Centre lauds Bengals steps against dengue
Film-makers urge SRFTI admin, I&B min to end campus logjam
3.7k cops to be deployed for Chhath Puja
15-yr-old detained for trying to save dog from crackers
Tala water crisis deepens, KMC likely to restore supply by tomorrow
Govt gets eco-friendly ghats ready for Chhath
Rose-water mist cannons to curb pollution
Jackal on Kol runway forces flight to divert to Durgapur
Cop thrashed during immersion, 2 arrested
Day after mob attack on police station, all 4 accused get bail
Several injured in clash over eatery smoke
Expo to explore Bengals art history at Alipore Museum
Driver returns with aides to thrash man after pee protest
CBI men try to take away documents from SSC office, arrested
Overnight rain washes away Kolkatas pollution as 5 of 7 air monitors turn green
Minister Agnimitra Paul push for butterfly garden at Rabindra Sarobar
Kolkata Police Launches Major Operation, Arrests 109 and Seizes Banned Firecrackers
Kolkata police conducted a significant operation, arresting 109 individuals and seizing banned firecrackers amid strict traffic enforcement. Kolkata Police Launches Major Operation, Arrests 109 and Seizes Banned Firecrackers
Kolkatas Air Quality Improves Following Rain, AQI Drops to 75
Kolkata sees a significant drop in air pollution after rain, with AQI improving to satisfactory levels post-Diwali celebrations. Kolkatas Air Quality Improves Following Rain, AQI Drops to 75
Coast Guard rescues three ridleys from ghost net off Andhra coast
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued three endangered Olive Ridley turtles entangled in a ghost net off the Nizampatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh during a scheduled surveillance patrol, before releasing them safely back into the sea. The crew of ICG's Rani Rashmoni spotted the trapped turtles adrift in marine debris and deployed a Gemini inflatable boat to reach them. Coast Guard personnel carefully cut through the abandoned net to free the turtles, which were believed to be travelling toward their primary nesting sites along the Odisha coastline. Through these rescues, ICG reaffirms its commitment to protecting the ocean and the marine ecosystem, the maritime force stated in an official release. Every year, the Coast Guard executes a specialised marine protection initiative known as Operation Olivia to safeguard hundreds of thousands of turtles arriving at mass nesting grounds across eastern coastal waters. The nesting cycle along the Odisha coast begins annually between November and December, extending through April and May, with mass nesting typically observed between late January and early February. Conservation efforts for the species gained momentum following the discovery and international recognition of the Gahirmatha rookery near the mouth of the Brahmani-Baitarani (Dhamra) River in 1974. Subsequent mass nesting sites were identified at the Devi River mouth in 1981 and at the Rushikulya River mouth in 1994. During the breeding season, female Olive Ridleys select narrow estuarine beaches and bays to lay between 100 and 140 eggs per clutch. However, the species faces severe survival threats from unregulated coastal development, tourist exploitation, illegal egg harvesting, and marine poaching for meat, shells, and leather. The most catastrophic threat remains accidental mortality caused by mechanised fishing trawlers, gill nets, and trawl nets. Thousands of adult turtles have historically succumbed to drowning after becoming trapped in commercial fishing gear operating around nesting corridors during mating periods. All five sea turtle species found in Indian waters, including the Olive Ridley, are granted strict statutory protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). To mitigate threats throughout the six-month nesting cycle, the Indian Coast Guard enforces seasonal fishing bans near designated rookeries, conducts net inspections on commercial vessels, and leads regional environmental awareness drives.
Anxious families flock to stations, all 300 Bengal passengers safe
Mamata skips Bhai Phonta celebrations; her brother joins rebel camp, praises Suvendu
While some of the former CMs supporters gathered at her residence, most of her erstwhile loyalists were conspicuous by their absence
Demolition begins at former TMC strongman Jahangir Khans house in Falta
Kolkata To Host 2027 19th Diaspora Meet: Suvendu
Jaishankar launches portal for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference Website Launched, Event Scheduled in Kolkata Next Year
The official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference has been launched, set to take place in Kolkata from January 7-9, 2027. 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference Website Launched, Event Scheduled in Kolkata Next Year
Derailment video shows pilots' frantic bid to stop train
A viral video from the engine cab of the Kolkata-Sairang Express, which derailed near Guwahati, shows the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot struggling to stop the train despite applying all brakes. While the crew member in panic stated brake pressure wasn't dropping, experts note the gauge showed zero pressure, indicating a potential functional error in the braking system that prevented the train from stopping.
Kolkata-Sairang Express derails a day after Northeast Frontier Railway chief inspects track
Safety experts have raised questions about the quality of the inspection and operational alertness, saying that such exercises should not be conducted merely as routine formalities
Delhi AQI At 260, Chennai At 180; Check Air Quality In Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad And Bengaluru
From Delhi's AQI of 260 to chennai's 130, here's how air quality compares across six major Indian cities.
Jaishankar launches 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website; Kolkata to host event in January 2027
Jaishankar launches 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website; Kolkata to host event in January 2027
Assam: Four injured after five coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derails
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said all passengers were safe and the four injured passengers were receiving medical attention. The injured were taken to Sonapur Primary Health Centre for treatment
IIFT Research Associate Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata (IIFT) has released the notification for the post of Research Associate. Eligible candidates can apply online at iift.ac.in till 01 December 2026.
KKR Told To Free Up More Than Rs 40 Crore By Ex-Player, Urged To Release Big Names Ahead Of IPL 2027
Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer Aakash Chopra delivered some strong opinions on the franchise's retentions for IPL 2027.
Kolkata-Sairang Express derails in Assam: A look at other recent train accidents
The Kolkata-Sairang Express incident has brought renewed attention to rail safety and the safeguards in place to avoid a major mishap.
Body of 26-Year-Old Woman Found in Kolkata Apartment, Suspected Murder
A 26-year-old womans body was discovered in a locked apartment in Kolkata, raising suspicions of foul play as police investigate. Body of 26-Year-Old Woman Found in Kolkata Apartment, Suspected Murder
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The opening week of the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) has offered three debutants sharply contrasting introductions to the demands of the national competition, with Nagaland United celebrating a winning start, FC Bengaluru United bouncing back from a heartbreaking defeat and Samaleswari SC discovering how costly missed opportunities can be. With promotion to the Indian Super League at stake over the course of the season, the early results have already given the newcomers plenty to reflect on. For Nagaland United, the league debut was a moment years in the making. Founded in Chmoukedima in 2024, the club became the first from Nagaland to compete in the national league, ending a 78-year wait for the state since Talimeren Ao captained India at the 1948 London Olympics. The club secured its place through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, approved by the All India Football Federation on September 9. While the arrangement brought national-league experience into the squad, the clubs stated priority remained providing opportunities to Naga players. That ambition got off to an ideal start in Srinagar on October 30. Nagaland struck inside three minutes against Real Kashmir when JH Remlala capitalised on a long throw-in, before Vanlalhriatzuala extended the advantage. Despite an own goal by captain Rohmingthanga shortly before the hour mark, the debutants regained control, and Vanlalhriatzuala completed a 3-1 victory with his second goal. Head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla credited the teams preparation for helping the players settle quickly despite the limited time available. With limited time, it was important to get the players on the same page, understand our style of play and build confidence within the group, he said. The response to the own goal was particularly encouraging for the coach. I told them to stay calm and keep believing in themselves, he said. These moments are part of football, and what matters is how you respond. Rohmingthanga, who previously played for Aizawl, acknowledged the challenge of recovering from the setback. Of course, it was a difficult moment, but we knew we couldnt afford to lose our focus, he said. For the captain, leading the new club to victory carried special significance. To now lead Nagaland United SC and help the club begin its journey with a win means a lot, he said. While Nagaland celebrated, Samaleswari SC have had to come to terms with two narrow defeats despite showing they can compete against more established opponents. The Odisha clubs rise has been remarkable. Founded in 2006 in Pitapali, near the Hirakud Reservoir and about 15 km from Sambalpur, Samaleswari laid its foundation through its academy. Having competed in the fourth tier last season, the club earned a place in the IFL after a breakthrough campaign that included its first Durand Cup appearance and a memorable 3-2 victory over Mohammedan SC in Kolkata. Ten members of coach Abdul Azim Siddiques squad hail from Odisha. Their first league outing against two-time national champions Gokulam Kerala in Kozhikode on October 31 showcased their resilience. Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Samaleswari fought back through an own goal and a 90th-minute penalty converted by Jorge Pereyra Diaz. However, Crislans late header denied them a share of the points. Football can be cruel sometimes, but we must learn from these moments, Siddique said after the defeat. He added: One result will not define our season. Our response to this defeat will define our character. Samaleswari produced another spirited display in their next outing, against Dempo in Rourkela on November 5. Playing in front of their home crowd as the city hosted its first IFL match, they fell two goals behind before mounting a late challenge. Young defender Kartik Choudhary gave them hope in the 82nd minute with a spectacular lob from 35 yards, but a missed opportunity deep into stoppage time left them with a 1-2 defeat. Two matches have yielded no points, but Samaleswari have repeatedly pushed experienced sides until the closing stages, an encouraging sign for a club making its first appearance at this level. FC Bengaluru United, meanwhile, have experienced both the heartbreak and the exhilaration of late goals in the space of five days. The Karnataka sides promotion was the culmination of a seven-year effort to move beyond the third tier. They finished runners-up in I-League 2 last season, securing promotion ahead of United SC on goal difference. Former India international Nallappan Mohanraj, who coaches the team, retained much of that squad for their first IFL campaign. Their debut against five-time champions Dempo at Fatorda on November 1 appeared headed for a draw until Uzziel Budu scored from a corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time. This was our first-ever IFL match, and considering how we held on until the 98th minute, I believe a draw would have been a fair result, Mohanraj said. However, this is football, and if you switch off even for a moment in the 98th minute, you will be punished. The coach had also identified defending set-pieces as an area that needed immediate attention, promising his side would ensure that we do not concede set-piece goals like this in our upcoming matches. Bengaluru United delivered an emphatic response against Mohammedan SC at the Bangalore Football Stadium five days later. Marat Tarek opened their IFL scoring with a header from a corner, and two more headed goals put them in control. Mohammedan fought back to level the contest at 3-3 in the 78th minute, threatening to repeat Bengalurus painful opening-night experience. This time, however, the late moment belonged to the newcomers. Lalramdinsanga Raltes short-corner routine and cross found substitute Akshunna Tyagi, who headed home the winner in the first minute of stoppage time to seal a 4-3 victory. The contrasting results have made for an eventful opening week. Nagaland United have collected three points from their only outing and remain unbeaten, while Bengaluru United have recovered from their opening defeat to register their first win. Samaleswari, despite two losses, have shown enough fight to suggest they will remain competitive. Dempo, having beaten both Samaleswari and Bengaluru United, sit at the top of the table. Nagaland United are third and will now prepare for their first home fixture of the campaign, against Gokulam Kerala at Chmoukedima on November 14. For the club and its supporters, the occasion carries significance beyond the league standings. Ghuqhe Chishi, one of the two under-20 graduates celebrated by the club ahead of the season, is relishing the opportunity to represent Nagaland in front of its home crowd. Playing in front of our own people, representing Nagaland and wearing this jersey on home ground is something I am really looking forward to, he said. We want to make them proud, and we will give everything on the pitch. For Nagaland United, the first week has brought a historic victory and the prospect of a long-awaited homecoming. For Samaleswari and Bengaluru United, it has been an early lesson in the fine margins that separate results from performances. The season is still young, but the newcomers have already begun writing very different stories in the IFL.
Several coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail near Guwahati, 4 injured
More than 300 passengers from West Bengal were on board the Kolkata-Sairang Express that derailed near Assam's Guwahati on Wednesday, prompting railway authorities to set up helpdesks at several stations to assist them, an official said. Four persons suffered minor injuries after five coaches and the engine of the train derailed at Digaru in the morning, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said earlier in the day. Our data shows that over 300 passengers travelled from West Bengal, covering stations like Kolkata, Naihati, Krishnanagar, and the Malda and Katihar Divisions, who were heading beyond Guwahati, an Eastern Railway official said. We are assisting them. Helpdesks have been set up for the passengers and their families, he said. There is no report of any fatality in the incident, he said, adding that officials from the Eastern Railway rushed to the accident site. The helpdesks have been set up at Sealdah, Alipurduar, Naihati and Berhampore Court stations to provide .
Mamata skips 'Bhai Phota' at Kalighat, BJPs Dilip Ghosh says she feared a flop show
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees decision to skip the traditional Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj celebration at her Kalighat residence in South Kolkata on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from state Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh, who claimed that she was apprehensive of a poor turnout following the Trinamool Congresss defeat in the Assembly elections. The official explanation for cancelling the annual celebration is that Mamata Banerjee wants to register a symbolic protest against the alleged torture, harassment, and indiscriminate arrests of Trinamool Congress workers under the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. However, Ghosh, a former West Bengal BJP president, offered a different interpretation, claiming that the former Chief Minister knew that several of her erstwhile close associates, who regularly visited her residence for the occasion, would stay away this year. Earlier, everyone used to flock to her residence on Bhai Phota, not to receive her elder-sisterly affection but to remain close to the absolute power and authority she enjoyed as Chief Minister. Today, she is out of power. So, there is no Bhai Phota celebration. She knows that those who used to visit her residence in previous years will not turn up this time, Ghosh said. The current political situation within the Trinamool Congress appears to lend some weight to Ghoshs observations, with several prominent leaders who were regular visitors to Mamata Banerjees residence now aligning themselves with the partys rebel but majority faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata. Among them are former heavyweight ministers Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas, who were prominent faces at the annual Bhai Phota gathering at Kalighat until last year. Another familiar face at the celebrations, singer-turned-politician and former minister Indranil Sen, is currently in judicial custody following his arrest in connection with an alleged fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja pass scam. Former state minister Sujit Bose is also in judicial custody in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-crore cash-for-municipalities recruitment scam. The absence of these leaders and the political realignments following the Assembly election defeat have altered the composition of Mamata Banerjees inner circle.
Train Driver Reports Possible Brake Failure Before Derailment Near Guwahati
A chilling video purportedly captures the moments leading up to the derailment of the Kolkata-Sairang Express near Guwahati on Wednesday morning, with the locomotive's driver heard reporting a possible brake failure moments before the train hits barricades with a loud thud.
Watch: Several coaches of Sairang Kolkata Express train derail in Assam
26-year-old woman found dead in locked flat in Bengal's Baranagar; murder suspected
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) The body of a 26-year-old woman was recovered from a locked flat in the Lake Palli area of Baranagar in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, triggering suspicions of murder, the police said on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Anjali Sau, was found inside a fifth-floor flat late on Tuesday night after personnel from Baranagar police station broke open the door. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but investigators are not ruling out murder. A police officer said the body was found lying on the floor, with injury marks also visible on it. These findings have raised suspicions among investigators, who are awaiting the post-mortem examination report to establish the cause of death. According to local residents, Anjali's sister and brother-in-law had been living in the flat for around four years. However, they had recently shifted to Serampore in Hooghly district because of their business commitments. On Monday, Anjali's brother-in-law, who owns the flat, handed over its key to a neighbour, Latika Manna, before leaving. Latika reportedly told the police that Anjali collected the key from her and went to the fifth-floor flat on Tuesday afternoon. Later that afternoon, Anjali's sister tried calling her but received no response. Concerned over her inability to contact Anjali, she got in touch with the neighbours and asked them to check on her. The neighbours knocked repeatedly on the flat's door but received no response. They subsequently alerted the Baranagar police. A police team reached the spot and broke open the door, only to find Anjali's body inside. The body was initially taken to Baranagar State General Hospital and subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination. The Baranagar police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the locality. Investigators are also questioning neighbours and other residents to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to her death. The police said the post-mortem findings would be crucial in determining whether Anjali was murdered or died under other circumstances. The incident has caused considerable concern among residents of Lake Palli.
Passengers Share Harrowing Experience After Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails
Passengers recount their experiences after the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed, narrowly avoiding a major disaster. Passengers Share Harrowing Experience After Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails
Bengal cracks down on private vehicles illegally operating as app-cabs
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) The West Bengal transport department has launched a major crackdown on private vehicles, including four-wheelers and two-wheelers, illegally operating as app-based cabs without the mandatory commercial registration and licences. The department has directed all app-cab aggregator agencies to identify such vehicles registered on their platforms and remove them from their systems within the next seven days. According to a notification issued by the transport department, aggregator agencies must ensure that only vehicles holding valid commercial licences and displaying yellow-coloured commercial number plates are allowed to operate through their platforms. The notification has also made it mandatory for all app-cab aggregator agencies to maintain a central office in West Bengal. The office will serve as a point of contact for the state transport department and traffic police authorities and will also be responsible for addressing customer grievances. These new guidelines have already been sent to all the aggregator agencies. They have been directed to submit the complete address of their office in writing to the state transport department within seven days. The guidelines also make it clear that the agencies concerned are responsible for ensuring that their services comply with the Motor Vehicles Act and government regulations. Failure to follow the instructions could invite legal action, a senior transport department official said. The department recently found that several vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, without commercial licences and yellow-coloured number plates had enrolled themselves with different app-cab aggregator agencies and were accepting passenger bookings. The official said owners of private vehicles could simply download the relevant applications, register their vehicle numbers, and start receiving bookings without obtaining the necessary commercial permits. This is completely illegal. Only vehicles with valid commercial licences and yellow-coloured commercial number plates are eligible to be registered with app-cab aggregator agencies, the official said. He pointed out that allowing private vehicles to operate as app-cabs had two major implications. First, passengers using such vehicles could face difficulties if they encountered problems during a ride, as aggregator agencies might refuse to accept responsibility for incidents involving vehicles that were not commercially registered. Second, the practice resulted in substantial revenue losses for the state government, as such vehicles operated without fulfilling the applicable commercial registration and regulatory requirements. The department has therefore decided to tighten monitoring of app-based transport services and make aggregator agencies accountable for ensuring that vehicles operating through their platforms comply with the law.
Hijack alert on Mumbai-bound Air India flight at Kolkata Airport, searches on
Kolkata An Air India flight to Mumbai from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport here on Wednesday received a The post Hijack alert on Mumbai-bound Air India flight at Kolkata Airport, searches on appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Air India plane moved to isolation bay just before takeoff in Kolkata after hijack alert
An Air India flight was isolated at West Bengal's Kolkata airport on Wednesday afternoon shortly before its scheduled takeoff, following a hijack alert, Indian media reports said.
Six coaches of Sairang Kolkata Express derail in Assam, several feared injured
Threat of Hijacking Disrupts Air India Flight from Kolkata to Mumbai
An Air India flight faced a hijacking threat at Kolkata Airport, prompting immediate security measures and passenger evacuation. Threat of Hijacking Disrupts Air India Flight from Kolkata to Mumbai
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on November 11
Hijack scare on Mumbai-bound Air India flight at Kolkata Airport
A hijack threat on a Mumbai-bound Air India flight at Kolkata Airport triggered a security alert on Wednesday. The aircraft was moved to an isolation bay, and 92 passengers were evacuated as security personnel launched an extensive search
Air India Flight Threatens Hijack, Passengers Safe
Kolkata, November 11: An Air India flight faced a hijack threat on Wednesday after a threatening note was discovered onboard. The aircraft was isolated at the airport, and Air India Flight Threatens Hijack, Passengers Safe
Hijack Threat To Mumbai-Bound Air India Flight At Kolkata Airport, Aircraft Taken For Security Check
A Mumbai-bound Air India flight has faced a security scare at Kolkata airport after a hijack threat was found inside the aircraft on Wednesday morning. The message was written on the mirror inside one of the aircraft's washrooms while the flight
A Mumbai-bound Air India flight carrying 147 passengers was rushed to an isolation bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday morning, 11 November 2026, after a written hijack threat was discovered in an aircraft lavatory shortly before scheduled takeoff. The incident occurred around 10:20 AM as Flight AI 772 was [] The post Hijack Threat Sparks Security Lockdown on Mumbai-Bound Air India Flight at Kolkata Airport; Plane Moved to Isolation Bay appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Hijack note found in washroom of Kol-Mum Air India flight
A Mumbai-bound Air India flight was moved to an isolation bay at Kolkata airport after a hijack threat note was found in its washroom on Wednesday morning. All 105 passengers were deboarded as security agencies initiated checks.
A suspected hijack message on Mumbai-bound Air India flight AI 772 triggered an emergency security response, with passengers deboarded and the aircraft moved for inspection.
Hijack threat note found on Air India flight, plane taken to isolation bay
A hijack threat note found in the washroom of a Mumbai-bound Air India flight before take-off on Wednesday morning prompted security officials to park the aircraft in an isolation bay of the airport here, an official said. The flight was scheduled to depart at 10.20 am. The note threatening that the plane would be hijacked at 11.10 am was found in the washroom just before the departure of the flight, Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said. All the passengers who had boarded the aircraft were deboarded, and it was taken to the isolation bay, he said. Security protocols were immediately activated, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for a thorough inspection and necessary precautionary measures, he said.
Hijack threat note found in Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight; aircraft taken to isolation bay
All the passengers who had boarded the aircraft were deboarded, and it was taken to the isolation bay
Train Kept Moving For A Km After Derailment: Pantry Manager Recalls Assam Horror
Four people sustained minor injuries after five coaches and the engine of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru on the outskirts of Guwahati on Wednesday.
Hijack threat note found on Air India flight in Kolkata; moved to isolation bay
A hijack threat note was discovered in the washroom of a Mumbai-bound Air India flight shortly before take-off. The note threatened a hijacking at 11.10am, prompting immediate security protocols. All passengers on board were deboarded for safety, and the plane was moved to an isolation bay. Security officials conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft as a precaution. The incident occurred before the flight was scheduled to depart at 10.20am.
Air India Flight Issues Hijack Alert Just Before Take-Off At Kolkata Airport
A threatening message concerning a hijack was discovered written on the mirror of one of the aircraft's lavatories, say sources.
Bunker Roy (1945-2026): A Compassionate Revolutionary in Tilonia Assuming Planetary Significance
SANJIT BUNKER ROY , the founder of Barefoot College and one of India's best-known and globally acclaimed grassroots development workers, was a splendid example of an Indian whose life and work represented a passionate and arduous striving for uplifting village people and ensuring them their legitimate entitlements in tune with Mahatma Gandhis vision of heralding renaissance across vast swathes of rural India. His sad demise on November 10, 2026, at his home in Tilonia, Rajasthan, in the presence of his illustrious activist wife, Aruna Ray and several villagers underscored his enduring legacy of exemplary service to village people till his last breath. He was 81, and his extraordinary constructive work for the rural folks constituted a shining example of revolutionising the lives of villagers in a compassionate manner. Born into a prominent Brahmo upper-middle-class family from Kolkata in 1945, Roy had the privilege of being groomed with a secular outlook and educated in the elite Doon School in Dehradun and St Stephens College in Delhi. His own self-critical evaluation of his education was best expressed when he said, I went to the wrong school, wrong college and came back with a lot of arrogance. After my education, he said, I had a lot of fancy degrees and was told that I could overcome any problem. What transformed his life and outlook was his visit to famine-ravaged Palamu in Bihar (now Jharkhand) in 1966 and his utter inability to cope up with life in a village there in spite of studying in excellent educational institutions and securing high distinctions as a bright student. Apart from his excellence as a student, he proved himself to be an accomplished sportsperson by becoming Indias squash champion thrice. But the inner driving force silently guiding Bunker was an irresistible yearning which could be best described by employing the caption of an article Wanted Rural Mindedness authored by Mahatma Gandhi. He deeply realised that in spite of getting schooled in the best of educational institutions, he was incapable of placing himself in a rural setting marked by the absence of essential conditions for acquiring social and educational capabilities to lead a dignified life. Therefore, he preferred to stay in a village and resolved to improve the lived experience of villagers by establishing the Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC) in Tilonia, Rajasthan. The organisation was reckoned with great admiration across the world as Barefoot College emerged as a nucleus for harnessing the invaluable skills of village dwellers which they never got through the formal process of schooling in any educational institution, be it an institute of technology or engineering. What he did through that College for augmenting the human development indices of the village by liberating them from the whirlpool of deprivation and discrimination is worthy of emulation for our time, marked by the accelerated process of urbanisation and AI-driven algorithms mocking peoples traditional skills acquired through the process of living by using locally available resources. Bunker Roys articulations in the context of Tilonia and Barefoot College that Every failure is a beginning. Everyone had a chance in Tilonia. This is a place for cop outs, drop-outs and washouts embodied the optimism of Gandhi, who famously said that he would harness the ability of dumb millions to liberate India from the clutches of the mighty British Empire. That was the reason why Roy, while drawing on the strength of village people devoid of formal educational qualifications, brought together the most ordinary village people, a large segment of which consisted of women. It was fascinating to see such women, never having attended school, emerge as engineers to harness electricity from sunlight and hailed as Solar Mamas for their contributions in bringing clean energy to thousands of houses and even communities located in distant parts of the world. Women from the villages were initially trained as handpump istrys, excelled as solar mamas and forged their tryst with empowerment and set an example for the rest of the country and indeed the world. Its model placed technical knowledge in the hands of people who were often excluded from discussions about technology and development. Education was another important part of Roy's work. Barefoot College established night schools for children who could not attend regular classes because they worked or helped their families during the day. The initiative recognised that conventional schooling did not always accommodate the circumstances of rural children. The institution also worked on rainwater harvesting, healthcare and traditional crafts, linking its programmes to the everyday requirements of village life. When, in 1986, he was conferred with Padma Shri, the citation catalogued his precious work in employing the phrase, Tilonia Movement, and remarking that the idea was to start a process of generating awareness and at the same time demystifying technology, making it simple, effective, inexpensive and accessible. In the Thinkers Category listed by Time Magazine in 2010, he figured as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Several other prestigious awards such as the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development (1985), the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement (2004), the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2005), the Blue Planet Prize (2011) and the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2013 testified to his glorious legacy rooted in his enduring services driven by the passion to uplift rural areas by adopting sustainable paths of development. A year back in 2025, King Charles III of the United Kingdom referred to the precious work done by Roy and remarked, I am constantly singing your praises whenever I can, especially in Africa. There is much to discuss as I have many initiatives going on around the world Roys advent in the rural setting and his adventure in finding the worth of extremely ordinary village folks need to be seen in the context of his wife Aruna Roys pathbreaking work as the president of the National Federation of Indian Women and founder of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan. She quit the IAS and engaged in relentless struggles for mobilising workers and farmers to secure their entitlements for minimum wages and their right to hold the Government to account. The epic struggle for the Right to Information, combined with manifold movements for transparency and the Right to Food and education, originated against the backdrop of Roy's seminal work in Tilonia as a compassionate revolutionary. Aruna, in her memoir, The Personal is Political, acknowledged, The need for an RTI law was built brick by brick, incident by incident. If the IAS showed what should not be, Barefoot College SWRC gave me a platform to evolve what should be. Bunker Roys legacy is of enduring significance in the context of the calamitous consequences humanity is confronting as the spectre of man-made global warming and climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet. The statement issued by his family after his passing away said, Bunker Roy passed away peacefully at 6.15 am with Aruna (wife and activist Aruna Roy) and others around him. He went as he wanted to, in his own home in Tilonia, surrounded by some of the countless people who loved and cared for him deeply and admired him for his lifelong contribution to people, society, India, and the planet. He was truly a planetary citizen and his life and work would shine for ever leading the weary humanity to appreciate the meaning and significance of sustainable development in this Age of Anthropocene defined, among others, in terms of too much of human activity disproportionately using the energy and resources of the planet and imperilling it.
Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails in Assam: Six Coaches Jump Tracks, Passengers Narrowly Escape
The locomotive and five passenger coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express (Train No. 13125) jumped the tracks while entering Digaru railway station in Assams Kamrup (Metro) district on Wednesday. Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries were reported among the passengers, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The derailment took place around 6:54 AM as the [] The post Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails in Assam: Six Coaches Jump Tracks, Passengers Narrowly Escape appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Hijack threat note found on Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight before take-off, passengers offloaded
An Air India (Vistara)flight from Kolkata to Mumbai was reportedly placed under security alert after the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) about a slip found on board, warning of a possible hijacking before take-off. Following the alert, all passengers were offloaded from the aircraft, which was moved to an isolation bay for security checks. Further details about the incident are awaited.
Assam: 6 Coaches of Sairang-Kolkata Express Train Derails, 4 Injured
Four persons suffered minor injuries after five coaches and the engine of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru near Assam's Guwahati on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Sarma, in a social media post, said that all the passengers were
All Passengers Safe in Assam Train Derailment, Says Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assams CM reports all passengers safe after Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed, with four receiving minor injuries. All Passengers Safe in Assam Train Derailment, Says Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam: 5 coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail, no fatalities
Guwahati: Five coaches and the engine of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru near Assams Guwahati on the morning of Wednesday, November 11, officials said. There are no immediate reports of any fatalities or injuries, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson said. All passengers are safe and no injuries to anyone, he said in a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'Emergency brake not working': Video captures moments leading to Assam train derailment
A chilling video captures the moments before the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Guwahati, with the driver heard reporting a red signal and a non-functional emergency system before the locomotive hits barricades with a loud thud. The locomotive and five coaches derailed at Digaru railway station on Wednesday morning. No injuries or casualties were reported.
Assam train derailment LIVE updates: Six coaches Sairang-Kolkata Express train derail
No injuries reported so far; alternate trains arranged to to help passengers reach their destinations
Six coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail near Digaru in Assam, passengers safe
Guwahati: Several coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru railway station in Assam early Wednesday, after the loco pilot reportedly failed to control the trains speed while giving precedence to another train. All passengers are safe and no injuries have been reported, Northeast Frontier Railway said. The train, travelling from Sairang near Mizorams Aizawl [] The post Six coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail near Digaru in Assam, passengers safe appeared first on NorthEast Now .
MI And PBKS Complete Marquee Trade Deal Of Hardik And Arshdeep
Indian Premier League: In a major player trade ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have completed the swap of Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh. MI captain Hardik Pandya will move to PBKS, while Indias leading wicket-taker in T20I Arshdeep will join the five-time champions. Pandya will join PBKS at a fee of Rs 18 crore, up from his existing fee of Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep will join MI at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore. Besdies PBKS, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also been in the running to acquire the premier seam-bowling all-rounder. IANS had reported that PBKS had edged ahead of others in the race to secure the services of Hardik with MI ahead of the November 17 retention deadline as the paperwork was completed for the trade deal last week. Pandyas trade brought the curtain down on his second stint with MI, a franchise with which he won four IPL titles. Having first joined MI in 2015, Pandya developed into one of the leagues most impactful all-rounders, contributing with both bat and ball during the teams title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After seven seasons with MI, Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2022 and made an immediate impact as captain, leading the franchise to the title in its debut season. GT also reached the final in 2023 before Pandya returned to MI in 2024 and took over the captaincy. Across 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and claimed 82 wickets, underlining his value as a proven match-winner. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Arshdeeps ability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs has made him a key component of Punjabs bowling attack. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Six coaches and the engine of the Sairang-Kolkata Express derailed near Digaru in Assam on November 11. Several passengers are feared injured; rescue operations are underway.
Six coaches, locomotive of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail in Assam; no injuries reported
A locomotive and five coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express (Train No. 13125) derailed at Digaru Railway Station in Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam on Wednesday morning. No injuries or casualties have been reported, according to Northeast Frontier Railway. The derailment occurred at around 6:54 am. Northeast Frontier Railway said all passengers were safe and were being transported to their destinations by an alternative train. Relief and rescue operations have also been launched. A local resident who reached the spot after hearing about the incident said he saw six coaches derailed near the railway station.
Passenger train derails in Assam; several feared injured
Six coaches and the engine of the Sairang-Kolkata Express train derailed near Digaru, Assam, on Wednesday morning. While no fatalities have been reported, several passengers are feared injured. Rescue operations are underway, and the exact cause of the derailment is yet to be determined.
Assam: 6 coaches of Sairang-Kolkata Express train derails, several feared injured
The train, enroute to Kolkata from Sairang near Mizoram's Aizawl, derailed near Digaru railway station in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district around 6.54 am
Assam: 6 Coaches of Sairang-Kolkata Express Derails, Several Injured
The train, enroute to Kolkata from Sairang near Mizoram's Aizawl, derailed near Digaru railway station
Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails in Assam, Injuring Multiple Passengers
A train derailment near Guwahati leaves several passengers injured as rescue operations are underway. Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails in Assam, Injuring Multiple Passengers
Several coaches of Sairang-Kolkata Express train derails at Digaru in Assam
No injuries reported so far; cause of derailment yet to be ascertained
5 Coaches, Engine Of Kolkata-Sairang Express Derail In Assam, Rescue Ops On
The passenger train travelling from Mizoram towards Kolkata derailed along with its locomotive
Assam: 6 coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail
Six Coaches Of Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails In Assam, Rescue Operations Underway
Six coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang express derailed at Digaru railway station in Assam with no reported casualties.
Seven coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail near Guwahati, several passengers injured
Seven coaches and the engine of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru, outside Guwahati, on Wednesday morning. Some passengers are reportedly injured. The cause of the accident and the number of casualties are yet to...
Assam Train Accident | Several Injured After 6 Coaches Of Kolkata-Sairang Express Derail In Assam
A major train accident was reported in Assam this morning after seven coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru, on the outskirts of Guwahati. According to preliminary information, the passenger train travelling from Mizoram towards Kolkata derailed along with its locomotive. Several passengers are reported to be injured, some critically. The accident took place in the early hours today. Detailed information about the cause of the derailment, the exact number of injured passengers and the extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.
Multiple coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail in Assam, several injured
Seven coaches, including the engine, of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru railway station in Assam. The train was traveling from Sairang in Mizoram to Kolkata when the incident occurred. Several passengers sustained injuries, although no casualties have been reported so far. Senior railway officials have arrived at the accident site to assess the situation. The cause of the derailment is currently unknown.
SSB gives oxygen, shelter to ailing Kolkata trekker in west Sikkim
Personnel at the Yambung border outpost near the Nepal border treated a 42-year-old trekker who fell ill on the Singalila route and let him stay the night at the post.
The gold rate in India stood at Rs 1,41,190 per 10 grams for 24K gold on November 11. Meanwhile, 22K gold was priced at Rs 1,29,424 per 10 grams, according to Bullion.co.in.
Website of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas to be launched in Delhi today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) The official website of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) is scheduled to be launched on Wednesday in New Delhi, marking an important step towards preparations for the upcoming edition of the annual diaspora convention, according to the officials. The website will be jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Chanakya Hall in Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The launch is expected to provide prospective participants with access to registration facilities and essential information about the upcoming event. The 19th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be organised from January 7 to 9 next year in Kolkata, West Bengal, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora and other stakeholders to strengthen their engagement with the country. The convention will be organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the West Bengal government. The theme for this edition is 'From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat', highlighting the importance of reconnecting the Indian diaspora with its roots and deepening its relationship with the country. The website has been jointly developed by the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal to facilitate participation in the three-day convention. According to the officials, the website will serve as a key platform for individuals interested in attending the event, allowing prospective participants to complete their registration and access relevant details about the programme. Apart from providing registration facilities, the portal will also disseminate important announcements, updates and other information related to the convention. It will further provide details about the various activities and events scheduled to take place alongside the main Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrations. The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention was first instituted in 2003 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was conceived as a formal mechanism to connect with and recognise the overseas Indian community and to strengthen their engagement with India. Since 2015, the MEA has revised the format of the event by organising the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention as a biennial gathering, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years. This approach enables more focused discussions on specific areas of interest and fosters meaningful interaction and networking among members of the global Indian diaspora. Over the years, the Convention has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences across sectors, strengthening India's ties with its diaspora. President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the Valedictory Session. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin, or an organisation or institution established and run by them. The award recognises contributions by members of the Indian diaspora towards enhancing India's image abroad, supporting India's causes and working for the welfare of local Indian communities.
JSW Group passes on latest airport auction, terms business a quasi-real estate play
JSW remains open to reconsidering its stand if bigger city airports, including Kolkata and Chennai, are opened up for privatisation, Parth Jindal says.
Tripura Police bring Delhi content creator Amir Shokeen to Agartala
Forensic team probes Raiganj encounter death, examines evidence
