Bongaon sub-division have been deleted from the electoral rolls following the SIR. Since the SIR kick-started in Bengal, the BJP has asked Matuas not to worry and has launched a massive drive to facilitate citizenship for eligible members of the community.

West Bengal Was Shamed Courtesy TMC: PM Modi Targets Mamata Banerjee Govt Over Messi Event

The controversy surrounding Lionel Messis visit to Kolkata escalated after high-profile event at Salt Lake Stadium ended in chaos, triggering public anger and political fallout.

Messi left Kolkata stadium as he was 'unhappy with being touched, hugged': Chief organiser tells SIT

Satadru Dutta, the arrested main organiser of the Kolkata event featuring football giant Lionel Messi, has told a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that the Argentine legend left the Salt Lake Stadium within minutes of his appearance on December 13 --resulting in chaos-- as he was unhappy with being touched or hugged, reported PTI. According to the report citing sources from the SIT, Dutta also disclosed that the much-awaited event ended in chaos and violence after a very influential person reached the stadium and increased the number of ground passes issued by three times. The organiser also claimed that after the influential person entered the stadium, the entire flowchart of the event got disturbed and he was unable to control it. During his interrogation on Friday, Dutta told the investigators that Messi did not like being touched on the back or being hugged and that the concern had been conveyed in advance by the foreign security officials responsible for the footballer's protection. Despite repeated public announcements to restrain the crowd, there was no impact. The manner in which Messi was surrounded and embraced was completely unacceptable to the World Cup-winning footballer, Dutta told investigators, according to sources. Dutta claimed that initially only 150 ground passes were issued, which, however, was tripled when a very influential person reached the stadium and overpowered him. The arrested accused also claimed that once that particular influential person reached the stadium, all the flow-chart for the Messi programme got disturbed and he could not control it, an official was quoted as saying by PTI. Police are examining whether the expanded access directly contributed to the breakdown of crowd control. They are also probing how such a large number of people gained access to the ground area. West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas was seen in close proximity to Messi throughout the programme, with visuals showing him holding the footballer around the waist while posing for photographs. Biswas has been accused of using his influence to allow relatives and personal acquaintances access to Messi. Amid mounting criticism , he resigned from his post as sports minister pending completion of the investigation. Dutta also disclosed financial details related to Messi's India visit. Lionel Messi was paid Rs 89 crore for the tour, while Rs 11 crore was paid as tax to the Indian government, he told investigators, placing the total expenditure at Rs 100 crore. Of this amount, 30 per cent was sourced from sponsors, while another 30 per cent was generated through ticket sales, sources said. Meanwhile, an amount of over Rs 20 crore was found in the frozen bank accounts of Dutta by the officers of the SIT, the officer said. On Friday, following the raids at Dutta's house, sleuths of the SIT seized several documents, he added. Dutta claimed that the amount in his bank account was the money which he got from selling the tickets for the Messi event in Kolkata and Hyderabad and also from the sponsors. We are verifying his claims, the officer said. Thousands of spectators had purchased high-priced tickets to attend the event at Salt Lake Stadium, but the programme descended into chaos as a large number of people crowded around Messi on the field, making him barely visible from the galleries and triggering anger among fans, some of whom later vandalised parts of the stadium. The West Bengal government had set up the Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar to investigate the vandalism at Argentine football star Lionel Messi's event at the Salt Lake stadium. The SIT is also investigating security lapses, access violations, and the role of organisers and officials in the incident, the officer added. (With inputs from PTI) 'We travelled all the way...': Heartbreak for fans as organisers mess up Messi event in Kolkata

Photos: Protest against Waqf Act in Kolkata

Members of the All Bengal Imam Muazzin Association and Charitable Trust (WB State Committee) take part in a protest march opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and demanding the protection of Waqf properties, in Kolkata, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (PTI Kolkata: Members of the All Bengal Imam Muazzin Association and Charitable Trust (WB State Committee) Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi attacks 'Maha Jungle Raj' in Bengal, pitches for BJP ahead of 2026 polls

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised what he called the 'Maha Jungle Raj' under Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and appealed to the voters to support the BJP in next year's assembly elections to bring a 'double engine' government to the state. Modi addressed a rally virtually in Taherpur, Nadia district, after dense fog caused by low visibility prevented his helicopter from landing there. The Prime Minister was scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of two National Highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crores and inaugurate 66.7 km long 4-Laning of Barajaguli Krishnanagar Section of NH-34 in the Nadia District of West Bengal. Modi pointed to the NDA's success in the recent Bihar elections, suggesting that the momentum could spill over into neighbouring West Bengal. People voted for NDA. I had said the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal, and Bihar has shown the path to victory in Bengal and a way out of jungle Raj, he said. Modi further said Bengal is currently reeling under corruption, nepotism and appeasement politics. Modi also said that the ruling party in Bengal is opposed to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. You (Trinamool Congress) shout 'go back' slogans against the infiltrators not against me, he said as a section of Matuas shouted slogans like go back Modi at Taherpur. The Matuas were agitating because names of thousands of voters belonging to community have been deleted from the electoral rolls during the SIR process. Claiming that the popular sentiment of Bengals grassroots people was to gain freedom from TMCs misrule, the Prime Minister said, the lanes and alleys of the state are resonating with cries of the slogan Banchte chai, BJP tai (Need BJP to live). Three run over by train Three persons died and three others were injured when they were hit by a train amid dense fog on Saturday. They were travelling to attend Modi's rally at Taherpur, a senior official said. The incident occurred between Taherpur and Badkulla railway stations under the Sealdah-Krishnanagar section of Eastern Railway, he said. Earlier in the day, the PM reached Kolkata at around 10.40 am and took a chopper onward to Taherpur in Nadia district, where he was scheduled to hold an administrative programme to launch highway projects in West Bengal, followed by a political rally of the BJP, titled Parivartan Sankalpa Sabha, which he was supposed to address. The PMs speech today was frustrating to Matua people because he could not give any positive message for the community who are spending days with tension and panic because of the SIR, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said. He could not even say anything about releasing funds allotted for different schemes in Bengal, Kunal added.

An uphill battle beckons the likes of Simbu, Cheptegei and Kebede in Kolkata 25K

Asian 5,000m and 10,000m champion Gulveer Singh and Sanjivani Jadhav will defend their mens and womens titles in the Indian category

Rs 30 Lakh For Photo With Messi: Organiser Satadru Duttas Kolkata Home Raided

Police claimed that amounts ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh were charged for photographs taken with Messi.

Lionel Messi Kolkata event controversy: Raid at organiser Satadru Dutta's home, police reveal shocking details

The Kolkata police's special investigation team (SIT) raided Satadru Dutta's luxurious three-storey home in Rishra early Saturday, following a visit to the local police station. A team of five officers entered the property, where only a domestic help was present.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan: 'Disappointed' to witness naqab row'

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan voiced disappointment regarding the controversy after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removed a doctor's veil. The incident occurred during an appointment letter distribution event. The doctor's family stated they wish to avoid media attention. They also denied traveling to Kolkata and expressed no anger towards the Chief Minister or the government.

PM Modi unveils key connectivity initiatives, takes a hit at opposition in poll-bound West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two national highway projects worth Rs. 3,200 crore in West Bengal's Nadia district, enhancing connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and reducing travel time. His visit also served as a prelude to the upcoming assembly polls, where he criticized the TMC's governance and urged voters to support the BJP.

Modi targets TMC over infiltration, says Bihar results 'opened doors' for BJP victory in Bengal

Results from the recently-concluded Bihar assembly elections have opened up doors for the BJPs victory in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, addressing a rally in Taherpur virtually after dense fog prevented his helicopter from landing at the venue. Owing to low visibility, the prime ministers helicopter made a U-turn after hovering briefly over the makeshift helipad in Taherpur and returned to Kolkata airport, officials said. This was Modis first visit to the state since the draft SIR rolls were published and his third in the past five months. The trip comes amid heightened political tensions over the ongoing SIR exercise, during which he was scheduled to inaugurate national highway projects and address a public rally. Today the country wants rapid development. Bihar once again gave the NDA government a massive mandate for development...Bihar has also paved the way for the BJP's victory in Bengal, Modi said. Drawing parallels with his jungle raj claims against the RJD in Bihar, PM Modi took aim at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), saying the BJP would end its Maha jungle raj in West Bengal. Bihar has rejected the rule of the 'jungle raj' with one resounding voice. Even after 20 years, they have given the BJP-NDA more seats than before.... We will end TMC's 'Maha jungle raj' in Bengal, where corruption, nepotism, appeasement politics are ruling the roost, he said. Let TMC oppose me and BJP as much as it wants, but Bengals progress should not be stopped, the priminister added. Modi also alleged that infiltrators enjoyed the TMCs patronage in the state and claimed the party was opposing the SIR exercise to prevent them from being identified.

PM Modi's chopper forced to return to Kolkata due to..., will now address Ranaghat event virtually, here's all you need to know

PM Modi arrived in Kolkata at 10:40 am and departed for Nadia. However, due to dense fog, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter was unable to land at the Taherpur helipad in West Bengal.

PM Modis Chopper Turns Back To Kolkata After Fog Prevents Landing In Bengal's Taherpur

PM Modi was set to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate national highway projects at Ranaghat in West Bengal's Nadia district.

PM Modi's Chopper Fails To Land In Bengal Town Due To Fog, Returns To Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to West Bengal's Nadia has been delayed due to dense fog. His helicopter returned to Kolkata airport after failing to land at the Taherpur helipad due to low visibility this afternoon.

Modi addresses Taherpur rally virtually after dense fog prevents PMs helicopter from landing

The PMs chopper made a U-turn after hovering over the helipad ground for a while and returned to the Kolkata airport

Low Visibility Prevents PMs Helicopter From Landing In Taherpur, Modi Returns To Kolkata Airport

KOLKATA, Dec 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modis helicopter failed to land at the Taherpur helipad in West Bengal owing to low visibility on account of dense fog in the area on Saturday, an official said. The PMs chopper made a U-turn after hovering over the helipad ground for a while and returned to the Kolkata airport, he said. Till reports last received, the Prime Minister was waiting at the airport for further updates on the weather situation. It wasnt immediately [] The post Low Visibility Prevents PMs Helicopter From Landing In Taherpur, Modi Returns To Kolkata Airport appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi returns to Kolkata airport after low visibility prevents helicopter landing in Taherpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter could not land at Taherpur in West Bengal on Saturday. Dense fog caused low visibility. The helicopter returned to Kolkata airport. The Prime Minister was waiting for weather updates. It is unclear if he will travel by road or attempt an aerial route later. He was scheduled for an administrative program and a BJP rally.

Mohammed Shami to spearhead Bengal pace attack in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Kolkata: Out-of-favour India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been in impressive form on the domestic circuit with 36 wickets across formats, has been named in Bengals squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day competition. Shami, who has not played for India for a while and was overlooked for the recent series against South Africa, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi to address first rally in West Bengal since draft roll release amid SIR concerns of Matuas

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal's Nadia district on Saturday, where he will inaugurate national highway projects and address a public rally, amid heightened political tensions over the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. This would be Modi's first visit to the state since the draft SIR rolls were published, and the third in the past five months. The Prime Minister, political observers said, is scheduled to address the growing unease amongst the Matua community members post the publication of the draft rolls from his strategically located BJP rally venue in Taherpur area of Ranaghat, not far from the heartland of the Namasudra Hindu community in adjacent Bongaon. In the process, Modi is likely to sound the BJP's bugle for the assembly polls, which are due in the state early next year and finalise the roadmap for the party's big push for the crucial elections. The people of West Bengal are benefiting from numerous pro-people initiatives of the central government. At the same time, they are suffering due to the TMC's misgovernance in every sector, PM posted on X on Friday evening while announcing his visit. The loot and intimidation of the TMC have crossed all limits. That is why, BJP is the people's hope, he added. The PM's visit comes at a time when the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has mounted sustained opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise is being carried out in haste and that a large number of genuine voters, particularly refugee Hindus, risk disenfranchisement on its account. In the draft electoral rolls published after the enumeration phase, 58,20,899 names have been excluded, reducing the electorate to 7.08 crore. Around 1.36 crore entries have also been flagged for logical discrepancies, while 30 lakh voters have been categorised as unmapped a significant percentage of whom are likely to be called for verification hearings over the next 45 days. For Matuas, a Dalit Hindu community that migrated from Bangladesh over decades due to religious persecution, this exercise has revived anxieties over identity and documentation. Political observers widely believe that the community members hold sway in as many as 80 of the 294 assembly seats in the state. Speculations are rife that significant numbers of Matuas have already been excluded from draft rolls. Many more are likely to follow suit in the final rolls on account of the unavailability of the EC-specified indicative documents they need to produce in the eventuality of receiving hearing notices during the verification phase. Over the past years, poll results have indicated that the BJP gained significant inroads within the community, promising them formal Indian citizenship. BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar, who represents the Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat, where Taherpur is located, claimed that fear was being spread deliberately among the Matuas about SIR. We are hopeful that the PM's message would dispel those fears and canards, he said. Chief Minister Banerjee has already led anti-SIR rallies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas, the two adjoining districts that share a border with Bangladesh and have a significant Matua presence. During his visit, the PM will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two national highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crore. He will inaugurate the 66.7-km-long four-laning of the Barajaguli-Krishnanagar section of NH-34 in Nadia district and lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the 17.6-km-long Barasat Barajaguli section in North 24 Parganas district. The projects are expected to serve as a vital connecting link between Kolkata and Siliguri, boosting trade, tourism and economic activity across southern and northern parts of the state, officials said.

PM to address 1st rally in Bengal on Saturday after draft roll release

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengals Nadia district on Saturday, where he will inaugurate national highway projects and address a public rally, amid heightened political tensions over the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. This would be Modis first visit to the state since the draft SIR rolls were published, 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 .

In Kolkata, a 2026 calendar that promotes not a business but a struggle for survival

Last year too, a calendar had been created, for the first time, with the help of colour pictures of trams taken in the 1960s by an unknown Australian enthusiast who had passed them on to Robert DAndrea, a former Australian tram conductor

12 Flights Cancelled as Poor Visibility Hits Jammu, Srinagar Airports

SRINAGAR: Widespread fog over North India disrupted air traffic on Friday, severely affecting operations at Srinagar and Jammu airports, with 12 flights cancelled and a further 18 delayed. At Srinagar International Airport, seven flights were cancelled, and twelve were delayed due to poor visibility and adverse weather at departure points, including Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata. []

Hijab row: Bihar official claims Dr Nusrat will join duty on December 20

PATNA: The ongoing hijab controversy involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is likely to be resolved after an official said on Friday that the Muslim woman doctor, whose hijab was pulled off by Nitish, would join the duty on Saturday (December 20). Principal of Government Tibbi College and Hospital in Patna, Dr Mahfoozur Rahman, claimed that Ayush doctor Nusrat Parveens family confirmed that she would join the duty. Dr Nusrat is a first-year postgraduate student in the same college. Dr Ramman told media persons that Praveens family had confirmed that she would join the duty on Saturday. I spoke to Parveens husband, relatives and her classmates. They told me that she would join duty on December 20. She has to first join the Government Tibbi College and Hospital, and later she will be shifted to her place of posting. Her family members and classmates have assured me that she would join duty, Rahman said. A day earlier, Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey said that he had not known that the concerned female doctor might not join her duty. I have no such information, was the terse reply of Pandey when journalists asked about reports that the AYUSH doctor Nusrat Parveen, who hails from Kolkata, has declined the government job following the hijab incident. Pandey, however, sought to put a lid on the controversy by asserting that the NDA in the State has always worked for the empowerment of women. He said that the issue was being blown up proportionately by the media and some organisations. Social worker files complaint against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Ranchi following hijab row A major political row was triggered after Nitish, while distributing appointment letters to doctors, pulled down the hijab of Parveen. The video capturing those moments went viral on social media. Parveen was among 10 Ayush doctors who had turned up at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Monday to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil (Hijab) and exclaimed 'What is this?' before pulling it down and exposing her face. Later, there were rumours that Parveen had declined the job. Meanwhile, the health department has given a 15-day ultimatum to 19 AYUSH doctors who have not joined since July. Nusarat Parveen is among them. The department clarified that those who would not join within the stipulated period would be construed as not wanting to join. Security beefed up for Bihar CM Nitish following hijab controversy We can not keep the post vacant for long as it was hampering the work and people were made to suffer due to the shortage of manpower, a senior health department official said. Nitishs security has been tightened in the wake of a video threat message from a Pakistan-based underworld don over the controversy. The Cyber police station in Patna has registered a case against the underworld don and initiated a probe. Director General of police Vinay Kumar said that the case has been handed over to Patna Inspector General of Police Jitendra Rana to monitor the investigation. Since the case is sensitive, we have entrusted Patna IG to monitor the investigation, he told the media. The incident has drawn criticism from far and wide, including many West Asian countries, and the JD (U) president is facing accusations of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the 'RSS agenda'. Union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh, however, defended Nitishs action and said that it does not matter whether she joins duty or not. Woh refuse kare ya jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell), Singh told reporters on the Parliament premises on Thursday when asked about the doctors reported decision not to take up the job. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

Kolkata 25K | Cheptegei says he is done with the track, shifts his focus to marathon running

Ethiopian Kebede is prepared to accomplish a hat-trick of wins in the womens section; among the top Indians, 5000m and 10,000m Asian champion Gulveer says he would try to carry forward his good form into 2026

DNA TV Show: Why is IPL featuring Bangladeshi players?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent a whopping Rs 9.20 crore to buy Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL 2026 auction.

5th T20I: Gill Unavailable For Selection After Sustaining Impact Injury To Right Foot

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: India vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday after sustaining an impact injury to his right foot during a net session in Lucknow on December 16. Gill was replaced in the playing eleven by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will slot in as the opener alongside left-hander Abhishek Sharma. The move could have happened in the fourth T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, but it was abandoned due to excessive fog. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. The development comes at a time when Gills place in Indias T20I set-up is under scrutiny, with competition intensifying due to the presence of Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, 25, has been Indias preferred opener alongside Abhishek since his elevation to vice-captaincy in T20I, a role he assumed after being appointed the Test captain and would later become the ODI skipper. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill had come into the T20I series after recovering from a neck injury sustained in the first Test against the Proteas at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and went through rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS

Kolkatas heritage bakeries preserve Anglo Indian, Jewish and Goan traditions through ovens that have outlived trends and time

The plum, walnut, almond and rum caramelised and infused into Christmas cakes become secret coordinates of a map back to Kolkatas past

ED Files Supplementary Chargesheet in Chinese Gaming App Case

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against a Chinese-operated online gaming app, Fiewin, accused of fraudulently generating about Rs 400 crore from Indian players during the Covid period. The supplementary prosecution complaint was filed on December 8 before a PMLA court in Kolkata. Two individualsUtkarsh Arya and Sujit [] The post ED Files Supplementary Chargesheet in Chinese Gaming App Case appeared first on Northlines .

Messi Fiasco Fallout: Sourav Ganguly Slaps Rs 50 Cr Defamation Suit On Football Fan Club Official

Kolkata, Dec 19: Sourav Ganguly has slapped a Rs 50 crore defamation suit notice on an official of a Kolkata-based football fan club for falsely dragging his name into the Lionel Messi fiasco and making derogatory and defamatory public statements about the former India cricket captain. Cricketer-turned-sports administrator Ganguly had also lodged a police complaint against Uttam Saha of Argentina Football Fan Club on Thursday. Besides the police complaint, I have sent this official of the football fan club a [] The post Messi Fiasco Fallout: Sourav Ganguly Slaps Rs 50 Cr Defamation Suit On Football Fan Club Official appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ED Files Fresh Chargesheet Against Chinese Gaming App That Operated During Covid Period

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Enforcement Directorate has filed a fresh chargesheet against an online gaming app that was being operated by Chinese nationals in India during the Covid pandemic years, leading to fraudulent generation of Rs 400 crore from the players. The first prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against the application named Fiewin was filed by the federal probe agency in October 2024, before a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court located in Kolkata. The agency had arrested three persons [] The post ED Files Fresh Chargesheet Against Chinese Gaming App That Operated During Covid Period appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Nitish Kumar niqab row: Women protest in Kolkata, demand apology from CM

Kolkata: A large number of women on Thursday evening took out a protest march in Kolkata over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar publicly removing the veil from the face of a female doctor during a recent programme in Patna. The rallyists, raising slogans and holding placards, asserted that Kumars action hurt the dignity of women. 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 .

Sourav Ganguly slaps Rs 50 crore defamation notice over alleged 'false' remarks in Messi tour vandalism

KOLKATA: Sourav Ganguly has slapped a Rs 50 crore defamation suit notice on an official of a Kolkata-based football fan club for falsely dragging his name into the Lionel Messi fiasco and making derogatory and defamatory public statements about the former India cricket captain. Cricketer-turned-sports administrator Ganguly had also lodged a police complaint against Uttam Saha of 'Argentina Football Fan Club' on Thursday. Besides the police complaint, I have sent this official of the football fan club a Rs 50 crore legal notice. They keep saying anything that comes to their mind, Ganguly told PTI . Saha, while speaking to a journalist, had accused Ganguly of being the actual man behind organising Messi's G.O.A.T India tour and alleged that it's now-arrested prime organiser Satadru Dutta was only a front. In his complaint emailed to the Cyber Cell of the Kolkata Police, Ganguly said the person's statements have adversely affected his reputation and mental peace. The complaint states that he deliberately levelled serious allegations against Ganguly without any factual basis, a police officer said, adding that an investigation in currently underway based on the complaint. Messi tour organiser denied bail, remanded to 14 days police custody over Kolkata stadium vandalism Ganguly added in the complaint that such aseless allegations appear to be an attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation. In his e-mail, Ganguly stated that in his professional career, spanning over several decades, he earned a reputation in the country and worldwide as a sportsperson and sports administrator and that aseless statements aim to tarnish that image. Ganguly was scheduled to remain on the platform to felicitate the Argentine football legend and his entourage alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries on December 13, but the programme was cancelled in the wake of widespread spectator rampage inside the Salt Lake stadium following Messi's premature exit from the venue. Messis Kolkata event chaos: Suvendu Adhikari seeks court-monitored probe, rejects state panel

Abhishek club asked for logo on Messi day jersey

KOLKATA: TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjees Diamond Harbour Football Club (DHFC) had on November 10 approved use of DHFC logo by sports organiser Satadru Dutta on jerseys with photos of football legend Lionel Messi in a charity match between Mohun Bagan All Star and Diamond Harbour All Star during Messis event at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. Abhisheks cousin Akash Banerjee, a vice president of DHFC, had written to Satadru, saying, We are pleased to inform you that you may use the Diamond Harbour Football Club logo for the stated purpose, in connection with the charity football match and related promotional activities mentioned in your request letter. We request that the logo be used in accordance with the clubs branding guidelines and solely for the approved event. Akashs letter to Satadru prompted the Opposition to point out TMCs close link with the Messi event organiser. The BJP has been alleging that Satadrus arrest, hours after the chaos at the stadium, was a damage control move as TMC leaders and ministers were to be blamed for the incident.

Goenka Group commits Rs 15,800 cr investment in Bengal

Kolkata: Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, on Thursday announced a capital expenditure plan totalling Rs 15,800 crore aimed at bolstering infrastructure across energy, education, and healthcare sectors in West Bengal. Addressing the Business and Industry Conclave 2025 here, he praised the decisive leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which facilitates [] The post Goenka Group commits Rs 15,800 cr investment in Bengal appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Social worker files complaint against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Ranchi following hijab row

RANCHI: Amid the controversy over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing the hijab of a woman candidate during the distribution of appointment letters to the newly appointed doctors, a written complaint has been filed against him at Itki Police Station in Ranchi. The complaint has been filed by a social worker, Md. Murtaza Alam, seeking an investigation and action into the matter. We have received a complaint against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a video which recently went viral on social media, said the officer in charge of Itki Police Station. The complainant has sought action against Nitish Kumar, he added. The incident cannot be treated as a private interaction, as it took place during an official government programme, the complaint said. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor The complainant maintained that any act involving religious attire on a public platform is a grave matter, particularly when it affects the dignity, modesty and bodily autonomy of women. The complaint has urged the police to thoroughly examine the incident and initiate appropriate legal action. Notably, Nitish Kumar, on Monday, had pulled a 'hijab' down from a woman's face during a government event in Patna. A video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, 74-year-old Kumar can be seen handing a certificate to an AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) doctor during the event. He motioned her to remove her 'hijab', but before she could react, he reached out and pulled it down himself - exposing her mouth and chin. The incident sparked a huge row with the Opposition questioning Kumar's mental state. The doctor, Nusrat Parveen, left Bihar the very next day after the incident and travelled to Kolkata to stay with her family. Sources close to the family said that she has been deeply disturbed by what happened to her at the public event. The incident has had a visible emotional impact on her, leading to uncertainty about her professional future in the state, they said. Security beefed up for Bihar CM Nitish following hijab controversy

Fantastic Experience: Fans Praise Delhi Leg Of Lionel Messi's India Tour

Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi's G.O.A.T India Tour ended on a high note in Delhi's Arun Jaitley stadium on Monday after a chaotic beginning in Kolkata.

Elephant movement disrupts rail traffic in Jharkhand, several trains cancelled

RANCHI: In the wake of frequent movement of wild elephants along forest-fringed sections under the Chakaradharpur Railway Division in Jharkhand, multiple trains have been cancelled on the up and down line. According to officials, herds of jumbos have been frequently spotted near and across tracks on the NaugaonRourkela, ChakradharpurRourkela and RourkelaJharsuguda sections, falling within identified elephant corridor zones. To avoid any potential mishap, these trains will remain cancelled on December 18 and 19, they said. The trains which have been cancelled include Rourkela MEMU, HatiaJharsuguda MEMU, RourkelaJharsuguda MEMU and the BadampaharBangriposi passenger, affecting both onward and return journeys. Railway authorities said that elephant activity in these sections has increased over the past few days, creating operational risks. Due to frequent movement of elephants, trains running during the night get late due to which there is congestion, leading to the delay of long-distance trains during the day time. To avoid congestion during the day time, most of the trains plying during the night have been cancelled, said senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Choudhary. The situation is being monitored closely in coordination with the Forest Department and the Railway Protection Force, he said, adding that services will be restored once it stabilizes. Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh Choudhary, however, said that long-distance trains on the Howrah-Mumbai route will run at moderate speed with proper track clearance and thorough surveillance by dedicated teams. In addition, pilots have been directed to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while moving on sections frequented by elephants, he said. Earlier, on October 31 and November 1, the Chakradharpur railway halted 12 long-distance trains on the up and down line for hours to give safe passage to 22 elephants, which were moving in separate herds, between Bisra and D Cabin section on the Jharkhand-Odisha border. Meanwhile, due to thick fog and poor visibility, flight operations at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi have also been hit badly. Keeping safety norms in mind, airport authorities have cancelled several flights, while many others are operating with significant delays. Airport officials said runway visibility dropped below the prescribed limits during the morning hours, disrupting flight movements. Flight services are expected to gradually return to normal once weather conditions improve. The cancelled flights include IndiGo 6E 7674 / 7235 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata), IndiGo 6E 7561 / 7562 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata) and Air India Express IX 1046 / 1047 (Delhi Ranchi Delhi).

Setback for Shah Rukh Khan's KKR as new Rs 9.2 crore pick set to miss few IPL 2026 matches due to THIS reason

Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a potential setback ahead of IPL 2026 as their new Rs 9.2 crore signing is set to miss a few matches due to scheduling commitments, raising concerns over team balance and availability at the start of the season.

Sourav Ganguly Files Complaint Against 'Argentina Fan Club' Head Over Remarks

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday lodged a police complaint against the head of Kolkata-based 'Argentina football fan club', alleging that the individual made objectionable remarks against him, a senior officer said.

If you dont respect Gandhiji, we will: West Bengal CM Mamata to rename govt-funded job guarantee scheme

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that her government would rename a state-funded job guarantee scheme after Mahatma Gandhi, amidst the ongoing row over the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (G RAM G Bill 2025). The chief minister was addressing in a business and industry conclave in Kolkata today. Now, Gandhijis name is not there in the Bill. I am really sorry and feel ashamed of the move. A Bill has been introduced in the parliament. Gandhijis name will not be there in the NREGA scheme, which was named after him. We are forgetting the name of the Father of the Nation. I cannot blame anybody except me because I belong to this country, Mamata said. The Lok Sabha, during the ongoing winter session of the parliament, today passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, which seeks to replace the Congress-led United Progressive Allianceera (UPA) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) that guarantees employment in rural areas. We launched a scheme called Karmashree in our state. This scheme will be renamed after Gandhiji. We are providing more than 75 days of job under this scheme. We are not beggars. We only want respect and nothing else. If you dont give respect to Gandhiji, we will give him the due respect, she added. The opposition, led by the Congress, has claimed that by withdrawing MGNREGA, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre is insulting Mahatma Gandhi and diluting the provisions of the Act. Reacting to the announcement, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya said the Bill was introduced to respect Mahatma Gandhi. She alleged, The Central Government has been using its investigating agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against industrialists and businessmen and harassing them. They are creating an environment of terror in Bengal. The Central Government by using its agencies against the investors has been obstructing industrial development in the state. Fake negative campaigns against the industrialisation process are being initiated to defame the state, she claimed in a conclave where industry honchos were present.

'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

He did nothing wrong, is how Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday chose to defend Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar whose recent act of assault against a Muslim woman doctor at a public event in Patna triggered widespread backlash. The BJP minister was responding to Monday's incident in Patna where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. Singh also remarked that the doctor can go to hell when asked about reports regarding the woman refusing to take up the job allegedly due to trauma caused by the incident, reported PTI. If someone is going to collect an appointment letter, should they not show their face? Is this some Islamic country? Nitish Kumar acted as a guardian, Singh said adding that the CM has done nothing wrong. If you are going to get a passport, do you not show your face? When you go to the airport, do you not show your face? People talk about Pakistan and Englishtan, but this is India. In India, the rule of law prevails, he said. When asked about the woman rejecting the appointment, Singh said, Whether she refuses the job or goes to hell, that's her choice (Woh refuse kare ya jahannum mein jaye). Singh's remarks came shortly after Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said that he was not aware of the doctor rejecting the appointment due to the incident. I have no such information, Pandey said while also attempting to justify the CM by insisting, Women have always been respected by our CM, who has made huge efforts for the empowerment of Matri Shakti. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Monday to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn criticism globally, with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, several opposition leaders slammed the remarks made by Giriraj Singh as cheap and filthy. Congress MP from Bihar's Katihar, Tariq Anwar called the minister a person with cheap mentality. These are third-rate people, they have a cheap mindset. They dont understand that our country is secular. Everyone is free to practice their religion. What Nitish Kumar has done is shameful and saddening, Anwar said. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also lashed out at Singh. Only phenyl will work to clean this man's filthy mouth. You dare not touch the hijabs & naqabs of our Muslim mothers and sisters. Otherwise we Muslim women will set you right by teaching you a lesson you and your ilk will remember for all times to come, she said on X. NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan also hit out Kumar and Singh. It is very saddening that responsible people do such acts, this will send a wrong message in the world. It is a personal decision of a woman as to how much she covers up and removing the veil is akin to disrobing a woman. He (Kumar) should have given a pubic apology but instead of that they are saying that what happened was right, she said. Asked about Singh's remarks, Congress MP Imran Masood said, He needs treatment for mental sickness. (With inputs from PTI) J&K leaders demand apology, resignation after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulls down woman doctors hijab

Tea, Fritters In Hand, SSC Aspirants Hit Kolkata Streets Over Jobs Crisis

The first, by visually impaired and differently-abled job seekers, was staged outside the Bikash Bhavan in Salt Lake, where protesters alleged prolonged deprivation and demanded restoration of jobs to the posts they had earlier held

Tenfold increase in Minority Affairs dept budget since TMC came to power in Bengal: Mamata

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that the state Minority Affairs department's plan budget has seen a tenfold increase since the TMC came to power in the state. In a post on X on the occasion of Minority Rights Day, Banerjee extended greetings to the people and stated that the department's plan budget had increased from Rs 472 crore in 201011 to over Rs 5,602 crore in 202526. It is my pride that our government has done unprecedented work and continues to do so for minority development. The plan budget has been increased more than tenfold, Banerjee said in a post on X, reaffirming her government's commitment to protecting minority rights and ensuring equitable development in the state. The chief minister claimed that West Bengal ranks first in the country in the distribution of minority scholarships, with 4.85 crore students having benefited from the state-funded 'Aikyashree' scheme at a cost exceeding Rs 10,200 crore since 2011. She added that minority students are being provided education loans of up to Rs 30 lakh for higher studies in India and abroad, while minority and OBC students are covered under the 'Medhashree' scheme. Over the last nearly 15 years, around 16.31 lakh beneficiaries have received self-employment loans amounting to about Rs 3,926 crore, Banerjee wrote. She also highlighted the state's top ranking in the implementation of the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP), under which more than Rs 4,500 crore has been spent on infrastructure creation in minority-dominated areas. Additional investments have been made through the state-funded IMDP scheme and other infrastructure projects, Banerjee said. Referring to education and social infrastructure, the CM said English-medium model madrasas and integrated schools are being established, Aliah University campuses have been developed in New Town and Park Circus, and maintenance allowances for students in minority hostels have been enhanced. She further said Urdu has been granted official language status in areas with over 10 per cent Urdu-speaking population, a new Haj House has been built at Rajarhat New Town, and outreach on welfare schemes is being strengthened through imams, muezzins and dedicated minority development bodies. Urdu has been given the status of an official language wherever more than 10 per cent of the population is Urdu-speaking, she said, adding that regional centres of the Urdu Academy have been opened in Islampur and Asansol.

Messi GOAT Tour Chaos: Sourav Ganguly sends Rs 50 crore notice to Argentina fan club 'president'

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is suing an Argentina fan club founder for 50 crore over defamatory remarks linking him to the chaotic Lionel Messi GOAT tour event in Kolkata. The fan club chief accused Ganguly of being a stooge and financially ruining Bengal cricket. The Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium saw fan anger and vandalism.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat begins four-day West Bengal visit amid run-up to assembly polls

KOLKATA: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at Bagdogra airport on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to West Bengal, during which he is scheduled to take part in several organisational programmes of the Sangh across the state. During his stay, on Thursday, Bhagwat will attend a youth programme in Siliguri in Darjeeling district . On Friday, he is slated to address a meeting of RSS functionaries in Siliguri, where he is expected to issue guidelines to Sangh activists. He will then travel to Kolkata, where he will hold a series of organisational meetings on Saturday and Sunday. Security has been tightened for the RSS chief throughout his visit. Political observers view Bhagwats Bengal tour as significant, coming at a time when the state is gearing up for assembly elections scheduled next year. They said the visit assumes importance amid an intensifying political climate in the state. Observers also pointed out that, setting aside issues such as corruption cases including the teachers recruitment scam involving the invalidation of appointments of 26,000 teachers, the Saradha and Narada scams, alleged coal and cattle smuggling, the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College Hospital, and the recent Salt Lake Stadium vandalism the forthcoming polls could, for the first time, see a sharper focus on religious polarisation between Hindus and Muslims under the Trinamool Congress regime, which has been in power since 2011. According to RSS insiders, Bhagwat has planned visits to several major states as part of celebrations marking the organisations ongoing centenary year, holding meetings with swayamsevaks across the country. His Bengal visit, they said, also comes against the backdrop of the BJP stepping up efforts to consolidate Hindu votes in the state, while countering Trinamool Congress chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees alleged Muslim appeasement ahead of the Assembly elections. Sources said Bhagwat, during his engagements in Siliguri and Kolkata, is keen to gauge the mood of minority voters in both north and south Bengal districts. Political observers noted that the BJPs Bengal unit has recently softened its stance towards the Muslim community, with leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, attempting to reach out to Indian Muslims who respect the countrys traditional cultural heritage. The RSS-backed organisation Muslim Rashtriya Manch has also been active in this outreach, and Bhagwat has previously attended programmes organised by the platform. At 75, Bhagwat who may retire from his organisational post is said to be exploring broader support, including from sections of the Muslim community, for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X amid Bhagwats visit, claimed that her government has undertaken unprecedented initiatives for minority development in the state. She said around 30% of the Muslim population votes for the Trinamool Congress and highlighted increased budgetary support for minority welfare. The plan budget allocation for the minorities have gone up Rs 5,602 crore in financial year 2025-26 from Rs 472 crore in 2010-11, she said on X, while extending her best wishes on Minority Rights Day.