Narola, Alva emerge champions as Indian Racing Festival concludes BIC leg
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Aryan Narola of Goa Aces JA Racing clinched a double victory in the F4 Indian Championship, while Ruhaan Alva of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru won the second Indian Racing League (IRL) race as the Indian Racing Festival concluded its two-day event at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida on Sunday. Narola dominated both F4 races on Sunday to emerge as the standout performer of the weekend, while Alva secured a crucial victory in a closely contested IRL race. The two-day racing event, held on October 31 and November 1, featured three races on the final day following an action-packed opening day. In the first F4 race on Sunday, Swarnav Das initially took the lead before Narola overtook him on the second lap to move to the front. South African racer Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing also mounted a strong challenge, passing Das and putting Narola under pressure in the battle for the lead. However, Sambudla's race came to an end due to engine problems with a couple of laps remaining. Narola maintained his advantage to take the victory, while Aris Kyriakou finished second and South African Ntiyiso Mabunda of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Narola continued his impressive run in the second F4 race, leading from the start to register another victory. Arjun Chheda challenged him for the top position, while Mabunda also remained in contention. Narola held his nerve under pressure to complete a double, with Chheda finishing second and Mabunda taking third place. The second IRL race also witnessed an intense battle, with Alva eventually taking the top spot. Mohamed Ryan of Hyderabad Blackbirds finished second, while Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Shane Chanderia had initially moved ahead of Alva and led the race for several laps. However, car trouble forced him to retire from the contest, allowing Alva to capitalise on the situation and secure the victory. Earlier on Saturday, British driver Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces JA Racing won the opening IRL race, while Mabunda claimed victory in the first F4 contest. Hyman dominated the IRL race, clocking 27 minutes and 40.759 seconds to take the chequered flag. After initially trailing Emil Heyerdahl of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, Hyman overtook him to take the lead and maintained his advantage until the finish. Sai Shiva Sankaran of Kolkata Royal Tigers finished second in 27:55.806, narrowly ahead of teammate Jemma Moore, who clocked 27:56.070 to secure third place. In the opening F4 race, Mabunda registered a victory in 32:46.842 after a closely fought contest with fellow South African Sambudla. Narola, who started third on the grid, initially moved into the lead before Mabunda fought back to reclaim the top position.
BJP appoints Priti Nonia as partys spokesperson in West Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced the appointment of Priti Nonia as the spokesperson for its West Bengal unit. The key organisational appointment was cleared by the BJP's West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya, and the announcement was made through the party's X handle. The Bengal BJPs General Secretary and state office-in-charge, Shashi Agnihotri, issued an organisational order stating, State President Samik Bhattacharya has appointed Priti Nonia as a State Spokesperson of the BJP, West Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya also extended warm congratulations on her appointment and best wishes for the new responsibility. Notably, Priti Chauhan is a resident of Asansol district and a journalist by profession. She currently resides in Delhi. The appointment comes into effect with immediate effect, said the official release. Following her appointment, Priti Nonia also took to her social media handle on Facebook to express gratitude to the party leadership as well as special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing upon her the responsibility. I express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the top leadership and the organisation of Bharatiya Janata Party for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as a spokesperson for the BJP in West Bengal, she said in a post on Facebook. Nonia, making special mention of PM Modi, party national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and others, added that it was a matter of great fortune and pride for her to have the opportunity to work under the guidance and leadership of the esteemed leaders. I shall work with complete loyalty, dedication, and commitment to ensure that the organisations ideals, spirit of service, and commitment to public welfare reach every individual, she said further in the FB post.
Bengal researcher bags PharmInnova honour; Shah calls for stronger pharma R&D push
Watch the song 'Pal Tule De' from Bengali movie 'Porobasi' starring Loknath Dey, Kinjal Nanda, Ranjita Boruah and Ankhi Ghosh. 'Pal Tule De' is sung by Ikkshita Mukherjee, with music composed by Amit Chatterjee and lyrics penned by Ritam Sen. The song also features programming by Shubhro Bhattacharya. The music video is directed by Monet Roy Saha, with screenplay by Amitabh Bhattacharyya and Anil Debnath. The film is produced by Purbadiganta Film Production (Anil Debnath) and is set to release in Kolkata on February 20, 2026, and in Tripura on February 27, 2026. To know more about 'Pal Tule De' from 'Porobasi', watch the 8K video.
Suvendu Adhikari accuses Mamata Banerjee of dividing Matuas and opposing CAA
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari accuses Mamata of fracturing Matua ties and opposing CAA, as he pledges targeted support for Thakurnagar and the communitys inclusion in State policy
Gold, silver prices today, 1 November: Check retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver on Sunday in your cities Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
SEBI Chief Prioritises Capital Formation and Investor Protection
Kolkata/New Delhi, Oct 31: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, said on Saturday that the capital markets regulator continuously works towards making Indias capital markets more accessible, efficient and resilient, focusing on facilitating capital formation, improving ease of doing business and strengthening investor protection. Speaking at the Bharat Chamber []
34 days on, impasse continues at SRFTI amid student-authority face-off
Classes and hostels remain shut as six students face rustication and alumni, parents and members of the film fraternity rally behind the protest
Census round 2 from Jan 10, house visits from Jan 25
Kali Puja still a week away but crackers start to make their presence felt in city pockets
WBSSC to publish result for Group C & Group D before Kali Puja
Biddhannagar cops focus on lasers, drones, sky lanterns
Dont let illegal crackers be sold in the first place, urge citizens
Social media agog as food inspectors visit Sealdahs pocket paratha stall
BJPs first official labour union takes off at Kolkata airport
All 300 pending high-rise projects get KMC construction go-ahead
3 JEE top-50 rank-holders opt for JU engg courses
TMC Leaders Aide Sent to Police Custody Over Soil Theft Charges in Kolkata
Abhishek Banerjees aide Sumit Roy has been remanded to police custody for 10 days in a soil theft case linked to illegal land grabbing. TMC Leaders Aide Sent to Police Custody Over Soil Theft Charges in Kolkata
Change of guard at Coast Guard Region North East; Jyotindra Singh takes over as Commandant
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) Jyotindra Singh, IG, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), took over as Commandant, Coast Guard Region North East from Iqbal Singh Chauhan, in Kolkata, on Saturday. An alumnus of the Naval Academy and a recipient of the coveted Sword of Honour, Singh has commanded all classes of ICG ships and held key appointments ashore. He is also a recipient of the Tatrakshak Medal and DGICG Commendations. The change of command was marked by a ceremonial parade held at the headquarters of the region in Kolkata. He takes charge at a time when the ICG is upgrading its assets and inducting modern surface and aerial platforms. The Region North East is extremely crucial for managing the coastal defences along the eastern seaboard. It is in charge of the states of West Bengal and Odisha. In West Bengal, it has an operational base at Haldia that houses both Coast Guard ships and hovercrafts. It also has a hoverport at Fraserganj to monitor activity close to the Sundarbans. The regional headquarters also has an air enclave at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, from where it operates Dornier aircraft. These aircraft carry out regular surveillance of the coastal waters off West Bengal and Odisha, right up to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Bangladesh. In Odisha, it operates surface assets from Paradip and helicopters from Bhubaneswar. While West Bengal has a coastline measuring nearly 721 km, Odisha's portion is about 575 km. Both states have several vital assets along the coast, including major ports, private ones, oil refineries and port-based industry. Odisha also has several defence assets, including test centres, along its coasts. All of these require constant surveillance. The headquarters in Kolkata gets real-time feed about all ships moving in Indian coastal waters off West Bengal and Odisha, from radar stations along the coast. This data is monitored 24x7. Several of the ICG's older assets are being phased out and being replaced by new ones. We are getting advanced hovercrafts and fast patrol vessels. The Chetak helicopters are being replaced by Dhruv MkIIIs. Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are also being built and will start joining the force soon. The Dornier fleet is also getting upgraded, an official said. The Coast Guard is also engaged in a variety of activities, including anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and anti-piracy operations. It also ensures the safety of the thousands of fisherfolk by issuing timely warnings ahead of depressions and cyclones. The Coast Guard North East Region is also entrusted with protecting the highly endangered Olive Ridley turtles when they arrive to roost and lay eggs along the Odisha coast every year. The force is also the nodal agency mandated to check and control pollution at sea. The new IG's experience, illustrious service record and proven leadership will further strengthen the operational excellence of the Coast Guard North East region, the official said.
Mohun Bagan Beat Punjab FC 2-1 To Go Top Of ISL Table
Mohun Bagan Super Giant came from behind to beat Punjab FC 2-1 and move temporarily to the top of the Indian Super League standings after their match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata
2 youths molest college student in Barrackpore, held
JU VC seeks EC meet nod, writes to govt
Bar brawl leaves 1 dead in Sodepur
Kid, parents safe after SUV jumps Maa divider, rams car; traffic hit for an hour
Ministers meet for single-ticket travel plans
Assault on 4-yr-old, Pocso cuffs on man
Over 1,000 Runners Take Part In Kolkata Promo Run Ahead Of Puri Coastal Marathon 2026
The City of Joy witnessed an enthusiastic celebration of fitness and community spirit as over 1,000 registered participants came together for the Kolkata Promo Run, organised as a build-up to the much-awaited Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, scheduled to take place on December 13, 2026, in Puri, Odisha.
Samik demands fresh SIR in Bengal, claims voter roll revision incomplete
BJP seniors keep watch as 1,017 cast votes for Tolly technicians poll
Akasa Air Aircraft Suffers Tail Strike During Landing At Kolkata Airport
In a statement, Akasa Air said the flight QP 1925 from Ahmedabad to Kolkata carried out a go-around during its landing at Kolkata and landed safely thereafter.
8-month pregnant Bengal woman delivers stillborn after assault by 'BJP workers'
In Cooch Behar district, a woman named Priya Pal lost her baby after an assault on her husband. The alleged attack involved suspected BJP workers who targeted her husband, Debajit Barman, while he was returning home. After the incident, both Priya and Debajit were admitted to the hospital for treatment. Two suspects have been arrested, while a search is ongoing for additional accused individuals.
Ambuja Grp to invest Rs 3,000 cr in Bengals hospitality sector
Walk for books: Hundreds march in Kolkata against attack on bookstalls
Citizens, activists, professors, and politicians join the march, which was held without any political banner. It was organised in protest against attacks on bookstalls during Durga Puja, blamed on right-wing groups and the BJP
SRFTI students allege continued police presence on campus, raise privacy concerns
Addressing a press conference at Kolkata Press Club, the students' union expressed concern over the continued deployment and movement of police personnel on the campus
SRFTI students allege continued police presence on campus, raise privacy concerns
Addressing a press conference at Kolkata Press Club, the students' union expressed concern over the continued deployment and movement of police personnel on the campus
Capital Market Grows In WB, Key To India's Economic Progress SEB
chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey speaks to media in Kolkata on Saturday: Reports
Akasa Air aircraft suffers tail strike at Kolkata airport
An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced a tail strike during landing at Kolkata airport. The flight QP 1925 had taken off from Ahmedabad and successfully completed a go-around. After landing around 7.40 am, all passengers disembarked without any reported injuries. A post-flight inspection revealed that the tail section had contacted the ground. Relevant authorities have been informed and an investigation is currently underway.
No sight, no sweat: Cricketers, musician, teacher show path out of darkness
Delhi AQI Close To 200 As Mumbai, Hyderabad Slip Into 'Unhealthy' Zone; Kolkata's Air Worsens
Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru remained in the poor category, with Bengaluru recording the lowest AQI among the six major metros.
Ambuja Neotia, IHCL to invest up to 3,000 crore in 9 hospitality projects in Bengal
Upcoming projects spread across Kolkata, Raichak, Digha, Siliguri, Lataguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, Ambuja Neotia Group chairman says
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group announce new hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri
Ambuja Neotia Group plans to invest Rs 2,700 crore in West Bengal's hospitality sector, which includes new hotel launches. The newly opened AltAir House hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri are part of this initiative. A significant expansion of Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling also forms part of the investment. The collaboration aims to enhance tourism and create unique travel experiences in the region.
Kolkata Police to Question Former Ministers Wife in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam
Kolkata police are set to interrogate the wife of former minister Indranil Sen regarding a fake Durga Puja pass scam involving her company. Kolkata Police to Question Former Ministers Wife in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey highlights efforts to improve market access and safeguard investors during a forum in Kolkata. SEBI Focuses on Enhancing Market Accessibility and Investor Protection, Says Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey
East Bengal Begins AFC Women's Champions League Campaign
East Bengal Women's Football Club is set to make history as they kick off their AFC Women's Champions League Group B campaign in Kolkata on Sunday. The 'Moshal Girls' aim to become the first Indian club to reach the quarter-finals, building on a successful season and an unbeaten international run. They face tough competition from Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO WFC, and North Korea's 4.25 SC.
Man arrested under POCSO for assaulting 3-year-old girl in Bengal's Dattapukur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) A man in his forties was arrested in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, police said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Arjun Sardar, had reportedly visited a relative's house in Dattapukur when he allegedly took the child to the roof of a neighbouring house and assaulted her sexually. The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday and came to light the following day, on Friday, triggering tension in the area. According to the police, the victim's family has been living in Subhashnagar in a rented house under Nilganj outpost in Dattapukur police station area for the last three months. Local residents said they went to file a complaint at Nilganj outpost of Dattapukur police station, but police refused to do so. Later, a case was registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and an investigation was launched. The police arrested the accused on Friday night. Police said the accused has confessed to the crime during interrogation. He was produced before the Barasat court on Saturday. The police sought his custody for further investigation. The child was taken to Barasat Medical College and Hospital for a physical examination. Her family and local residents alleged they had to wait for a long time at Barasat Medical College and Hospital as there was only one female doctor available at that time, and that too was busy. Locals alleged that the girl's medical examination was delayed for several hours due to the unavailability of female doctors, sparking protests at the hospital. The situation was later brought under control. The victim's family has demanded stringent punishment for the accused.
Is Bengali cinema losing its rootedness?
Has Bengali cinema forgotten how to look at Bengal? From the invisible lives of Dhapa to the textures of a language that is slowly losing its density, filmmakers Ashish Avikunthak, Indrasis Acharya and Ishaan Ghose ask what has slipped out of the frame, and whether cinema can still find its way back
Todays Gold Rate: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 31
Five former TMC ministers arrested under BJP rule, only one gets bail
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS) Only one of the five former ministers of the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government arrested during the first six months of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led regime in West Bengal is currently out on bail. The cases concern alleged wrongdoing during the previous Trinamool Congress government's tenure. The arrests of former ministers began with former state Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose. Three other former ministers were subsequently arrested: Dilip Mondal, who served as Minister of State for Transport; Ujjal Biswas, the former Correctional Services Minister; and Udyana Guha, who held the North Bengal Development portfolio. The latest to join the list is Indranil Sen, former state Tourism Minister and Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs. The singer-turned-politician was arrested earlier this week in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to festival tours associated with the UNESCO-tagged celebration. Of the five former ministers, Biswas is the only one currently out on bail. Sen is in police custody, while the other three, along with Bose, are in judicial custody. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bose in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-jobs case involving municipal recruitment in West Bengal. Mondal, Biswas and Guha were arrested by the West Bengal Police in cases involving allegations of corruption, extortion and political violence. Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police earlier this week. He is the only one among the five against whom the ED and the city police have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to tours organised around the UNESCO-tagged festival. The case against Sen has drawn particular attention in view of the ED's investigation, after the name of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee figured in the agency's findings. Earlier this month, the ED issued a statement naming Banerjee in connection with a transaction involving Octave Records, a company owned by Sen. According to the agency, nearly Rs 30 lakh was allegedly transferred from the company's accounts to Banerjee through banking channels. Sen, however, maintained that the payment was made towards royalty. Separately, a judicial inquiry commission constituted by the West Bengal government to examine alleged institutional corruption during the previous Trinamool Congress regime has initiated an inquiry involving Sen.
Gold, silver prices today, 31 October: Check the latest prices and up-down movement for precious metal investors in Garden City. We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
The civic body polls are likely to be held in the next few weeks even as the fate of many voters lie in a limbo
Suvendu challenges Abhishek to contest from Diamond Harbour in 2029 Lok Sabha polls
The remarks from the Chief Minister came in response to a statement made by the Diamond Harbour MP, in which he alleged political vendetta and cautioned a section of police officers not to target him at the behest of the Chief Minister
Jkhand cop gives 410g liver to daughter
City docs ask for cap on insulin price
More Cops On Kolkata Roads For 3 Days From Dhanteras
Kolkata Police launches probe after man in Denmark gets three traffic challans in three months
Sweet sales soar despite inflation, LPG short-supply headwinds
Police rescue two abducted in gold loan fraud
School pays tribute to war veterans
Kasba police rescue abducted minor, arrest accused in Malda case
Civic volunteer found hanging at home
Ahead of Diwali, govt plans single-window system for speedy Phanush licence in Kol
Police to seek govt financial help for Gaighata encounter victims family
After NHRC, state wing sends notice to Kolkata Police commissioner
Custom workout & nutrition modules to help manage frailty at home for seniors
Cop assaulted during helmet drive, 3 arrested
7-hour traffic block in Sealdah div to hit train ops
Beleghata-Sector V link to be ready by Dec end or early Jan: Metro GM
Technology meets talent: IIT Madras Acrophase Initiative launches under-19 sports scholarship
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) Sports today is no longer about raw physical and mental effort and practice. A lot of it has to do with technology that determines under what circumstances a sportsperson achieves peak potential. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched the SBI Foundation ACE Potential Athlete Sports Scholarship for able-bodied national-level athletes aged 1519 years. The programme will support 90 young athletes 45 boys and 45 girls across athletics, swimming, boxing, wrestling, shooting, archery and badminton. Selected athletes will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000, along with sports science-based performance assessments and personalised nutrition guidance from IIT MadrasAcrophase, supporting them as they train and compete at higher levels. Behind every promising athlete are years of training, discipline and the ambition to go further. But talent alone is not enough; the right support can shape how far that journey goes, IIT Madras says. In a LinkedIn post, the institute has said: Acrophase, an IIT Madras initiative, is India's first human performance research centre driven to build superhumans capable of pushing the limits. Through a unique confluence of wearable industry experts, researchers from IIT Madras, and experts in human physiology and biomechanics, we curate performance enhancement programs for people at all levels. We do this by leveraging the benefits of data-driven technology in synergy with expert insights from physiology, biomechanics & behavioural psychology. Acrophase is a social-impact-driven performance science initiative emerging from the research and innovation ecosystem of IIT Madras. The initiative is built on the institutes strengths in engineering, biomedical science, and data analytics. Acrophase translates rigorous academic research into scalable, field-deployable solutions that create measurable societal value. Partnerships with SBI Foundation and the Wadhwani Foundation have enabled Acrophase, through IIT Madras, to support able-bodied and para-athletes across India using inclusive, research-driven performance and capacity-building frameworks, IIT Madras says. Applications have started being accepted from October 7, and the process will continue till November 16. The applicants must be Indian citizens competing at the national level. There will be 18 scholarships for athletics, followed by swimming and shooting with 16 each. Archery will receive 12 places, wrestling and boxing 10 each, and badminton eight. The selection will be based on sporting merit, with preference given to players from lower-income families when candidates are otherwise equally matched.
No forced union tie, no wage bias: Govt to Tolly
8pm-10pm window stays for bursting of crackers
No phones, smoke breaks: Workshop lays down rules for Kali Puja priests
18 out of 120 cracker samples fail cop check ahead of Bazi Bazaars
Chorbagan lessons: Wider gates, no dimly lit pandals in Kali Puja
West Bengal govt to set up magic school and museum
ISL 2026/27: Mohun Bagan SG look to extend winning run against unbeaten Punjab FC
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) Former winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant welcome early-season high-flyers Punjab FC to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 on Saturday as they hope to hit their stride after a good start. The Mariners enter the fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, courtesy of a second-half strike by Manvir Singh. Punjab FC, conversely, arrive in Kolkata protecting an unbeaten start to their campaign, currently occupying second spot in the table with seven points after navigating a chaotic opening month. Punjabs never-say-die attitude and ability to fight until the final whistle have been a defining feature of their recent performances. Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis credited the mentality instilled across the squad, while acknowledging an area that needs improvement. Of course, conceding goals in the previous games is something that is bothering us. But it is something that we are working on, he said. The Greek coach also stressed the importance of maintaining the teams identity against a formidable opponent. We are a team that fights. We are a team that never gives up, he said, adding that the clubs philosophy extends beyond the game plan to developing Indian players. Captain Nikhil Prabhu echoed that determination, highlighting the message within the dressing room: My message for the team was to fight for every ball and believe in ourselves till the last minute. There is a personal connection in the dugout, with Mohun Bagan head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis set to face his former club and close friend Dermitzakis. The Punjab FC head coach was also a mentor to Dilmperis at the beginning of his coaching career in 2010. Pavlos is my best friend. He used to be a mentor for me at the beginning of my coaching career in 2010, along with being a great coach and a great person, Dilmperis said. While admitting to an emotional connection with Punjab and its players, Dilmperis made clear where his focus lies. When you are coaching Mohun Bagan SG, trust me, there is no time to think about emotions or feelings. You have to be there, focused and win this game because of the pressure. Midfielder Samir Zeljkovi, who joined Mohun Bagan from Punjab ahead of the season, acknowledged the quality of his former team. I respect them a lot. I know because I played with most of them last season. They have also brought in good foreign players. They have started the season well, and I hope tomorrow will be a good match. I hope we will win, he said. Mohun Bagan have won all five previous ISL meetings between the sides, including a 3-2 victory in their most recent league encounter in April. With Punjab looking to preserve their unbeaten start and Mohun Bagan chasing another consecutive victory, Saturday's clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium.
IIT-K brings Kolkatas contemporary art to campus
Bengal: Hawkers assault Rashtriya Ekta Diwas rally participants
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) People travelling from West Bengal to Vadodara in Gujarat to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations were brutally assaulted by hawkers at the Bhusaval station in Maharashtra on Friday. The railway police at Bhusaval confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and several people have been detained for questioning. Further investigation is underway, an official said. We were in a group of 99 people from the Jhargram district in West Bengal, selected by the district administration to travel by a special train to Vadodara for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31. When the train stopped at the Bhusaval station, some of us decided to get out and stretch our legs as it had been a long journey, said Nirmalendu Mahato. He, along with his daughter, purchased some bananas from the platform. While Mahato remained outside, the girl went inside the compartment to keep the bananas near their luggage. Trouble started after she rejoined her father on the platform and Mahato started videographing the surroundings. We had heard a lot about Bhusaval and its bananas, so it was only natural for me to make a video. There were some hawkers around, but it was not my idea to focus on them. Suddenly, an elderly man approached me from behind and asked me harshly to stop making the video. I asked him the reason, when four others approached. Realising that they were out there to create trouble, I turned to send my daughter back into the compartment. This was when they pushed me from behind, Mahato said. His co-passengers noticed the incident and accosted the hawkers, resulting in a minor scuffle. The team from Jhargram, which comprises police and administrative officers from the district, then approached the elderly man who had started the whole thing. When he was asked why he started the whole ruckus, the man left. We believed that was the end of the matter. However, he returned in a few minutes with over 20 men and started assaulting us. At least a dozen members of our group received injuries to their faces, shoulders, backs, and other parts of the body. We somehow managed to get into the train and get in touch with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Mahato said. The injured, including Mahato, received treatment at the next station, where a complaint was also registered by the railway police. After reaching Vadodara, they were taken to a hospital for medical examination. On the evening of October 30, senior police officers from Bhusaval reached Vadodara and spoke to us in detail. A DSP of West Bengal Police, who was part of our group, also provided details. We were told that seven of the miscreants have been identified and detained. More people will be booked as the investigation progresses, we were told, Mahato said. According to a senior police official, it was the handiwork of illegal hawkers against whom Central Railway has been taking steps for the last few months. Several hundred illegal hawkers have been identified and removed from stations in that area. However, they keep on returning to the stations on the sly. It seems that they were scared that their activities would get recorded when the video was being made and attacked the passengers, the official said. Whatever the reason, the incident has left a bad taste in the mouth for Mahato and the others, who had left home so happily, proud to be part of the national event, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Authority of officials who appealed against inclusion of names in Bengal SIR under lens
The officials who filed appeals against the inclusion of the 16.10 lakh voters may not have had the authority to do so under the Representation of the People Act; according to the Act, the CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO are the authorities with respect to electoral rolls
Authority of officials who appealed against inclusion of names in Bengal SIR under lens
The officials who filed appeals against the inclusion of the 16.10 lakh voters may not have had the authority to do so under the Representation of the People Act; according to the Act, the CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO are the authorities with respect to electoral rolls
SMPK Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has released the official notification for the post of Deputy Manager (Marine Engineering). The last date to submit the offline application is 15 December 2026. Further details are available at smp.smportkolkata.in.
Bengal govt to set up magic school and museum on history of magic
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) A full-fledged magic school is going to be set up in the state to bring the magic art of West Bengal to the new generation, government officials said on Friday. In addition, a magic museum on the history of magic in Bengal will also be set up to preserve the long history of Bengali magic practice, rare equipment and the contributions of artists. Preparations for the implementation of this plan have begun under the initiative of the State Information and Cultural Affairs (I and CA) Department. The state government has formed an advisory committee to prepare the outline of this project. The country's eminent magician P.C. Sorcar (Junior) is the chief advisor of the committee. He has been joined by several other eminent people who have been associated with the magic art for a long time. Initial discussions have already started on how the school and museum plans will be implemented. The first formal meeting of the advisory committee was held at Nandan Auditorium in Kolkata on Friday. State Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Department (Independent Charge), Purnima Chakraborty, and Secretary of the Department Soumitra Mohan were present there. P.C. Sorcar (Junior), his wife Jayashree Sarkar and daughter magician Maneka Sarkar also joined the meeting. The meeting discussed the curriculum of the proposed magic school, the type of training, the infrastructure of the museum and the possible outline of the project implementation. The issue of establishing magic not only as stage entertainment, but also as an independent art and science-based practice also gained importance in the discussion. After the meeting, P.C. Sorcar (Junior) said that the history of Bengali magic is very rich and ancient and that tradition needs to be preserved in a scientific way. According to him, there is science, practice and special skills behind magic. If this initiative of the state government is implemented, the new generation will get the opportunity to choose magic as a profession. The school can also play an important role in creating interest in this art among the youth, he said. One of the goals of the proposed magic museum is to preserve the history of magic practice in Bengal. According to the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, there are plans to preserve the lives and work of prominent magicians of Bengal, the history of different stages of magic, rare equipment used, old clothes and ancient books. Through this, visitors and researchers will get the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the art of magic and the techniques used at different times. On the other hand, there is a plan to provide training to experienced magicians in the magic school. A specific curriculum may also be created for that training. In addition to teaching magic techniques, there are plans to provide lessons on stage presentation, sleight of hand, holding the audience's attention and the science behind magic. Purnima Chakraborty, Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Department, said that the aim of this initiative is to institutionalise the ancient arts of Bengal. According to Chakraborty, the state has always given importance to the practice of art and culture. If a magic school and museum are established, it will be possible to present this tradition to future generations in a more comprehensive manner, she said.
