Bengal shifts 12,000 people to safety as glacial lake outburst hits Bhutan
PTI Kolkata/Guwahati West Bengal shifted 12,000 people living along the Sankosh in Alipurduar district to safety, while Assam closely monitored the situation in vulnerable areas of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts after the rivers water level rose following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in adjoining Bhutan, officials said. Water level in the Sankosh, which forms []
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.
Fire on 24th floor of South City condo triggers panic
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
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
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.
Opposition parties demand online search of voters roll and option to file online objections
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HC grants bail to accused in RG Kar corruption case
Defending champions India announce 28-member squad for SAFF Championship 2026
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Defending champions India have announced a 28-member squad for the SAFF Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17, with Naushad Moosa appointed as head coach of the national team. Moosa, who currently coaches the India U23 mens team, will lead the Blue Tigers in their title defence, while Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided the India U15 mens team at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, has been named assistant coach. India, who won the previous edition in 2023 after defeating Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru, will aim to extend their record of nine titles by securing a 10th championship crown. India have been placed in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan. They will begin their campaign against Pakistan on November 5 before facing the Maldives on November 11. Both group-stage matches will kick off at 3 PM IST. Hosts Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan thanked the clubs for releasing their players for the continental tournament and supporting the national teams preparations. We would like to thank all the clubs for their cooperation and support in releasing their players for the SAFF Championship. We appreciate their understanding in allowing the players to represent the country, he said. The AIFF also confirmed that 18 players will travel to Dhaka from Kolkata on November 3, while the remaining 10 will join the squad over the following days. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 14, with the first semi-final kicking off at 2:30 PM IST and the second at 8 PM IST. The final will be played on November 17 at 7:30 PM IST. All matches of the tournament will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka. India's squad for SAFF Championship 2026: Goalkeepers: Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey. Defenders: Abdul Rabeeh, Bijoy Varghese, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Muhammed Uvais, Nathan Rodrigues, Ronney Kharbudon, Sandip Mandi. Midfielders: Abhishek Suryavanshi, Adison Singh Thokchom, Brison Fernandes, Ebindas Yesudasan, Farukh Choudhary, Macarton Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Noufal PN, Ricky John Shabong, Suresh Singh Wangjam. Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Liston Colaco, Muhammad Suhail, Vishnu PV, Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
Delhi AQI Nears 200; Bengaluru, Chennai In Unhealthy Category As Kolkata Breathes Easier
Five of the six metro cities reported moderate air quality, while Kolkata remained in the satisfactory category.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari sends Rs 50 lakh relief for Bihar father-son killed in Chorbagan
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sent two compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of a father and son from Muzaffarpur who lost their lives in the Chorbagan stampede tragedy. Following the heart-wrenching incident in Chorbagan, Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives, the Chief Minister Adhikari personally met with the grieving families of the 17 victims from West Bengal to provide financial assistance, according to a press release issued by the Chief Minister
ECs former spl observer denies knowledge of voter exclusion appeals
Cops to quiz all accused in Rs 100cr puja passes case
Staff Termination Row: JU forms inquiry panel on confidential note leak
Bengal govt approves employment scheme for families of poll violence victims
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) The West Bengal government has initiated administrative processes to provide state government jobs to family members of individuals who lost their lives in political and election-related violence in the state over the last 25 years, a government official confirmed on Friday. The policy decision, approved by the state cabinet, covers families of victims killed during Panchayat, Municipal, Assembly, and Lok Sabha election clashes across the past two and a half decades. Officials stated that the recruitment initiative will be executed without considering political affiliations, making family members of deceased supporters or workers from any political party eligible, provided they fulfil specified administrative criteria. To navigate legal complexities arising from historic incidents dating back up to 25 years, the state government conducted prior consultations with legal experts and secured formal concurrence from the Law Department before finalising the policy framework. Preparations for implementation are being led directly by district administrations. During a virtual conference held on Thursday, primarily convened to discuss census readiness, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal briefed District Magistrates across the state on the policy and instructed them to begin identifying eligible families and preparing preliminary documentation. Given the operational challenge of tracing beneficiaries and establishing cause-of-death links to past electoral violence, the administration will rely heavily on official police records, historical case files, and official death documentation to verify claims. The state government plans to issue a formal notification detailing specific eligibility criteria, including age limits, required educational qualifications, and designated job roles, alongside public media advertisements inviting formal applications. Submitted applications will undergo multi-tier verification by local police stations, district administrative authorities, and legal scrutinizers. Upon successful verification of claims, government employment will be formally extended to one designated member of the victim's family.
Digital Desk | Kalyani/Kozhikode, Oct 30 (IANS) Mohammedan SC will begin their Indian Football League (IFL) 202627 campaign against last seasons runners-up Shillong Lajong FC, while debutants Samaleswari SC will take on two-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC in a double-header on Saturday. The match between Mohammedan SC and Shillong Lajong FC will be played at the Kalyani Football Stadium, while later in the evening, Gokulam Kerala FC will host Samaleswari SC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. Mohammedan SC will begin their new season in a competition they know well. The Black Panthers last played in it in 202324, when they were crowned champions and earned promotion. They return with a familiar face in the dugout and a squad built on continuity. Head Coach Saheed Ramon, who previously took charge of the club in 201920, has kept faith with a group of players who have played together in the Calcutta Football League this season, including captain Mahitosh Roy, Fardin Ali Molla, Israfil Dewan and Hira Mondal. Speaking ahead of the match, Assistant Coach Sudhir Mishra said, Even though we havent had a long preparation window, the squad is focused, and we will try to play good football. Our target for tomorrows match is clear; we want to fight for all three points and start the campaign on a positive note. Roy believes that familiarity will carry the side through a short pre-season, stating, We last played a competitive fixture on September 19, and despite the break and the challenges in between, everyone is in good condition to play. This group has been playing together as a team for a long time, so our chemistry is strong, and we dont have any difficulties. We are motivated to show what we can do on the pitch tomorrow, the midfielder added. Shillong Lajong FC arrive in Naihati as one of the sides to watch this season. Last season, Head Coach Birendra Thapa guided an all-Indian squad to a historic runners-up finish on 28 points, one behind champions Diamond Harbour FC. Lajong ended the campaign in style with a 3-0 win over the champions in their final match. Phrangki Buam scored in that win. It was his eighth goal of the season, and he was later named the leagues Most Valuable Player. He returns as Lajongs leading attacking threat, alongside Everbrightson Sana, who opened the scoring that day. The Meghalaya side have also added overseas experience to their core, including Brazilian defender Arthur Pangaro and fellow Brazilian Jota. Both featured in the Durand Cup, where Jota helped create the opening goal for Sana in a 2-0 win over Nongkseh. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Birendra Thapa said, The preparation has been solid. We have been waiting for this moment since the Durand Cup. Finally, the league is starting, and the boys are thoroughly prepared and ready to get going. Assessing the opposition, Thapa said: Mohammedan is a quality side. Even without foreigners, their all-Indian lineup features players with serious pedigree like Lalremsanga, Samad Ali Mallick, Nikhil Deka and Mahitosh Roy. It is going to be a tough contest, but our target is unequivocal: we have travelled here to take all three points. Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong reflected the mood in the camp, stating, The dressing room is happy and in high spirits. Everyone is ready, motivated and excited for our first match tomorrow. Focus on Gokulam For Gokulam Kerala FC, Saturday is a chance to draw a line under one of the most testing campaigns in the clubs history. Last season, the Malabarians went through three head coaches. They finished the league phase ninth with two wins from nine matches and were drawn into the relegation round. Their survival came down to the final night. Gokulam went into their last match on May 12 bottom of the relegation group on nine points, one behind Namdhari SC, who needed only a draw to stay up. At the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, Trijoy Savio Dias reacted first to a loose ball in the eighth minute of added time. The 1-0 win kept Gokulam in the league and sent Namdhari down. Goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil acknowledged the need for a new beginning, stating, Last season did not go well for us in many aspects, and we want to make a fresh start. Ultimately, it is not about any individual; it is about the team, the backing from the management, and how well we execute the coachs plan. The summer has brought change on a large scale. Brazilian Head Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira, who was appointed in July, has coached in Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia and has worked with Brazils youth national sides. He has a reshaped squad to work with. Brazilian forward Crislan, 34, arrives with 73 goals in 294 career appearances across six countries. Ghanaian striker Denny Antwi returns to Kozhikode, where he scored 11 goals in 15 league matches during the 202021 title-winning season. Midfielder Lalchungnunga Chhangte joins from Sreenidi Deccan FC. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira said, The tournament in Sikkim was really important because it was an official competition that gave our players real match time to get fit and showed the quality of our squad. Over the past few weeks, we have fine-tuned things based on what we saw in Sikkim, and now we are ready for our opening match. Parreira stressed the importance of a winning start, with five consecutive away matches to follow. It is vital to start well in this league. We cannot afford to drop points at home, especially with a very tough sequence of five consecutive away games coming up right after this, he said. Our big ambition is to be the champions of this league, and tomorrow it is time to go out, do our best and bring home all three points. Gokulam are not underestimating the debutants. We have been following them closely and tracking the players they have signed. We know they are putting together a good plan and taking this league very seriously, so we are prepared to face a very strong opponent tomorrow, Parreira said. Shibinraj echoed his coach, adding, On paper they may look like a new team in the league, but the squad they have assembled already carries solid experience across the I-League and top domestic divisions. We are not treating them as newcomers; they are an experienced side, we respect them, and we will go all out for the three points. Samaleswari SC will play their first-ever Indian Football League match on Saturday. It is a significant step for a club founded in Sambalpur, Odisha, in 2006, which will host its home matches at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Rourkela this season. Speaking ahead of the match, Head Coach Abdul Azim Siddique said, It is a great pleasure and a historic moment for Samaleswari Sporting and for Odisha to be a part of the IFL for the first time. Our pre-season was excellent because we confirmed our participation early and prepared very well. The boys are disciplined and dedicated, and 10 players in our squad are from Odisha. Siddiques side have already shown they are not daunted by a big occasion. During their debut Durand Cup campaign, they beat Mohammedan SC 3-2 in Kolkata on August 2. Captain Basit Ahmed Bhat opened the scoring that evening with a near-post finish from a corner. Assessing the opposition, Siddique said, Gokulam Kerala is a legendary club that has won the I-League twice. Their preparation has been good; they have a fantastic coaching staff and some excellent international players. We are not talking too much about the game; we are professional, and we will see what we can do best in the next 90 minutes. The Samaleswari coach also welcomed the prospect of a big crowd in Kozhikode, stating, We dont want to tackle the crowd pressure; in fact, we want more fans so our players can perform in front of them. While thousands of Gokulam fans will come, we also hope the Odia community living in Kerala will turn up in good numbers to support us. Samaleswaris Roshan Panna added, We have practised very well during the pre-season, and we are ready for tomorrows game. With Mohammedan SC and Shillong Lajong FC both eager to make an early statement, Gokulam Kerala FC beginning a new era, and Samaleswari SC set to make history, Saturdays double-header promises a compelling start to the weekend.
IISER Kolkata Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) has invited online applications for 2 vacancies, including Librarian and Deputy Librarian posts. Applications can be submitted at iiserkolnt.samarth.edu.in from 10 October 2026 to 31 October 2026.
ISL: Punjab FC strive to continue unbeaten run as they face Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Punjab FC will strive to maintain their unbeaten run and continue the upward momentum as they face heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Punjab FC is currently in second place in the table with seven points from three matches (two wins and a draw), while Mohun Bagan is fifth with six points (two wins and a loss) from the same number of matches. Punjab FC will be riding high on confidence from their thrilling 3-2 win against Churchill Brothers SC in their last fixture in Goa, with Sanathoi Singh finding the winner in the 95th minute of the game, while Mohun Bagan scraped out a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in Kolkata with Manvir Singh scoring the winner in the 85th minute. Pavlos Dermitzakis has used his squad efficiently this season, making tactical substitutions at the right moments of the game, which has e...
Bengal: Two arrested for killing man over extramarital affair in Asansol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) West Bengal Police on Friday arrested two accused for beating a man to death over an alleged extramarital affair. The deceased was identified as Ashok Kumar Singh alias Vicky. According to his family members, Vickys family lives in Delhi. The young man is married and has two minor children. Occasionally, he used to live in a quarter in the Hindustan Cables area in the Rupnarayanpur outpost area of Salanpur in Asansol. According to locals, there was unrest over Vicky's 'intimacy' with a married woman in the area. On Thursday evening, Vicky went to the house of a man named Montu Yadav. Some people claimed that Vicky was having an extramarital affair with Montu's wife. Montu left work and went home after getting the news that Vicky had gone to their house. After reaching home, there was an argument and a fight between the two. Allegedly, Montu locked Vicky in his house with some acquaintances and beat him severely. The victim's father claimed that his son was beaten up on a false charge and in a planned manner. That is why he lost his life, claimed the father. According to the police, Vicky was rescued by locals in a bloody state. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. As Vicky's physical condition started deteriorating, the doctors advised him to be shifted to Asansol District Hospital. However, the young man died on the way to the hospital. Based on the complaint lodged by Vicky's family, the police arrested two people on charges of murder. The names of the arrested are Surendra Yadav and Deepak Yadav. They are known to Montu. The police of Rupnarayanpur outpost have started searching for the remaining accused. The police produced the two arrested people in the Asansol court today and took them into custody. The woman with whom Vicky allegedly had a romantic relationship has also been detained by the police for the sake of investigation.
Sundarbans childcare workers honoured at National Awards
ISL: Punjab FC Look To Maintain Unbeaten Run As They Face Heavyweights Mohun Bagan
Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis: Punjab FC will strive to maintain their unbeaten run and continue the upward momentum as they face heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday. Punjab are currently in second place in the table with seven points from three matches, while Mohun Bagan is fifth with six points from the same number of matches. Punjab will be riding high on confidence from their thrilling 3-2 win against Churchill Brothers SC in their last fixture in Goa, with Sanathoi Singh finding the winner in the 95th minute of the game, while Mohun Bagan scraped out a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in Kolkata with Manvir Singh scoring the winner in the 85th minute. Pavlos Dermitzakis has used his squad efficiently this season, making tactical substitutions at the right moments of the game which has ensured Punjab stretch oppositions in the final minutes. All three matches of The Shers have been decided in the final minutes of the game with Raphael Messi Bouli scoring the winner against Odisha in the first match, Gurkirat Singh scoring the equaliser against Mumbai and Sanathoi scoring the winner against Churchill Brothers. On facing Mohun Bagan, Head Coach Dermitzakis said, We know that tomorrow's game is a difficult and demanding one against a strong team and one of the biggest clubs in the country. We have prepared in the best way possible, and like all our games, we are going to compete for a positive result and continue our good start to the season. The Greek tactician will be up against his fellow countryman and former Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis Dilimperis, who led the team for two seasons. While asked about facing Panos, Dermitzakis said, Panos is a coach who did great work over the last two seasons in Punjab, and I am sure he is going to do the same at Mohun Bagan. I am happy to face him tomorrow because he is a good friend of mine, but on the touchline, each coach will be looking out only for what is best for their own team. Both teams have already faced each other in the semi-finals of the IFA Shield where Mohun Bagan prevailed on penalties after both sides remained goalless after 120 minutes. Punjab FC has never won against Mohun Bagan in the ISL with the Kolkata side winning all their previous encounters. Captain Nikhil Prabhu spoke about the importance of squad depth, The coach has been very straightforward that everyone has their own responsibility. More than just the starting XI, the players coming off the bench are equally important for us. We have experienced players who speak constantly with the youngsters to help them grow and develop. Dermitzakis was also concerned about the defensive issues that the side faced in the previous matches, conceding four goals. The fact that we conceded goals in our previous games is certainly something that bothers us, but it is something we are actively working on in training. We don't play alone; the opponents play too, and they try to put us in trouble. That is how football works, he added. Nikhil Prabhu who has shifted back to being a centre back this season said about the defensive problems of the team, There were some minor mistakes from my side in the last game but I have worked that out with the coaching staff and rectified the same. I started my career as a centre-back, and then my position was shifted to a defensive midfielder. I really enjoy playing in the midfield, but I am always ready to step up and help the team in whichever way I can. We've analyzed our recent mistakes, worked on them in training, and we are completely ready for this game. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. However, Dermitzakis and his players will be focused on extending their unbeaten run and maintaining their position near the top of the table. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
We Come In Again As Underdogs, Says MI's New Batting Coach Robin Uthappa
Kolkata Knight Riders: Mumbai Indians will go into the next IPL season as underdogs who must win back the trust of their fans, said the franchises newly appointed batting coach Robin Uthappa. On Friday, Uthappa was named the new batting coach of the franchise and will join the backroom staff headed by Kieron Pollard. And today, we find ourselves back in that similar situation right now where the trust of the fans need to be earned again. We come in again as underdogs. Its been one full cycle, and were back to where we started again, which is nice, Uthappa said in a video released by the franchise on Friday. Uthappa was part of Mumbais squad in the first season of the IPL in 2008, where he scored 320 runs from 14 matches at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 114.69. He has watched the franchise grow from a side still finding its feet into one of the most successful teams in the league with five titles. Would have loved to be a longer part of the playing journey, but Ive seen Mumbai go through earning the trust and the faith of the fans, to becoming champions, and then winning consistently and becoming one of the best franchises in the world, from a winning perspective, he added. Uthappa went on to turn out for five more IPL franchises and won the title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021, and finished with 4,952 runs from 205 IPL matches. He said beginning his coaching career at the franchise that gave him his first IPL break was something meant to happen. I am just genuinely happy to be back. Thrilled about this and delighted to have this opportunity to work with this special set of cricketers and this franchise. Incredible, and it just feels like destiny, to be honest. As in, I started my IPL career with Mumbai Indians and I start my IPL coaching career with Mumbai Indians, which seems like destiny to me. He recalled finding out about his auction pick while on national duty overseas, and the thrill of being in the same team with Sachin Tendulkar. So back in 2008, when I got into the franchise, I remember we were in Australia, playing the CB Series in Australia when the auctions happened, and I knew that I was going to be playing with my hero, Sachin Tendulkar, and with Paaji over here. So for me, that was really exciting feeling, because everyone was finding their feet in that first season, and including the franchises and players and teams, and the IPL itself. We had, I would say, a fairly decent season, could have been better. We had injuries, and Paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) missed a big part of that tournament, and then Bhajjupa (Harbhajan Singh) captained as well, and Sanath (Sanath Jayasuriya) played really well, Polly (Shaun Pollock) played really well. For the climb back, especially with MI not winning an IPL title after 2020, Uthappa has set his sights on making MI as feared on the road as they are when playing at the Wankhede Stadium. Were a force to reckon with at home. I want to take that same emotion, that same energy to every venue away from home. My goal would be, or my vision would be to make sure that that sense of intimidation that teams feel when they come to Mumbai Indians, to the Paltan. I want them to feel that same intimidation when we go away from home as well. And to be able to be on the same side of the Mumbai Indians fans. On the same side of the Paltan. So Im looking forward to playing a part in that journey of earning the fans trust back and making sure that this underdog journey will be one to be remembered. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Youre also emotionally investing in their own journey, and then youre rooting for them. You want them to do well. And so when they do well, it feels like personal achievement. I remember when one of the lads I was working with and mentoring got picked up in the Indian Test squad, it felt like I got selected. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Nagaland: US Consul Noah Hogan meets Kohima DC ahead of Hornbill Festival
Dimapur: Consul at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Kolkata, Noah Hogan, paid a courtesy visit to Nagalands Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem. During the visit on Wednesday, Hogan briefed Buchem on the planned visit of the US Ambassador to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, an official report said on [] The post Nagaland: US Consul Noah Hogan meets Kohima DC ahead of Hornbill Festival appeared first on NorthEast Now .
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India Post Skilled Artisan Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 19 Posts
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Sai Satya Vijay: On Wednesday evening, Sai Satya Vijay sat alone in a hotel room in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, with his eyes firmly fixed on the WPL auction happening in Kochi for next years season. His niece, Uma Kashvi, was in another hotel across town, with her teammates for the Under-19 Challenger Trophy, set to begin at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Friday. Back home in Bengaluru, Kashvi's parents Vijitha and Praveen Kumar were watching the same auction feed. When Kashvis name came up, number 68 on the auction list, Delhi Capitals opened the bidding at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. No other franchise bid against them, as at 15 years and 202 days, Kashvi became the youngest player ever signed at a WPL auction and surpassed Haryana batter Deeya Yadav, who set the record last year at 16. I cried for like two, three minutes. It was a moment you were waiting for, Vijay told IANS in a free-wheeling conversation. Kashvis record signing shows how far down the search for talent in Indian womens cricket now reaches. Her journey to that record-breaking WPL deal is the story of a village firmly behind her: a family that split its home in two, parents who stepped down the corporate ladder, and an uncle who gave his niece the cricketing life he never had. Vijay grew up in Andhra Pradesh and played district-level cricket that, he says, cannot be even counted. There was no infrastructure and no support system. He fought his parents to keep playing, but eventually gave up to go into the IT world. The game, though, never left him. Every April 24, he cuts a cake for Sachin Tendulkars birthday and visit a temple wearing new clothes, a ritual he followed for a long time. He has kept photographs of all 100 of the legendary batters international centuries. I cant say I am a fan. I am a devotee of Sachin Tendulkar, he said. He helped raise Kashvi, born on April 9, 2011, a week after Tendulkar finally laid his hands on the ODI World Cup trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Vijay observed that Kashvi was a sporty child who grasped things quickly, whether in classroom or on the field. In 2019, he took her to an academy near the family home when she was seven and a half years. A young kid does not have the strength to hit fours and sixes, so he and another coach worked on two things: fitness and technique. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kashvis days began at 5:30am with fitness work, before leaving for school. Evenings were group sessions of learning the nuances of the game and about 30 overs of side-arm throwdowns from Vijay with semi-soft balls. She used to get one body blow per day, for sure, he said. Her mother found the daily bruises hard to look at, but Kashvi came home happy anyway. When the pandemic shut schools, Vijay used the empty nets of an academy to sharpen Kashvis technique. The pull shot became her signature stroke. I used to tell her, you are a female Rohit Sharma same pull shot, he said. With few girls matches around, Kashvi played with older boys. At nine, she usually batted at number 11, bowled two overs in a 50-over game and fielded or kept wicket. Most of her first 100 matches went that way. The break came through Shantha Rangaswamy, Indias first womens Test captain, who brought Kashvi into the India Nippon Cup, where each side mixed four India internationals with local players. At nine, Kashvi shared a dressing room with Veda Krishnamurthy, Jemimah Rodrigues, her WPL skipper at DC, Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil. Arjun Dev, now her coach at NICE Academy in Bengaluru, recalled wanting to know about the child who took Shreyankas place in the playing eleven. I was obviously livid. What is an eight- or nine-year-old doing, firstly playing in this tournament and then taking Shreys spot? he recalled to IANS. Then he watched her play and felt she was indeed very talented. Everyone knew that she had the talent, she had the skill. Kashvi won the Young Talent Award in that competition and Vijay says, ex-India skipper Mithali Raj walked beside her until she left the ground and passed on top about how to grow as a player. Jemimah took to Kashvi, then a bubbly child, and in later years spent a few minutes giving her advice whenever they met. As a nine-year-old kid, she was good enough to play in the seniors category. But then BCCI rules said anyone below 13 cannot be a part of it, said Shantha. Vijay says Shantha let Kashvi play senior zonal probables matches at nine but would not select her. He recalls her saying, I cannot put her into the senior team, even though she has the skill, because of the age. It will backfire. Former India player Veda Krishnamurthy also picked Kashvi as wicketkeeper for her club side, and Vijay says the nine-year-old made an unbeaten 185 in a senior league match. At 12, she struck an unbeaten 217 in a junior inter-school tournament in Bengaluru. But Vijay feared for Kashvi going behind the stumps. When MS Dhoni came, there were a lot of wicketkeepers who lost their careers, he said. He then taught her off-spin. It meant she would be more involved in the game, and became an all-rounder who can be a keeper when asked. Kashvis career rests on a careful division of labour between Vijay and her parents. Her mother, Vijitha, a senior manager who has spent more than 17 years at a multinational firm, turned down promotions requiring more travel. Her father, Praveen Kumar, who studied for a masters degree in the USA, left salaried work about five years ago to start his own company so he could be available. Vijay stepped down a position and now works a few hours a day as a consultant. As Kashvi approached adolescence, Vijay requested Vijitha to travel with her for matches. A day after her birthday, Kashvi got her first period at a ground, dressed in whites for a red-ball match. Vijitha quickly went out and bought sanitary pads. There was no washroom, so Kashvi changed behind some bushes, then played and scored runs. From that day, Vijitha has majorly worked from the grounds and attending meetings online via Microsoft Teams, including on the day Kashvi made her India Under-19 debut against Sri Lanka in Chennai earlier this year. For two and a half years, the family has lived apart. Their home is in Bellandur, in Bengalurus south-east region, while NICE Academy is near the Kempegowda airport. Vijay and Kashvi live near the academy, and her parents visit at weekends. It is very, very tough. As a family, you dont stay together, said Vijay. Moving out was not an option for her parents. We are not from a rich family background. We need to work for our bread, he said. They have not had a holiday in three years. Their only trips are temple pilgrimages. Vijay, who is unmarried, says he does not plan to marry. For me, Kash is priority number one. School, too, has bent around the game. In Class eight, Kashvi attended for 21 days. The school agreed she would come only for exams. She now studies through open schooling and is due to sit her Class 10 exams in March, though tournaments have left little time for books. When the auction news spread, Vijithas managers in the US told her to take two days off and celebrate. At a time when industry layoffs are aplenty due to pivot towards AI, Vijay said, that support matters. Kashvi joined NICE at 13 and Dev now counts her among his closest friends. For a 15-year-old, the maturity level that she shows is unbelievable. She also understands my jokes very quickly. He says there is little to fix technically. The work is about belief. I think she undervalues her talent and ability a little bit. Our job has honestly been to push her out of her comfort zone. He had long urged her to bowl her off-spin with a more attacking field, five fielders on the leg side instead of four. She kept saying she was not ready. At an Under-19 game, she was still using the safer setting. In the next match, she switched. She was so happy and said, Yeah, I could bowl with it, said Dev. Dev saw a captain early. Under her leadership, her club side won all 11 tournaments it entered. She has always been our first-choice captain, he said, adding he would pick her ahead of senior players because it makes my life easy. She has captained Karnatakas Under-15 side and led Bengaluru Blasters in the Maharani Trophy, the states womens T20 competition, and scored 48 off 42 balls against Mysore Warriors in the 2025 edition. In the 2025/26 Under-15 One-Day Trophy, she was the leading run-scorer, with 516 runs at an average of 172, including three centuries. Against Manipur in Kolkata in January, she hit an unbeaten 158 off 66 balls, with 23 fours and seven sixes, as Karnataka won by 275 runs. She also played in Karnatakas Under-19 T20 side and in the one-day team that reached the semifinals, before getting India Under-19 call-up against Sri Lanka in June and July. She took four wickets in three T20s and two in two one-day games. On October 22, in the Under-19 T20 quarterfinal against Vidarbha, she took 3-18 as Karnataka defended 140 to win by six runs, and was named player of the match. Vijay has deliberately not rushed her. Last season, with continuous cricket leaving her with wrist pain, he was wary of an early senior debut. If you jump the guns and try to take a faster, steep step, and if you fail there, the fall will be very bad, he said. Dev is blunter. After the Under-19 tournament, he gave her a dressing-down, wanting quicker scoring and more intent from the start. Its just not good enough, he recalled telling her. Is she ready to set the WPL on fire, provided she is not picked for next years U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal? I dont know. Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell. If she doesnt (become a remarkable cricketer), then the failure is on us as much. She has the raw material (to be one). Dev stated that Kashvis WPL signing left everyone surprised. After Kashvis signing was sealed, Shreyanka was the first to call Vijay, who was in tears. Jemimah texted him welcome home with a blue heart and a red heart, the franchises colours. Years earlier, she had sent Kashvi a birthday video hoping they would one day share Indias colours. Later, on a call with Kashvi, she teased the Bengaluru teenager: Are you sad that you did not go to RCB? She also told her DCs scouts had been following her for some time. Vijay had hoped for Delhi because of how it has groomed young players such as Niki Prasad and Sree Charani mentally, physically, as well as your game-wise. Shantha calls Kashvi a batting all-rounder with great fielding ability. I have seen her take one catch and it looked like she was floating in the air, she said. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. People who havent watched her, please hold your breath. I can assure you she will be the talk of the town in the days and years to come. Vijay says Kashvi models herself on all-rounders such as Ashleigh Gardner and Hayley Matthews to become a player the depends on with bat and ball for winning games. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
IPL 2027: Mumbai Indians Appoint Uthappa, McClenaghan, T Dilip, Kulkarni To Coaching Staff
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday announced a revamped coaching group for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, appointing former India batter Robin Uthappa as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach under new head coach Kieron Pollard. The appointments follow Pollards elevation to head coach after Jayawardenes departure. Pollard, whose association with Mumbai Indians spans 16 years, will lead the revamped coaching group as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027. Earlier on Thursday, the franchise announced that bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, would be leaving the mens team setup. The new group combines familiar faces from Mumbai Indians playing history with coaching experience at the international level, as the franchise looks to build its support staff ahead of the upcoming season. Uthappa, a member of Indias victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2007, returns to the franchise where he played during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former India batter featured for six franchises during his IPL career, scoring 4,411 runs in 177 matches at a strike rate of 130.50, including 24 half-centuries. He won the Orange Cap in 2014 after scoring 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), helping them secure the title that season. He also won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 before retiring from the league in September 2022. McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with MI, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will now take charge of the teams bowling unit. Dilip joins the franchise after a successful stint with the India mens team. He was part of the coaching setup during Indias triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His appointment is expected to strengthen the teams fielding standards and preparation. McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with MI, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will now take charge of the teams bowling unit. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Kolkata Police Constable Final Exam Date 2026 Out: Check Examination Scheme
The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board has announced the Kolkata Police Constable 2026 final written tentative exam date, the exam is set to be conducted on November 29, 2026 from 12 noon to 1 pm
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Bengal: Revenue Inspector arrested in Aushgram bribery case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Investigators from the West Bengal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a state government revenue inspector on Wednesday evening for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 to issue an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate in East Burdwan district, an official confirmed on Thursday. The accused official, posted at the Land and Land Reforms Office in Aushgram, was apprehended during a trap operation following persistent complaints from residents regarding illicit extortion and bribery at the office. According to ACB officials, the agency launched an investigation after receiving a specific complaint detailing that the revenue inspector had demanded Rs 4,000 as a bribe to process an official EWS certificate. Acting on the complaint, a special team of the Anti-Corruption Bureau laid a trap at the Aushgram Land and Land Reforms Office on Wednesday evening. ACB officers executed a sudden raid on the premises and caught the official red-handed at the exact moment he accepted the bribe money from the complainant. The surprise raid caused brief commotion across the government facility. The ACB has initiated formal legal proceedings under specific sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the arrested employee. Investigators are currently probing whether other officials or network links within the department are involved in similar corrupt practices. Underlining its zero-tolerance stance against public sector extortion, the ACB issued a statement affirming that strict enforcement measures will be intensified across state departments to ensure transparent, bribe-free government service delivery for citizens.
Agartala tea auction centre to boost Tripura's tea industry, improve growers' returns: CM Saha
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 29 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that the inauguration of the state's first tea auction centre in Agartala would help tea producers secure better prices, reduce transportation costs and strengthen the state's tea industry. The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Tea Auction Centre at Pandit Nehru Complex in Gurkhabasti, on the outskirts of Agartala city, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in Tripura's economic development. This is a very important and significant day for us, and it will be written in the history of Tripura, the Chief Minister said, crediting the achievement to the collective efforts of the state government, various departments and other stakeholders under the vision of 'Team Tripura'. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on dreaming big and translating aspirations into reality, CM Saha added that several development initiatives envisioned by the state government were now being implemented. The Chief Minister said that Tripura's soil and climatic conditions were highly favourable for producing quality tea and the state ranks third in tea production nationally and second in the Northeastern region, producing around 70 to 100 lakh kg of tea annually. The industry comprises around 54 tea gardens and nearly 2,000-2,800 small tea growers. Chief Minister Saha added that the state government had undertaken several initiatives since 2018 to revive struggling tea gardens, improve infrastructure and enhance the welfare of tea workers and their families, including measures to support the education of their children. He said the state government was committed to restoring struggling tea gardens to productive and sustainable conditions, emphasising that the objective was not merely to increase production but also to ensure financial security for thousands of families and generate employment opportunities. Highlighting the significance of the new facility, the Chief Minister added that Tripura's tea was previously transported mainly to Kolkata and Guwahati for auction and sale, increasing logistical expenses and delaying payments to producers. The new centre is expected to address these challenges by providing tea growers and producers with access to an auction facility within the state. The introduction of electronic auctions is expected to improve transparency, encourage greater competition among buyers and reduce dependence on intermediaries. The facility will also facilitate direct communication between local producers and major tea exporters and packaging companies across the country, the Chief Minister said. Chief Minister Saha also noted that the availability of testing facilities, warehousing and other supporting infrastructure would help reduce transportation, storage and sample-testing costs. According to information shared at the programme, the initiative is expected to save around Rs 36 per kilogram of tea. The overall selling process, which earlier took around 44 days, is also expected to become nearly 40 per cent shorter. The Chief Minister expressed hope that improved price realisation would encourage tea growers to invest in better-quality production, modernise their operations and strengthen the branding of Tripura tea in national and international markets. Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh and TTDCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das were present at the inaugural programme.
Five of the six cities recorded AQI readings in the moderate category, while Kolkata was the only city with a satisfactory reading. Check the full city-wise breakdown.
Bengal: NHRC seeks report on human rights violation in Sarsuna incident
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, questioning the role of law enforcement personnel in making three arrested suspects walk barefoot with ropes tied around their waists in public. The rights panel has sought a detailed report from the police chief within two weeks regarding the incident, which occurred in the Sarsuna area of South Kolkata. In its notice, the NHRC asked the Kolkata Police Commissioner to verify the accuracy of the published reports and specify under which provisions of law the accused were subjected to such treatment in custody. The commission emphasised that if the allegations against the police officers are substantiated, it constitutes a grave violation of human rights. The controversy stems from an incident that began on Sunday, October 26, when an 18-year-old youth visited Sarsuna alongside his 19-year-old friend to meet his underage girlfriend. After a friend of the girl's uncle allegedly witnessed the youth kissing the minor, the situation escalated rapidly. Members of the girls family allegedly detained the two youths at their residence for an extended period, subjecting them to harassment, before summoning the boyfriends father to the location. The girl's family then allegedly held the three individuals at gunpoint, forced them to strip, and paraded them for approximately 50 meters on the public road outside the house. Following a complaint, officers from the Sarsuna Police Station arrested three individualsthe minor girl's father, her uncle, and a family friend. However, the police faced severe criticism the following day when officers brought the three accused back to the neighbourhood to reconstruct the crime scene. The suspects were reportedly made to walk roughly 100 meters through the locality clad only in shorts, barefoot, and bound with ropes around their waists, triggering the human rights body's intervention.
Invariz partners with IEM Kolkata to launch AI centre of excellence
ICG rescues 20 seamen from stranded ship off Andhra coast
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) In a swift Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) operation off the Andhra Pradesh Coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 20 crew members from the bulk carrier MV Sigma Pearl. The 179.90 metre long ship ran aground off Antravedi in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab and sent out an SOS. On receiving an alert, ICG Ship Sujay and a helicopter executed a high-risk operation, managing to rescue all 20 crew members from the ship. The rescue operation took place in extremely bad weather. According to officials, the ship ran aground due to high seas and strong winds that lashed the Andhra coast as the Very Severe Cyclone made landfall early on Wednesday. The master of the vessel requested support after efforts to release the vessel failed. Preemptive measures, coastal monitoring, and Disaster Relief Team (DRT) deployment along the Andhra Pradesh coast ensured zero loss of life at sea, the ICG said. The MV Sigma Pearl was sailing under the Marshall Islands flag. It is a bulk carrier with a deadweight of 32,688 tonnes. It had sailed from Visakhapatnam on October 27, 2026, and marine tracking sites show its destination as For Orders. This means that the ship had no specific destination after departing Visakhapatnam. It was on the lookout for cargo and moving towards an area where there is a demand for bulk carriers. The condition of the ship is being ascertained. While it may not be carrying any cargo, it would have furnace oil in its tank and may also be carrying marine diesel. Authorities are in touch with the ship's management and owners to arrange for its salvage, an official said. The ICG has taken several measures even as Cyclone Arnab approached the coastline. Fishermen were directed to stay away from the sea, and there was constant monitoring to check for stragglers or stranded vessels. On October 29, 2026, a Coast Guard helicopter also carried out rescue operations in flooded areas of Odisha. A few weeks ago, the ICG helped a ship that was capsizing off the Paradip port. The ship was boarded, water was pumped out from its holds, and necessary repairs were carried out before it was taken under tow to Paradip. While saving lives at sea is crucial, the ICG also maintains close watch on oil spills and other pollution. It is the nodal agency to combat marine pollution in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
ANC geared up to host maiden BIMSTEC maritime security exercise
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has geared up for the first edition of the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise that will start at Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) on October 30, 2026. Assets from partner navies - Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand - will participate in the exercise. Bhutan and Nepal will also send representatives as these landlocked nations are heavily dependent on the Bay of Bengal for EXIM trade. The exercise will be held from October 30 to November 2. It will unfold in two phases. A harbour phase of professional exchanges and planning will build trust and understanding, and a sea phase will sharpen interoperability on the water. Together they turn a common vision for a safe, secure and stable Bay into coordinated action at sea, the ANC has said. The goals of the exercise are to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA), build operational coordination across the Bay of Bengal, strengthen regional security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and responses to cross-border maritime crimes as well as marine pollution due to oil and hazardous material spills. Over the years, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation. Member states share the vision of a free, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region (IOR). They also pursue the goal of a prosperous, resilient and open Bay of Bengal Region under the BIMSTEC Charter and the Bangkok BIMSTEC Vision 2030. The crisis in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, has highlighted how the established right of transit passage, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is being violated. States bordering straits shall not hamper transit passage, and there shall be no suspension of transit passage, Article 44 of UNCLOS says. The Bay of Bengal connects South Asia to Southeast Asia, and a large share of global energy and trade flows through it. BIMSTEC serves as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with five members from South Asia Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia Myanmar and Thailand. BIMSTEC nations have naturally attached high priority to maritime cooperation given the Bay of Bengals centrality to the organisation. They have taken initiatives to strengthen maritime connectivity through the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation that was signed at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025. Maritime security cooperation has focused on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Oil Pollution Response, and related areas. The BIMSTEC Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation has finalised guidelines for maritime law enforcement agencies to ensure effective coordination during interactions at sea. Under the MDA, there is a proposal to conclude the BIMSTEC White Shipping Agreement. India will soon present a draft for the consideration of the member states. Recognising the severe economic and environmental consequences of marine oil spills, BIMSTEC has finalised guidelines for a coordinated regional oil spill response. Proposed initiatives include the development of a regional contingency plan, standardised emergency procedures, joint pollution response exercises, and capacity-building programmes to enhance preparedness. Regarding HADR in the maritime domain, the Expert Group on Maritime Security has finalised BIMSTEC guidelines on the maritime component of HADR. The Bay of Bengal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. A Plan of Action on Comprehensive Disaster Management has been finalised. Four editions of the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise have been held to strengthen joint operational capabilities. India has also proposed establishing a BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre to serve as a focal point for coordinating regional HADR operations. BIMSTEC has also been pursuing collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to enhance disaster response and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region. The Bay of Bengal binds our region's security, trade and prosperity. The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise brings partner navies and agencies together at Sri Vijaya Puram. Together, we chart the course for collective maritime wellbeing, the ANC has said.
Slain BJP councillors father alleges death threats
West Bengal UDMA Signs MOUs for Kolkata urban renewal, Rs 3,000 cr waste project
Bengal: DGMA and MRC discuss initiatives for more sustainable maritime development
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Marine Research Centre (MRC) presented its Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) platform during an online meeting with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). The meeting was chaired by Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, to review the progress of collaborative initiatives under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the DGMA and the MRC, and discuss the way forward. According to the DGMA, the discussions covered key areas of cooperation, including Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) Management, Biofouling Management, Sediment Management and MSP. It also proposed initiatives relating to maritime capacity building, stakeholder outreach and coastal community engagement. URN management deals with reducing sound energy emitted by ships and offshore activities to protect marine ecosystems, navigation, and communication for marine life. Countries around the world are taking measures to reduce the sound for the well-being of marine life. Some ports also offer discounts to ships that are quieter. The MRC's MSP platform has potential applications in predictive modelling, marine environmental assessment and informed planning of maritime activities. Opportunities to advance the proposed collaborative initiatives by leveraging technical expertise, innovative technologies and synergies with ongoing maritime sustainability and coastal management programmes were also explored during the meeting. According to the MRC, Marine Spatial Planning is a comprehensive, science-based approach to managing marine and freshwater resources. It integrates ecological, economic, and social considerations to optimise the sustainable use of ocean spaces, ensuring that human activities and natural ecosystems coexist in a balanced manner. By systematically allocating marine areas for various uses, MSP enhances maritime security, supports environmental conservation, and facilitates economic activities. It plays a crucial role in addressing geopolitical and sustainability challenges, particularly in regions like the Indian Ocean, the Centre has said. It has highlighted developments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that have turned it into a key arena for geopolitical and geo-strategic interactions in the 21st century. Nations both within and outside the region are deploying strategic assets there. Marine Spatial Planning is crucial for governing and managing challenges and opportunities in marine and freshwater systems. By mapping resources accurately, addressing security and sustainability concerns, and deploying policy and technology interventions, MSP enables efficient exploitation of these vast systems, the MRC has said. The DGMA has said that the engagement reflects its continued commitment towards promoting technology-driven solutions, strengthening marine environmental management and fostering collaborative initiatives for sustainable maritime development.
NHRC flags human rights concerns over parading of three persons in south Kolkata
The three persons, arrested for allegedly forcing a teenage boy, his father, and a friend to walk naked at Sarsuna in south Kolkata after the boy was caught kissing his girlfriend, were paraded through the area shirtless and in shorts by police
Kolkata Police Seize 110 Kilograms of Illegal Firecrackers Ahead of Kali Puja, One Arrested
Kolkata police have confiscated 110 kg of illegal firecrackers and arrested a 19-year-old ahead of the Kali Puja festival. Kolkata Police Seize 110 Kilograms of Illegal Firecrackers Ahead of Kali Puja, One Arrested
SMP Kolkata Senior Assistant Secretary Recruitment 2026
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) has invited offline applications for 2 Senior Assistant Secretary posts. Applications can be submitted till 30 October 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit smportkolkata.shipping.gov.in.
Tripura inaugurates first Tea Auction Centre to boost marketing, ensure better prices for growers
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 29 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the states first tea auction centre in Agartala, making it the second state in the Northeast after Assam, and the fifth in the country, to have such a facility. The Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) Chairman, Samir Ranjan Ghosh, said the tea auction centre aims to strengthen the marketing network for Tripura tea, reduce transportation costs and the time required to sell tea consignments, and help growers secure competitive prices for their produce. State Industries and Commerce Minister Santan Chakma attended the inauguration ceremony, held at the Pandit Nehru Complex in Gurkhabasti, on the outskirts of Agartala city. The foundation stone for the tea auction centre was laid in March 2024 as part of efforts to strengthen the states tea industry and improve marketing facilities for local producers. According to Ghosh, Tripura currently has 54 large tea gardens and around 2,800 small tea growers, collectively producing approximately 9 million to 10 million kg of tea annually. He said the state had so far depended on auction centres outside Tripura to market a substantial portion of its tea production, with nearly 60 per cent of the produce being sold through external auction facilities. The establishment of the new centre is expected to provide tea producers with more direct access to buyers, improve marketing opportunities for small tea growers and reduce the time required to sell tea consignments, he said. The TTDCL chairman said that selling a tea consignment currently takes around 44 days, but the corporation expects the new auction facility to reduce the time by approximately 40 per cent. To ensure the successful operation of the centre, the corporation has held several rounds of discussions with buyers and brokerage firms in Kolkata and Guwahati to encourage their participation in the Agartala tea auctions, Ghosh said. Several reputed brokerage firms and buyers from different parts of the country have already expressed interest in participating in the auctions, he added. The participation of buyers and brokers will be crucial to ensuring competitive bidding, strengthening market linkages and expanding the reach of Tripura tea, which has traditionally depended on external trading centres for a significant share of its sales. The new facility is also expected to improve coordination between tea producers, traders and buyers, while providing a more accessible platform for marketing locally produced tea. However, the long-term effectiveness of the auction centre will depend on sustained buyer participation, competitive bidding and the extent to which reductions in marketing time and transportation costs translate into better returns for tea growers. TTDCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, described the occasion as a defining moment for the state's tea industry and its stakeholders, including growers, manufacturers, bought-leaf factory operators, tea estate owners, workers and traders. The Agartala Tea Auction Centre has been established with one clear purpose, to place the tea stakeholders of the state at the centre of a transparent, efficient and rewarding marketing system, Das said. At present, a major portion of Tripura's tea is transported to auction markets in Guwahati and West Bengal for sale, resulting in additional transportation expenses and higher marketing costs for producers. The establishment of an auction centre within the state is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers, reduce transportation expenses and improve price realisation for tea producers and others associated with the sector. Tripura's 54 tea gardens include estates operated by the state-owned Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited, the Tripura Cooperative Society and private owners. Alongside these large tea estates, around 2,800 small tea growers play a significant role in the state's tea industry, contributing nearly 30 per cent of its total tea production, which stands at approximately 90 lakh kg annually. More than 60 per cent of the state's tea production is currently marketed through auction centres outside Tripura, highlighting the importance of developing an effective local auction system. With the inauguration of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre, the state is seeking to strengthen its tea marketing infrastructure, reduce dependence on external auction markets and create better opportunities for growers to obtain competitive prices for their produce. The initiative is expected to provide a major boost to Tripura's tea industry by bringing key marketing activities closer to producers and creating a more efficient trading environment within the state.
It only takes one rumour: How a small trigger can lead to a deadly stampede
On October 17, a tragic stampede in Kolkata claimed 19 lives during the Durga Puja celebrations. The incident was caused by overcrowding, panic, and a misleading announcement about structural failure. Experts emphasize the importance of effective crowd management to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Investigators are examining various factors contributing to the disaster, including narrow exits and inadequate safety measures.
I-PAC raid row: SC reserves order on ED plea for CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and registration of an FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials over alleged interference in search operations at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria reserved its order on the limited question of whether the matter should be referred to the CBI or left to the newly elected West Bengal government to decide on the investigation. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Banerjee, argued that with a change in the government in West Bengal, there was no longer any impediment to a state-level decision on transferring the investigation to the CBI. He questioned the need for a judicial direction, submitting that the state government was competent to refer the matter to the Central agency on its own. The Justice Mishra-led Bench also questioned why the West Bengal government could not refer the matter to the CBI in the changed circumstances, observing that the situation prevailing at the time the ED approached the top court might no longer exist. However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, opposed leaving the matter to the state government, arguing that such a course could invite allegations of mala fide action. ASG Raju submitted that the matter involved allegations against not only the former Chief Minister but also senior police officers, making it necessary to ensure an independent and fair investigation. He further argued that since cross-cases were involved, the investigation should be entrusted to a single agency to ensure that both sides of the dispute were examined together. The Centres law officer maintained that an independent investigation was necessary to address concerns about the fairness of the probe and prevent allegations of collusion between the ED and the state government. The Justice Mishra-led Bench observed that Sibal's argument was that the state government could itself transfer the case to the CBI, without requiring an order from the Supreme Court. Responding to the submissions, Raju said the ED had approached the apex court seeking an independent investigation and that leaving the decision to the state government could give rise to further controversy over the manner in which the case was handled. The arguments concluded with the Supreme Court reserving its order on the limited issue. The matter arises from search operations conducted by the ED on January 8 at the I-PAC office and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal smuggling scam. The federal anti-money laundering agency has claimed that Banerjee, accompanied by police personnel and senior officials, entered the premises while the searches were underway and interfered with the investigation. The ED has sought registration of FIRs against Banerjee, the then West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, among others, besides seeking transfer of the probe to the CBI. Banerjee has denied the allegations, maintaining that she visited the premises to retrieve confidential and proprietary data belonging to the Trinamool Congress, which she claimed was linked to the party's electoral strategy. On January 15, the Supreme Court stayed FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against ED officials in connection with the searches and directed the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital records relating to the premises. Earlier, the apex court had orally observed that alleged interference by a sitting Chief Minister in an ongoing investigation could put democracy in peril.
Kolkata Police seize 110 kg of banned firecrackers ahead of Kali Puja, youth held
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have seized around 110 kg of banned firecrackers from an abandoned building in north Kolkata and arrested a 19-year-old youth ahead of Kali Puja, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off from secret sources, a team from Burrabazar police station raided the building at 1 NS Road in the early hours of Thursday and recovered the illegal fireworks. The arrested youth has been identified as Mohammad Taufiq, 19. The police have registered a suo motu case against him for allegedly storing firecrackers without the required licence or permit. Additional Commissioner of Kolkata Police's Detective Department, Kunal Agarwal, said the police were making continuous efforts to prevent the entry of illegal firecrackers into the city. According to the police, a team led by sub-inspector Uttam Kumar Halder was conducting patrol and search operations in the NS Road area at around 1.45 am when it searched the abandoned building. The officers found approximately 110 kg of banned fireworks packed in four large cardboard boxes. The entire consignment was seized, and Taufiq was arrested on the spot before being taken to Burrabazar police station. Preliminary investigations suggest the firecrackers had been stored in the building without any government licence or permit. Their presence in the densely populated commercial locality raised concerns over the risk of a possible accident, police said. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. Investigators are now trying to establish the source of the seized firecrackers and determine whether other people were involved in their storage and distribution. The police are also examining whether the consignment was linked to a larger illegal fireworks network operating in the city. With Kali Puja approaching, the Kolkata Police are expected to intensify checks and raids to curb the storage and sale of prohibited firecrackers and prevent safety hazards during the festive season.
