Shikha Inn tragedy: Kolkata shuts 919 hotels, guesthouses over fire safety violations
The civic body has given an opportunity to the owners of the assembly buildings to comply with the norms and reapply for licences on a suo motu basis
Kolkata food safety drive: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation suspended the food licences of 40 establishments after inspections revealed several hygiene violations. Rotten food, cockroaches and rats were found at several establishments during the drive. Officials also destroyed more than 1,200 kg of non-conforming food items. The licence suspensions are temporary and will initially remain in place for two weeks. Similar food safety drives were also conducted across West Bengal.
Cafu: India Must Learn From Brazil Friendly
Brazil football legend Cafu has advised the Indian national team to view their upcoming friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata as a crucial learning experience rather than just a spectacle. He emphasised the match's importance for India's preparation for the 2030 World Cup cycle and highlighted Brazil's deep connection with Kolkata, referencing Pele's historic visit. Cafu also discussed the future of Brazilian football and his unique World Cup record.
India To Face Brazil, Uruguay As AIFF Unveils 13-Match Football Schedule
The Indian men's team will face the Panama senior Team in Bengaluru on September 25 before returning to Kolkata for two high-profile encounters against Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.
Assam Government to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata Home: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assams Chief Minister announces efforts to protect Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata residence, honoring the legendary musicians legacy. Assam Government to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata Home: Himanta Biswa Sarma
BJP, VHP welcome Bengal's Ashtami 'dry day' decision, Cong says attempt to divert attention
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday welcomed the West Bengal government's announcement of a complete ban on liquor sales across the state on 'Maha Ashtami' during the Durga Puja festival, while the Congress called it an attempt by the ruling government to divert attention from issues like lawlessness. Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that since the festival is the state's religious tradition, liquor will not be available even in the pubs and bars on October 19, Maha Ashtami. Speaking to IANS, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said: During the puja period, we need to exercise a bit of restraint because it is, after all, a sacred ritual. Therefore, the government has made a rule declaring a one-day 'dry day', especially on Ashtami as everyone offers floral tributes to the Goddess on that day. The Vishva Hindu Parishad National Spokesperson Shriraj Nair also welcomed the move, saying: This was the demand of the Hindu community. The previous Trinamool Congress and Left governments had crushed the Hindu sentiments. Moreover, he accused the previous Bengal governments of turning the Hindu festival of Durga Puja into a means of entertainment. Accusing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to forcefully make Durga Puja a secular festival, he said: Crushing the Hindu sentiments and insulting traditions and seers were normal during the earlier regime. Last year, Banerjee drew criticism after a Trinamool Congress leader sang a song referencing the Kaaba and Medina inside a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal while she clapped along. Nair added: Now a government which respects religious sentiments and traditions has come to power...nobody should have a problem with closing of liquor shops for one day. Backing the decision, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said: Durga Puja is the soul of Bengal. People from across the country visit Bengal for Durga Puja. The dignity of the festival is not enhanced by alcohol and noise. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said: Just as the food should be pure, the environment should also be free from intoxicants. If people consume or use intoxicants, or drink alcohol during the time of worship, it could disrupt the arrangements. How will the police be able to manage such a large crowd? Therefore, some kind of restriction or regulation is necessary. However, Congress MP Imran Masood said that if such decisions are taken to target Muslims, he community comprises of only 14 per cent of the country's population while 82 per cent of the population are non-vegetarians. Congress leader Rakesh Sinha questioned, whether the move is only symbolic? Further, he accused BJP of diverting attention from real issues under the garb of religion. In Bengal, the Opposition MPs as well as their party offices are not safe. Despite this the administration is silent. This means there is prevalence of 'Jungle Raj' in Bengal...so in order to divert attention from such issues, these topics are being brought in, he told IANS.
Assam Govt to preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata residence: Himanta Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the state government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata residence of legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge as part of efforts to safeguard his creative legacy. Sarma said a significant chapter of Hazarikas life was shaped in Kolkata and stressed the importance of preserving the residence as the country observes the centenary of the iconic artists birth. A part of Bhupen Das life was shaped in Kolkata, and we cannot let that chapter fade away, Sarma said in a post on X. He added that as Assam celebrates Hazarikas birth centenary, the state government is taking steps to preserve his residence in Tollygunge and protect what he described as a precious part of the musicians creative legacy. Hazarika, popularly known as Bhupen Da, remains one of Assams most celebrated cultural figures and is widely recognised for his contribution to Indian music, cinema and literature. His songs and compositions reflected themes of humanity, social justice, harmony and the lives of ordinary people. The musician spent significant periods of his life in Kolkata, where he worked in the Bengali film and music industry and developed close associations with several leading cultural personalities. His connection with Kolkata has been an important part of his artistic journey, making the preservation of his former residence significant for admirers of his work in Assam, West Bengal and beyond. The Assam governments move comes as preparations and commemorative activities gain significance around Hazarikas birth centenary. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that locations associated with the legendary musicians life and work are preserved for future generations. Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. Over a career spanning several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential voices from the Northeast and played a major role in taking Assamese music and culture to a wider national and international audience. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, posthumously in 2019. Sarmas announcement highlights the Assam governments broader efforts to honour Hazarikas enduring contribution to the cultural identity of Assam and India. The preservation of the Tollygunge residence is expected to provide admirers and future generations an opportunity to connect with an important chapter of the musicians life and artistic journey.
Kolkata Eateries Face KMC Action Over Food Storage Lapses Ahead Of Durga Puja
KMC inspections found improperly stored and unlabelled food at several eateries as Bengal intensifies safety checks ahead of Durga Puja.
Nationwide celebrations marking Bhupen Hazarikas birth centenary: Assam CM
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary musician, singer, composer and filmmaker Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary, describing the cultural icon as an emotion deeply embedded in the heart and soul of Assam. In a post on X, Sarma said Hazarikas timeless music and profound words continued to inspire generations and had carried the spirit, stories and dreams of Assam far beyond the state. Dr Bhupen Hazarika is more than a name; he is an emotion that lives in the heart and soul of Assam. His timeless music and profound words continue to inspire generations, Sarma said. The Chief Minister said the year-long nationwide celebrations marking Hazarikas birth centenary had reaffirmed the enduring legacy of the Bard of the Brahmaputra. Sarma described Hazarika as the legendary Sudhakantha and said his contribution went beyond music, with his artistic work becoming a powerful vehicle for taking Assams cultural identity and aspirations to audiences across the country and beyond. The Chief Minister also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis tribute to Hazarika on his birth centenary. Sarma described the PMs message as a fitting tribute to the legendary artiste and recalled that the Prime Minister had launched the year-long centenary commemorations in Guwahati last year. Sarma expressed gratitude for PM Modis personal guidance and participation in the celebrations and said he looked forward to the Prime Ministers presence at the concluding programme in New Delhi later this year. The centenary celebrations have been organised to showcase Hazarikas immense contribution to music, cinema, literature and Indias cultural landscape. In Assam, tributes were paid at the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, where Sarma joined people from different sections of society in remembering the iconic artiste. Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Hazarika went on to become one of Indias most influential cultural figures. His songs drew heavily from the lives, struggles and aspirations of ordinary people while promoting themes of humanity, harmony and universal brotherhood. His artistic journey also took him beyond Assam, particularly to Kolkata and Mumbai, where he made significant contributions to Indian music and cinema. Hazarika was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019. His 100th birth anniversary is being marked through year-long programmes celebrating his enduring legacy. Sarmas tribute comes as Assam seeks to preserve and pass on the cultural legacy of one of its most celebrated sons to future generations.
Bengal: Resort security guard assaults tourist family with lathi
Kolkata: A Muslim family in West Bengals East Midnapore district was allegedly assaulted at a resort on Saturday, September 5, after a dispute over parking escalated. The family said the assault occurred after they parked their car to inspect a room at Swarnamoyee Beach Resort in the coastal resort village of Mandarmani, when an argument 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 .
Poor visibility, bad weather force Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikaris helicopter to return to Siliguri
India white-collar hiring rises 14% in August, led by auto, healthcare and retail
In August, white-collar job opportunities in Mumbai surged by fourteen percent from last year. This growth was largely propelled by strong performances in the automotive, healthcare, and retail industries. The rise was evident across IT and non-IT sectors, along with various experience levels. Hyderabad and Kolkata emerged as leaders in hiring growth among major cities, with emerging locales like Bhubaneswar and Raipur also marking notable progress in employment trends.
Bengal: Durga Puja committees welcome CM Adhikaris call to voluntarily decline state govts grant
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS): A number of mega-budget community Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have responded positively to an appeal from the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for voluntarily declining the state government-provided grant to such committees in the state. On Monday, while announcing a state government grant of Rs 1,00,000 for each of the community Durga Puja Committees for this year, the Chief Minister also issued an appeal requesting the big-budget puja committees, who are capable of running their shows successfully without the state government aid, to voluntarily decline accepting the state government grant. A number of mega-budget Puja Committees have reacted positively to that plea from the Chief Minister. The first Puja Committee to react positively in the matter is that of Santosh Mitra Square Committee in Central Kolkata, whose principal patron is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-legislator, Sajal Ghosh. We have consistently refused government dole and have opposed such measures on principle. But this time, if the benefit is genuinely reaching the people who are truly needy and deserving, it is certainly a welcome step. Most importantly, it feels good that we dont have to oppose a genuinely helpful initiative simply because of ideological differences. When the right people benefit, we should appreciate the good workirrespective of politics BJPs state spokesperson in West Bengal, Keya Ghosh, who is associated with Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha Puja at Kasba in South Kolkata as the committees chairpersons, said that the Chief Ministers argument is absolutely genuine that the state governments Puja grant should be for small-budget Pujas, for whom the donation means a lot. I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for standing by the small and big pujas. A 100 per cent discount on the electricity bill of Puja Committees is undoubtedly a welcome move. We at Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha have thought differently this time. We will donate the money to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, said Ghosh, a journalist-turned-politician. Some other mega-budget Puja committees who have voluntarily declined the state government grant replying to the Chief Ministers plea included Tala Pratyay Club and Phulbagan Sarbojanin in North Kolkata and Santoshpur Lake Pally Club in South Kolkata.
ED finds 60 crore financial irregularities in TMC MP-linked newspaper during 24-hour-long searches
The marathon searches at premises linked to Haque and his media entity began on September 7 morning and were completed early Tuesday.
Thane teen with 95.7 pc marks ends life after failing to get entry into college of choice
Thane, Sep 08: A 17yearold student, who had scored 95.7 per cent marks in his Class 12 science exams, allegedly died by suicide in Maharashtra's Thane city after failing to secure admission to his preferred higher education institute, police said. The boy, whose family resided in an upscale housing complex in Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbunder Road, sent a message to his family's WhatsApp group stating his intention to end his life. However, before anyone could intervene, the boy jumped to his death from the 22nd-floor refuge area of a residential building on September 4 evening, the police said on Monday. According to police, the boy's family suspects no foul play, attributing the extreme step entirely to academic distress. The teenager recently passed his Class 12 science exams with a score of 95.7 per cent and aspired to pursue a BS-MS dual degree at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur (Kolkata), the police said. However, he fell short of securing a seat after ranking 10,474 in the aptitude test. His disappointment deepened after failing to secure admission in the reputed institute, they said. According to police, the teenager left his residence around 7.30 pm on September 4, telling his family he was going for cycling. At around 8.15 pm, he sent a message to his family's WhatsApp group stating his intention to end his life. Upon seeing the message and finding his phone switched off, his family immediately alerted the Kasarvadavali police. The police and family members rushed to search the locality and found the teenager lying severely injured on a pavement near his apartment. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital in Thane, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, the police said. An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered based on a statement given by the deceased's father.
Crude oil prices rose towards $100 a barrel as tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz intensified, but Indian petrol and diesel rates remained unchanged.
Stick to tradition, Bengal CM tells Durga Puja organisers
CM: Underage couples, parents to face charges under BNS, Pocso
Bengal hikes doles for widows, seniors, disabled to Rs 1,500
Jadavpur Police Seek Records of 18 Students From University in Probe
BJP, cops gear up for Saffron March rally
The ED conducted searches at seven locations across Kolkata, Delhi, and Ranchi on Monday. These searches are part of a money laundering probe involving Akhbar-E-Mashriq Pvt Ltd. The investigation also includes Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mohd Nadimul Haque. Allegations involve promoting communal disharmony and illegal financial transactions. The probe was initiated based on an FIR filed by Bidhannagar Police.
Daughters Suicide: Estranged Wife Files Plaint Against Man
Ayah Arrested For Assaulting 81-year-old
On last day of food-safety drive, KMC targets fish, paneer and spice hubs
ISI Accepts State Offer To Be Lead Knowledge Institute
ED searches multiple locations in Bengal in over Rs 280 crore bank fraud
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office recently conducted search operations at 12 premises across West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the investigation into the Kohinoor Power Pvt. Ltd. (KPPL) bank fraud involving default of more than Rs 280 crore, the central probe agency said in a statement on Monday. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of the complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) before the 2nd Special Court at Kolkata in respect of the affairs of Kohinoor Power Private Limited (KPPL) and others. Investigation into the affairs of the company was ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) forwarding a list of companies in respect of which the Resolution Professional (RP) had fled applications before the NCLT concerning avoidance transactions. The ED investigation has revealed that KPPL, along with its directors indulged in fraudulent activities, including submission of false information, concealment of material facts, falsification/manipulation of books of accounts and diversion of loan funds, thereby dishonestly inducing the consortium banks to sanction and disburse financial facilities. The ED investigation has further revealed that the company eventually went into liquidation under the IBC and only around Rs 7 crore could be recovered, leading to 97.5 per cent haircut to the banks. Further investigation has revealed possession of dozens of immovable properties in and around Kolkata acquired from the proceeds of crime, from which the promoters were allegedly enjoying rental income of around Rs 26 lakh per month. Search operations have revealed that the promoters of the company Vijay Bothra and Prashant Bothra, are controlling more than 100 shell entities which were allegedly being used for siphoning and laundering the proceeds of crime generated from the bank fraud. Further, large sums have also been invested abroad in the name of relatives and dummy directors. Search operations resulted in freezing of bank accounts of more than 150 shell entities/individuals along with securities and other financial investments, including shares, mutual funds and debt securities. The total value of the bank balances and financial assets frozen during the operations is around Rs 64 crore. Search operations also resulted in seizure of incriminating digital evidences, company records, financial documents, property deeds, etc, have been seized during the search operations, which are being analysed for tracing the proceeds of crime and identifying further assets acquired from them.
Vande Mataram set to be primary theme of International Kolkata Book Fair 2027
Restos to label food, reduce meat, veggie storage time
Rain fails to wash away pollutants, PM2.5 stays above WHO guideline
Pay hike for 1 lakh contractual staff in Bengal: CM Suvendu Adhikari
KMC-cop drive against illegal hawkers promises relief ahead of festive season
Howrah reels under dengue attack, cases touch 115
Health dept intensifies dengue surveillance
Bonjour Chandernagore: Paris street on The Strand this weekend
Plan for UG power network in tourist zones of 16 towns
CNMCH frisking under officials watch after students plaint
ED raids on premises linked to TMC MP spark political row
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorates (ED) searches at premises linked to TMC Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque on Monday, September 7, triggered a political war of words, with the BJP defending the action as part of a legitimate probe and the TMC alleging vendetta politics. BJP leader Keya Ghosh said there was no reason to politicise 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 .
Law minister seeks suggestions to strengthen National Tribunal Commission
Arjun Ram Meghwal sought stakeholder inputs on the proposed National Tribunal Commission framework while inaugurating the new premises of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Kolkata
Husbands to face POCSO charges if wife becomes mother before 18: Bengal CM
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) In a major crackdown on child marriage and teenage pregnancies, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that husbands of girls who become mothers before attaining the age of 18 will be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with the state government initiating suo motu cases against offenders. Speaking to the media persons here on Monday, the Chief Minister said, Now West Bengal is notorious in terms of child marriage and childbirth before the age of 18. The previous Trinamool Congress government is responsible for this. So, henceforth, strong legal action will be taken under the POCSO Act against the husbands of girls who conceive before the age of 18. The government will file suo motu cases in such matters. The culprit can be imprisoned for a maximum of 20 years. They will also be deprived of all government opportunities and social welfare allowances. He also said that the priests or Kazis performing rituals of marriage between underage brides and grooms will also not be spared. The administration will also take action against the guardians concerned. From January 1, 2016, to June 30 this year, about 60,000 girls under the age of 18 became mothers. Murshidabad tops the list. During that period, 12,847 girls from the district became mothers before attaining the age of 18. Next on the list is South 24 Parganas, where 4,178 girls under the age of 18 became mothers, the Chief Minister added. He informed that the State Health Department provided him with this information. The law under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 specifies the prevention of child marriages. The number of child marriages is so high that there are not even enough jails in the state to house all those who are guilty on this count. But still, we will not allow this to continue. We will make arrests. We have to stop all these social evils. We will launch a bigger campaign on this issue in the coming days, CM Adhikari said.
'Bengalis will eat whatever they want': Bengal BJP chief rejects Bageshwar Baba's meat diktat
ED searches at 7 locations linked to TMC MP Nadimul
Adani Group ahead in Writers Buildings restoration race
CM orders CID probe into Murshidabad murder, 2 cops suspended
175-yr-old Shiva temple collapses into Ganga as Malda floods worsen
BJP seniors douse fire lit by Baba address to Bangal ke Hindus'
Suvendu heads to Kalimpong to assess N Bengal flood risk
EC announces Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls on Oct 6, results on Oct 9
Bengal Bans Liquor Sales On Ashtami, DJs During Immersion; Scraps Mamata-Era Puja Carinval
The carnival, held on Kolkata's Red Road, had become a prominent post-Puja spectacle featuring idols from leading committees before immersion in the Hooghly River.
Bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar seats in Bengal before Durga Puja on Oct 6
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) The bypolls for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The date of issue of gazette notification in the matter will be on September 9 and the last date of nomination will be on September 16, according to an announcement made by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday evening. The date of scrutiny of nominations will be on September 17, while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures will be on September 19. While the polling will be conducted on October 6, the counting of votes and poll results will be declared on October 9. The date before which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly Elections earlier this year, the current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari got elected both from Nandigram as well as from Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari got elected by defeating his predecessor and the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Thereafter, CM Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, contested and got elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. However, later Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for Rejinagar seat. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the bye-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to be having much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Cal HC extends relief to Abhishek in 3 FIRs, warns of blanket protection
1 north Bengal train cancelled, 5 to be diverted
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday, September 7, apologised for a government advertisement carrying a distorted image of Goddess Durga with 11 arms instead of the traditional 10, seeking to put an end to the controversy that erupted over the depiction. Addressing a coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees at the Milan 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 .
udaan acquires Swiggys LYNK Logistics for 500 crore, gets Swiggy as shareholder
The acquisition adds LYNKs distribution network across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata
A file picture of Kolkata-based social and cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Education. Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 4: Imagine six-year-old children,
CM Adhikari highlights achievement of AB PM-JAY scheme in Bengal
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday highlighted the achievements of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) within a short period since the launch of the scheme in the state after the recently-concluded West Bengal Assembly polls earlier this year. In a social media statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Chief Minister claimed that currently there are 3.23 crore active cards in West Bengal under which 3.23 crore beneficiaries across the state now get guaranteed financial protection of up to Rs 500,000. He also informed that so far there had been 31,541 hospital admissions under the scheme from the state. Thousands of patients have already received timely, cashless treatment across empaneled hospitals without pushing their families into economic distress, the Chief Ministers social media statement read. He had also informed that of the 31,541 hospital admissions, as many as 716 had been outside-state admissions. Leveraging nationwide portability, patients from West Bengal, including migrant workers and those needing specialised interventions have accessed seamless treatment at premier institutions across India, the Chief Minister claimed. According to him, from expanding access in rural heartlands to enabling seamless healthcare portability nationwide, this scheme has started fundamentally transforming West Bengals healthcare landscape into one anchored in equity, affordability and trust. To recall, the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal did not allow the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state as the previous Chief Minister used to assert that with Swastha Sathi, the state-own health insurance scheme existing, there was no necessity for the central health insurance scheme for West Bengal. After taking charge as the new and ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal earlier, one of the first things that Suvendu Adhikari did was to implement the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in the state. In addition to that, the Chief Minister had also announced that those who will not be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, will be covered under Chief Ministers Health Insurance Scheme. The coverage amount will be the same at Rs 500,000 a year.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan LIVE Score Updates, CFL Premier Division 2026-27: East Bengal take on arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in a highly-anticipated Kolkata derby.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 7
Supreme Court Urges Kolkata High Court to Expedite Decision on Controversial Signboard Removal
The Supreme Court has asked the Kolkata High Court to quickly resolve a dispute regarding the removal of a signboard from a political office. Supreme Court Urges Kolkata High Court to Expedite Decision on Controversial Signboard Removal
SC declines to interfere in Trinamool signboard row, asks Calcutta HC to decide matter expeditiously
New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Calcutta High Court to expeditiously decide the Trinamool Congress' plea challenging the removal of a signboard carrying the party's name and logo from the roof of the office of its General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Camac Street in Kolkata. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction against the Calcutta High Court's refusal to grant interim relief in the matter. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Trinamool, submitted that the signboard was removed without issuing any notice to the party and contended that the High Court had erred in observing that no cause of action survived after the board had already been removed. The High Court says that no cause of action survives because the signboard has already been removed, he submitted. However, the CJI-led Bench remarked that merely because the signboard had been removed did not mean that the grievance of the party had been satisfied. Merely because it has been removed does not mean that your grievance has been satisfied. If your claim is accepted, the High Court will have to grant you liberty to raise the issue, the apex court observed. Sibal submitted that the party was seeking restoration of the signboard and reiterated that no notice had been issued before the removal. I am entitled to notice before such action is taken. No notice was issued, he said. The senior counsel further submitted that information had been given to the Kolkata Police on August 26 that security was required for removing the signboard, but no notice had been served on the party. I approached the High Court saying that no notice had been issued to me. The High Court did not examine whether notice had been issued. It merely held that since the board had already been removed, no cause of action survived, he submitted. He further argued that the Trinamool was a registered political party and that its name had been displayed on the building pursuant to a registered lease. This is a registered political party. Its name was displayed on the building and was removed without notice. A commercial establishment's name would not be removed in this manner, Sibal said. He urged the apex court to send the matter back to the Calcutta High Court and permit the party to raise all its contentions, without the observations contained in the interim order coming in its way. After hearing the submissions, the CJI-headed Bench ordered: In our view, the interim order dated August 28, 2026 has not decided pending issues on merits. Since the High Court is seized of the matter, and there are tentative observations made in the order, the parties are granted liberty to raise their respective contentions before HC. We request the High Court to determine all issues that arise for consideration expeditiously. The Supreme Court also clarified that the observations made in the impugned order would not come in the way of the parties raising their respective contentions before the High Court. The dispute relates to the removal of a giant billboard carrying the name All India Trinamool Congress and the party's logo from the roof of Abhishek Banerjee's office on Camac Street on August 27. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), accompanied by police personnel, had reached the premises to remove the billboard, which the civic authorities claimed was installed without the mandatory permission and payment of applicable taxes. The action led to tension at the spot, with Trinamool leaders and activists, including Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien, opposing the removal. Scuffles broke out between the police personnel and party activists before the billboard was finally removed. Following the incident, the Kolkata Police registered three FIRs and arrested several Trinamool activists. Abhishek Banerjee, O'Brien and other party leaders were named in two of the FIRs. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction subsequently approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking restoration of the removed billboard and also raising questions over the action taken by the KMC and police. On August 28, a special single-judge Bench of Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury declined to grant interim relief, observing that the matter was at a premature stage and that affidavits from all concerned parties were required before any interim direction could be considered. The High Court had also rejected the plea seeking details of the KMC staff and Kolkata Police personnel who had gone to the Camac Street office to remove the billboard. The Camac Street office subsequently came under scrutiny from the West Bengal Fire Services Department as well. Last week, the department issued a notice alleging several irregularities in the fire safety arrangements at the seventh and eighth floors of the building, where Abhishek Banerjee's office is located. The department said the fire safety certificate had expired on August 10 and sought an explanation within 48 hours as to why the premises should not be sealed. On September 4, after the response deadline expired, the Fire Services Department directed the occupants to vacate the seventh and eighth floors, citing inadequate fire-fighting measures and non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
CM Adhikari says Bengal economy on slow road to recovery
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said the state's fiscal health has begun to improve, albeit slowly, following the government's decision to link the state with various Central schemes, a move he claimed was obstructed by the previous regime. Because of the fiscal indiscipline of the previous regime and the huge revenue losses caused by corruption, West Bengals economy was pushed to the verge of bankruptcy. The situation was further aggravated by the previous governments reluctance to join various Centrally sponsored schemes. I cannot say that the states economic health has fully recovered yet. I personally feel it may take a year for us to come out of the economic crisis. However, there are signs of a gradual revival. We have decided to join various Central schemes, and as a result, more funds are now coming to the state, the Chief Minister said. He was addressing a function held to mark the beginning of the disbursement of enhanced old-age, widow and disability allowances in the state. Previously, the beneficiaries under these three schemes in the state were entitled to a monthly payment of Rs 1,000. However, from Monday, the same beneficiaries have started receiving an enhanced amount of Rs 1,500. The CM said that the BJP-led new state government took some measures to eliminate the scope for revenue leakages, which he expects will improve the states own tax revenue by 18 per cent. We have been able to plug such revenue leakages to a great extent. I hope these leakages will be addressed further in the coming days, leading to a further improvement in the states own revenue generation, Adhikari said. According to him, his government is also focusing on the identification of fake beneficiaries under different welfare schemes. Our aim is to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive these benefits. There have been instances of men receiving widow allowances. Such irregularities will be eliminated, he said. The Chief Minister also announced the waiting lists of beneficiaries prepared during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime. All the waiting lists of the previous government stand cancelled from today. We will hold public welfare camps again. Everyone will go there and make fresh applications, Adhikari said.
IT Kharagpur inaugurates sustainable phase of affordable healthcare research hub
ED raids Trinamool Rajya Sabha member's newspaper office, other premises
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Monday began major search operations at the Kolkata office of the Urdu newspaper 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq', which is owned by the Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, Nadimul Haque. Sources aware of the development said that besides the main office of 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq' at Park Circus in central Kolkata, simultaneous raids and search operations are being conducted at six other locations in Delhi, Ranchi, and Kolkata that are linked to Haque. The total of the seven locations where the ED raids are being conducted since Monday morning also included the residence of the Trinamool MP at Darga Road in south Kolkata. ED officials have also reportedly reached the residence of Haques son-in-law. Besides Kolkata, 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq' has editions from Delhi, Ranchi, Asansol, Siliguri, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Srinagar. Although ED officials have remained tight-lipped over the details behind the raid, as per preliminary information available, it is in relation to alleged illegal transactions carried out through the bank accounts of the media entity. The financial probe agency has come to investigate allegations of financial transactions in the newspaper's bank account, for which no correspondence has been found. It is learnt that the investigating officials have detected serious irregularities in the accounts of the media entity, hinting at money laundering. The ED, sources said, had decided to interrogate Haque, his family members and the other directors of the media entity in this connection. On early Monday, the ED officials, accompanied by a contingent of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, arrived at 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq's Park Circus office. While the ED officials, along with some CAPF personnel, entered the office premises, the other CAPF personnel surrounded the office. The office's main entrance was locked to prevent anyone from getting in or coming out of the office. The raids and search operation were ongoing, and as indicated by sources, this operation might be continued for quite some time. Haque had been a Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member since April 2012.
ED raids premises linked to Urdu daily promoted by TMC MP
The Enforcement Directorate on Monday raided premises in Kolkata, Delhi and Ranchi as part of a money laundering investigation against an Urdu daily promoted by TMC Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque, officials said. The 56-year-old Haque, who is also a journalist and businessman, is the director of the company (Akhbar-E-Mashriq Pvt Ltd) that brings out 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 .
New dengue cases in Bengal cross 500 mark in last seven days
Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) The number of new dengue cases in West Bengal, in the last seven days, have crossed the 500 mark, according to statistics available from the state Health Department. The state Health Department officials claimed that following the release of a standard operating procedure for monitoring and preventing dengue cases in the state on September 2, an extensive exercise for door-to-door monitoring and immediate blood testing of people identified as having dengue symptoms was carried out. Following that extensive exercise, over 500 new dengue-affected cases in the state had been detected in the last seven days, an official said. With these 500 new cases detected in the last seven days, the total number of dengue-affected people during the current calendar year, or to be more precise, during the current monsoon, has crossed the figure of 4,500, the official said. Murshidabad had been the worst-affected district both in terms of the new cases during the last seven days as well as in terms of the numbers during the current calendar year. Of the 500-odd newly detected cases during the last seven days, 96 are from Murshidabad alone. Similarly, of the 4,500 cases of total dengue-affected people during the current calendar year, 870 had been from Murshidabad alone. Kolkata is in the second position, with the total number of affected people during the current calendar year being 402. The number of newly affected people in the last seven days is 62. The Health Department official also provided statistical details on the progressive increase in the number of dengue-affected cases in the state since April. As per statistics provided by the department, 770 people were infected with dengue in the state till April 30, which progressively increased to 1,946 till July 31, 3,966 till August 31 and little over 4,500 till date. However, the good thing is that whatever the figures that have surfaced this year are 100 per cent authentic, without any question of underquoting the affected figure or describing dengue as 'unknown fever' - a phenomenon which was rampant during the last few years. The instructions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for the medical institutions are very clear. If the case is dengue, it should be reported as dengue and not as any 'unknown fever'. So, the figure this year so far is 100 per cent authentic, the Health Department official said. Earlier this year, the Chief Minister requested the people not to panic about the dengue situation amid continued heavy downpour, and also said that the situation, though serious, was not highly alarming. He also said that the number of dengue-affected people in West Bengal during the current and ongoing monsoons, though high, is much less compared to what the figure was during the monsoons of the previous year
We crossed the path to Kailash; just one night later, it was gone, says Parvathy Baul
Will Rinku Singh get KKR captaincy following triumphant UPT20 campaign?
Star Indian cricketer Rinku Singh has staked his claim for the captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Gold and silver prices today, 7 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
AIIMS Jammu to become first Indian hospital with CISF Security
New Delhi, Sep 6: The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu could become the first hospital in the country to be guarded by an armed contingent of the CISF given its sensitive location close to the India-Pakistan international border, officials said. The 226.84-acre hospital and medical college is located in the Vijaypur area of Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district, along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway-44. The campus is located a few kilometres from the India-Pakistan International Border (IB). The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. Sources in the security establishment told PTI that given the sensitive nature of its location near the IB, the Centre has planned to provide an armed security cover to the facility. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is expected to be deployed at the AIIMS-Jammu campus, making it the first hospital to be brought under the security cover of the central paramilitary force, the sources said. They added that a security survey and a manpower-estimation exercise are currently underway. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has for long resisted deploying armed personnel at hospitals post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when health facilities were targeted by the terrorists. The officials said there have been demands from many hospitals to get a CISF security cover for their campuses after 2008, but such proposals were turned down after a broad security assessment of the potential threats to these institutions and the limited manpower of the force. There are many hospitals in the government and private domains that experience high footfall. Incidentally, CISF personnel have been temporarily deployed at the R G Kar Hospital premises in Kolkata following a Supreme Court directive in August 2024 in the backdrop of the rape and murder of a doctor there. The AIIMS-Jammu deployment is expected to be a permanent duty for the CISF, the officials said. The force, which guards vital installations in the space, nuclear and power-sector domains, is also expected to be deployed for the security of the Kolkata Metro. The 58 stations of the Kolkata Metro along 74 km are currently guarded by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Once sanctioned, it will be the second metro rail network in the country after the Delhi Metro to be brought under a CISF cover, the officials said. The paramilitary force is also expected to be deployed to guard the only civil airport in Arunachal Pradesh the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi in Papum Pare district. Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently mentioned about the move in a social media post.
From Bay to Malda, Census to record migration forced by rising waters
Man arrested for rape & Rs 44k fraud
ED raids N Kol home after money laundering plaint
Now, book Tarapith slot via app as temple rolls out online VIP booking
BJP to go alone in Bengal civic polls, no alliance with NCPI, says Samik Bhattacharya
Senior BJP leaders from West Bengal, including Samik Bhattacharya, are opposed to taking NCPI on board for the Kolkata or Howrah municipal corporation elections, as it could create fresh confusion among grassroots-level workers
Celluloid prints, rare letter, spl cover: Uttam centenary tribute goes beyond retrospective
MHA delegation to visit Tripura for talks on tripartite pact progress
Newborn With Severe Covid Saved by Gamma Globulin at Belle Vue Clinic
Degree decentralised counselling will follow JEE
CM to lead saffron march from Golpark to JU on Wednesday
Restaurants Are Being Maligned Before Trial: NRAI
IISc Bengaluru develops more effective method to extract uranium from seawater
Kolkata/Bengaluru, Sep 7 (IANS) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have found a more effective way of extracting uranium from seawater. The method will also help in the removal of uranium from groundwater in a more effective manner. Developing efficient technologies to extract uranium from seawater could offer a promising long-term pathway toward securing a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel. At the same time, uranium contamination of groundwater is an important environmental and public health concern, the institute has said. With land-based uranium deposits depleting fast, the focus is now on extracting uranium from seawater. As compared to about 7.5 million tonnes of uranium on land, seawater has about 4.5 billion tonnes of the vital material needed for nuclear power plants. Over the years, researchers have developed a wide range of materials for capturing uranium from aqueous environments and seawater, including porous organic polymers and functional nanomaterials. Many of these materials rely on strong chemical interactions between functional groups and uranyl ions to selectively capture uranium. However, achieving highly selective uranium separation in the chemically complex environment of seawater remains a major challenge due to the high concentrations of competing ions, the IISc has said. A recent study from the Department of Physics, IISc, presents a new approach to addressing this challenge. The team has shown that specially designed slipped covalent organic framework (COF) membranes can completely reject uranyl ions while allowing common seawater ions to pass through, it said. The researchers investigated the molecular-level mechanisms responsible for this selective separation. Their analysis of ion hydration structures, free-energy barriers, and membrane-induced friction revealed how the structural arrangement of the COF layers controls the movement of different ions through the membrane. Unlike conventional approaches that often depend on extensive chemical functionalization to introduce selective binding sites, the new strategy exploits the intrinsic structural confinement created by slipping the COF layers. This provides a way to control ion transport across the membrane primarily based on its nanoscale structure, rather than relying solely on strong chemical interactions with uranium, the institute has said. The findings provide important insights into how the architecture of layered COF membranes can be engineered to control ion transport pathways and free-energy landscapes. Overall, the work demonstrates the potential of combining advanced molecular simulations with rational membrane design to develop highly selective separation technologies for challenging environmental and energy-related applications. The research was carried out by Yogendra Kumar and Binu Varghese, under the mentorship of Prabal K Maiti, and carried out in collaboration with Accenture Labs, Bengaluru.
Over 27K Spots Covered In 3-Day Anti-Dengue Drive Across State
Mystery shrouds death of couple in Bengals Cooch Behar
Kolkata, Sep 6 (IANS) Sensation had surfaced at Bakshirhat under Tufanganj community development block in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal on Sunday following the recovery of a couples body under mysterious circumstances at two different locations within and near their residence. While the body of the husband, Sunil Biswas (70), was recovered from within their residence, the body of his wife, Janki Biswas (45), was recovered from within the thick bushes near that house. Janki is the second wife of Sunil. Incidentally, Sunils first wife, Gita Biswas and their biological son, Sajal Biswas, stay in the same locality but at a separate residence. The Cooch Behar district police have so far detained four persons for interrogation in the matter. However, the district police are yet to declare their identities for the sake of secrecy in the investigation process. Injury marks created by sharp weapons have been detected on the bodies of both Sunil and Janki. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem purposes. A district police officer said that on receiving the information about Sunils body from his residence, the cops from the Bakshirhat Police Station reached the residence. However, at that point in time, Janki was untraceable at the residence. The police started looking for her and finally recovered her body from the bushes, which were barely 20 meters away from their residence. Sensation is prevailing in the area over the mysterious death of Sunil and Janki. After initial investigation, the investigating officials are more or less convinced that the couple was murdered. But there is confusion about the reason. The police, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ricky Agrawal, have started searching for the weapon used in the murder and other evidence. The police have detained four persons so far for interrogation purposes. However, the cops are not willing to reveal anything further at this moment right now for the sake of the investigation. The local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and the West Bengal minister of state for women and child welfare Malti Rava Roy said that she had heard the news that a couple had been murdered. However, I do not know the reason for the murder. The police have started an investigation. I hope the criminals will be caught soon, she said.
Lay People Often More Interested In Rituals Than Purohits: Expert
Peace Prevails? ISI Gets Invite To Be Lead Knowledge Institute For Bengal
HC: Advocate can go back to office after inspection
500 of 4K Kol hotels checked after Free School Street fire
Time has come: Teachers echo CMs screen-time concerns
Jaladashyu pakhi, pirate of the seas, makes a second appearance in Bengal
Call to keep Durga Pujas in West Bengal vegetarian kicks up a storm
Chief Priest of Bageshwar Dham, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Viswha Hindu Parishad leaders have asked Durga Puja pandals to avoid non-vegetarian food
