City girls musical world record at 11
KMC submits 285 delimitation observations to state govt
Kolkata International Film Festival considers logo redesign
Blow Hot-Blow Rain Sept Weather Lays Kolkata Low
Ranna Puja rush drives up hilsa prices, large sizes stay scarce
40 firms join meet to create second career for veterans
Heavy Rain Unlikely In Kol In Next 3 To 4 Days: Met
Writer, novelist, playwright and critic Ketaki Kushari Dyson dies in England
Rooftop Restobar First Eatery To Get Back Licence
Didnt resign, will continue in office, clarifies law college vice-principal
Profs protest against transfer bill, set to take legal action
Airport-bound? Leave early. VIP Road diversion from Sunday to facilitate Orange Line metro work
2 warders suspended over Baruipur jail escape
Left, Cong name candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Govt contractors urge state to clear Rs 50,000 crore dues
KMC engineers threaten to go on cease-work after colleagues arrest
Maharashtra Niwas drops Didi, invites CM, guv for Ganesh Puja inauguration
'I definitely know how his mind works': Shreyas Iyer on Gautam Gambhir
Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir have worked together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where they helped the franchise win the IPL title in 2024. Iyer was the captain, while Gambhir was the mentor. Iyer believes Gambhir's aggressive approach and his ability to understand individual players can help the team stay clear about their roles.
Bengal: Left Front announces candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) The Left Front, led by CPI(M), on Saturday announced the names of the party candidates for the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram Assembly seat and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency of West Bengal. The West Bengal Left Front Committee issued a press statement announcing the names of the front candidates for the bypolls for these two constituencies. The CPI(M) candidate from the Rejinagar constituency is Sayeed Asad Ali, an advocate in personal life. On the other hand, the CPI candidate from the Nandigram is Shanti Gopal Giri. Left Fronts candidate announcement for the bypolls comes just a day after the Congress announced the names of their candidates on Friday for both Nandigram and Rejinagar. The bypolls for these two constituencies will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The counting of votes will be taken up on October 9. The date by which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly Constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Kabirs son Golab Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls this time. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, has been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the by-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to have much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Mukesh, son Anant to visit Bengal, says Suvendu
KMC to mark PM Modis 25 years in public office with month-long events
Shreyas Iyer Gives Big Verdict On Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Skills, Reveals His 'Amazing' Quality
Gautam Gambhir's working style has polarised opinion since he took over the reins of the Indian team but skipper Shreyas Iyer says the head coach is a fantastic man-manager, an attribute he admired while working with him at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
Gambhir has got a very aggressive mindset; I definitely know how his mind works, says Iyer
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) India captain Shreyas Iyer said he hopes his strong working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir will drive clear communication and an aggressive approach in the shortest format in the coming times, starting with Sunday's T20I match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Having previously won an Indian Premier League (IPL) title together as captain-mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, Iyer highlighted the head coach's aggressive mentality and individual player management as key factors in establishing clarity within the squad. The duo didnt get a great start as India lost series in Ireland and England, before Iyer got a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe in July, with CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman being the stand-in head coach. I feel that he has got a very aggressive mindset. He is someone who is always looking to win when he steps onto the field. He wants every individual to perform, which is pretty much given as a coach. So, he builds a lot of trust and confidence amongst the team, and every player knows what their role and clarity is. So, I think all these alignments are very much important when it comes to coaching skills, and he has got an amazing one-on-one player management approach. So, that is essential going forward in the tournament when you have that kind of relationship with every player because all of us are different in our own ways and you need to understand a certain player. Both of us, Gauti bhai and I, have been in this scenario where we need to know the players and how they can deliver for the team. The more matches we win, the more we would be getting to know each other closely. I have worked with him in the past in KKR. So, I definitely know how his mind works and how his approach is going to be, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. Looking at the immediate challenge posed by Afghanistan, who have a host of players well-aware of the Indian conditions due to playing in the IPL, Iyer stressed the importance of taking one step at a time to build momentum. See, we will go game by game. We don't have to think too much about the future. We are thinking about the first game. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, and our preparation has also been promising for the last couple of days. Players are in great shape and mindset. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Iyer also expressed enthusiasm for participating in his first Asian Games, where he will lead Indias gold medal defence, and interact with athletes across different sports disciplines. It is definitely an exciting time for me and also for the team because it is going to be my first time, and there are a couple of players who have already been in the last Asian Games. So, an exciting time. The first match we are going to play is against Japan. So, that is going to be a historic one, and I will be sharing a relationship with the hockey players and other Olympic players and athletes who will be there along with us. Definitely would be a great interaction, and I would be eagerly waiting to go there and interact with them and know what their mindset is. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them as well. So, yes, we are going as a whole nation and then definitely we want to see to it that we come back triumphant, he concluded.
Merlin Group Partners With Legend To Set Up Second Yuvraj Singh Centre Of Excellence In Kolkata
Saket Mohta of Merlin Group expressed his delight at joining hands with cricket icon Yuvraj Singh for the second time.
Bengal man arrested for sexually assaulting minor daughter
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) A man in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district has been arrested for sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter, police said on Saturday. According to the police, the elder daughter had filed a complaint against her father with the Baruipar police. She claimed that she left home due to sexual assault, which she was subjected to by her father, and alleged that he was doing the same to her younger sister. Based on that complaint, officers of Baruipur Women Police Station have arrested the accused. According to the police, the arrested person is a hawker by profession. Allegedly, in December last year, the accused's elder daughter was subjected to physical abuse. She left home in anger and fear. The younger daughter alleged that her father's misbehaviour was not resolved even after she informed her mother. The mother kept quiet even after knowing everything. It is alleged that after the elder daughter left home, the father continued to sexually assault the younger daughter. The 'victim' claimed that this had been happening for the past few months. She said that there was no situation to tell anyone. She spoke to her sister on the phone. After that, both sisters informed their mother. Even after that, the mother remained silent and refused to accept their allegations. Incidentally, the accused's elder daughter called 100 and informed the police about the matter. Based on that, officers of Baruipur Women Police Station arrested the accused from the Kulpi Road area last night. A case has been registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police have applied for his custody to investigate the matter further. Based on the complaint by the daughter, the father has been arrested. We will seek his custody to interrogate him further. Investigation is on, and all the allegations are being looked into, a senior officer of Baruipur Police District said.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday launched a scathing attack against the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments in West Bengal and accused both the regimes of having a step-motherly attitude towards the Hindu religious rituals. Of the past 49 years, 34 years have been ruled by Communists who called religion the opium of masses. And in the next 15 years, the Trinamool Congress made an all-out effort to convert West Bengal into a Greater Bangladesh. The Chief Minister (Suvendu Adhikari) alleged that there had been a continuous attack on the traditions and culture of the Sanatani Hindu people in the state, the Chief Minister said at the inauguration of a Ganesh Puja at Kestopur in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Attacking the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Chief Minister Adhikari added that the party's books stalls in front of the Puja Pandal every year during the four days of Durga Puja never displayed the books by Swami Vivekananda. In those book stalls, you could get foreign books by Karl Marx or by Lenin. But you could never get Indian books such as Hanuman Chalisa or Bhagwad Geeta. It was clearly written there that they did not believe in religion, and they considered religion as opium, the Chief Minister said. He targeted the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government and said that during the 15 years of their tenure in West Bengal from 2011 to 2026, every attempt was made by the previous ruling dispensation to convert West Bengal into a Greater Bangladesh. He specially attacked his predecessor Mamata Banerjee but without directly naming her. The former Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee), whom I defeated twice in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, said in the Puja coordination meeting at Netaji Indoor Stadium that because of Muharram there would be no idol immersion on Vijaya Dashami in a particular year, the Chief Minister noted. In 2021, Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee from Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district by a margin of little less than 2,000 votes, In 2026, Suvendu Adhikari defeated the previous Chief Minister from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata by a margin of little over 15,000 votes.
Abhishek aide broke down during questioning in graft cases: Bengal CID
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) Sumit Roy, the Personal Assistant of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Benerjee started breaking down in face of sustained questioning and confessed of his involvement in a number of financial irregularities, insiders from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police claimed on Saturday. CID sleuths arrested Roy on Thursday afternoon in connection with a multi-crore illegal land grabbing case at Salboni in West Midnapore district and he was presented at a district court in West Midnapore on Friday, following which he was remanded to eight days of CID custody. Since Friday evening, a special team of CID comprising an Indian Police Service officer assisted by two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP)-ranking officers. In the face of sustained interrogation, Roy had started breaking down and has started revealing his involvements not only in the Salboni land grabbing case as well as other major scams in the state, a CID insider said requesting anonymity. Another state police insider said that the Investigating Officers have uncovered information about transactions worth crores of rupees in the Salboni land corruption case. The money allegedly reached multiple bank accounts. Investigators are trying to find out who, apart from Roy, were involved in those financial transactions and who benefited financially from that money, the police official said. The state police officials said that Roy's statement might be crucial in revealing the larger conspiracy behind these scams. The information obtained from him (Sumit Roy) is being compared with the documents, bank account information, land documents and other evidence already accessed by the investigating officers, the state police official said. The interrogating officials are trying to grill Roy about those persons or persons from whom he used to receive instructions in the matter. In the Salboni land scam case, the investigating officers have already received details of a particular bank account in the name of Sumit Roy, which had doubtful transactions worth Rs 15 crore. The investigating officials through Sumit Roy's questioning are trying to reach the source of the funds, the CID insider said.
GPT Infra bags order worth Rs 86 crore
GPT Infraprojects (GPTINFRA), through its wholly owned subsidiary Alcon Builders and Engineers, has received a contract worth Rs 85.53 crore from CSTE Con, Eastern Railway, Kolkata.
Narcotics, firearm seized by SSB close to India-Nepal border; five apprehended
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) A significant quantity of narcotics and an illegal firearm were seized by troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) close to the India-Nepal border over the last two days, officials said on Saturday. Five persons have been apprehended in this connection. In the latest case, personnel of the 41 Bn SSB Ranidanga and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force of the Bihar Police carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Lakdi Depot area in Galgalia, Kishanganj, Bihar, around 7.10 a.m. on Saturday. The security personnel carried out a raid at the house of one Mohamad Hasim (57) and seized 507 grams of Brown Sugar, 814 grams of amphetamine, a country-made pistol, one round of live ammunition and a mobile phone. The house is barely 550 metres from the international border, officials said. The seized items were checked with a drug detection kit and tested positive for MDMA (Amphetamine) and Brown Sugar. Hasim and Ruksar Khatun (30) were taken into custody. The latter is from the Channu Tola village in Bhatgaon, Kishanganj. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar and Amphetamine were procured from an unidentified person at Galgalia Bazar. They, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Galgalia Police Station for further legal action, an official said. In another raid carried out during the evening of Friday, 410 grams of Brown Sugar were seized. Around 6.20 p.m., acting on reliable information, a special patrolling party of the Kadomanijote Company of the 41 Bn SSB, Ranidanga, proceeded towards Aambari Village in Ghoshpukur on National Highway 327C. Three suspects were searched, and the narcotics were seized from their possession, the official said. A drug detection kit declared the powdery substance to be Brown Sugar after a sniffer dog confirmed it to be drugs. The three persons apprehended in this connection have been identified as Akram Hossain (43), from Khagen Hat in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Tapan Das (34), from Dakshin Palash, Matigara, Darjeeling, West Bengal, and Ebrahim Hoque (33), of Bhorkulagachh, Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar was procured from an unidentified person at a shoe shop in Panjipara and was being taken to Ghoshpukur for delivery to a woman known only as Didi. They, along with the narcotics, have been handed over to the Phansidewa Police Station, the official added.
Karnataka BJP demands Satish Jarkiholis removal over ED allegations
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Saturday demanded the immediate removal of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet, citing allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged bribe payments, overseas investments and mining assets. Reacting to the ED's recent searches at premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates, Ashoka alleged that money collected through PWD contracts had been routed abroad and used to acquire overseas mining assets. The EDs press brief has put Rahul Gandhis ATM Sarkara in Karnataka under a massive cloud of suspicion, Ashoka said in a statement. Ashoka alleged that the ED had found evidence suggesting that money allegedly collected from contractors, including Bharat Vanijya Eastern Pvt Ltd, was routed through unauthorised channels to acquire assets overseas. He also pointed to the ED's allegation that Jarkiholi had acquired a nearly 40 per cent stake in Magnitude Star SARL, a gold-mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ashoka further referred to the ED's claims regarding overseas mining interests in Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, allegedly held in the names of Jarkiholi's daughter and Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and sister Mahadevi Manjunath. The BJP leader also highlighted the ED's reported seizure of more than Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted Indian currency and foreign currency valued at around Rs 15 lakh during searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates. From PWD contracts in Karnataka to gold mines in Africa, the trail alleged by the ED raises serious questions, Ashoka said. He demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar provide answers regarding the alleged flow of money, including its source, those who allegedly collected it, how it was moved abroad, and who ultimately benefited from the transactions. Ashoka also targeted the Congress leadership, alleging that Karnataka was being treated as an ATM for the Congress high command, state ministers and their families. He demanded the immediate removal of Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet until the ED investigation was completed, arguing that a minister facing such serious allegations should not continue in office while the probe was underway. Karnatakas public money cannot become anyones private fortune abroad, Ashoka said. The ED had earlier stated that it conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his close associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata on September 9 and 10 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The agency has alleged that its searches uncovered evidence relating to suspected financial irregularities, overseas investments and alleged bribe payments linked to PWD contracts. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged that the ED action was politically motivated and aimed at targeting Jarkiholi, whom he described as an influential Dalit leader.
Bengal govt focuses on credit management reforms in cooperative banks to tackle bad loans
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) The BJP-led West Bengal government has initiated a series of reforms in the credit management system of cooperative banks across the state to address the longstanding problem of bad loans and recover dues from wilful defaulters. State Cooperation Minister Ashok Kirtaniya has personally reviewed the financial health of several cooperative banks and directed departmental officials to prepare a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening credit discipline and improving loan recovery mechanisms. The Minister has directed the departmental bureaucrats to frame a blueprint for a comprehensive strategy to address the chronic issue of wilful defaulters. According to sources in the cooperative department, the proposed blueprint for urban cooperative banks will focus on three key areas. The first is the introduction of a robust due diligence mechanism to properly assess the creditworthiness of loan applicants and identify potential risks before loans are sanctioned. The second component involves identifying wilful defaulters and initiating recovery proceedings, including the attachment of properties where necessary. The third seeks to fix accountability for lapses in loan sanctioning and disbursal, with action proposed against credit officers found to have deliberately ignored borrowers' lack of creditworthiness. Minister Ashok Kirtaniya said property attachment proceedings would be carried out irrespective of the political affiliations of defaulters. He also warned that responsibility for unrecovered loans would be examined and that, if required, recoveries could be made from the pensions of retired officials or the salaries of serving officers found responsible for irregularities. If the money is not recovered, the responsibility of the credit officers concerned will also be investigated. If necessary, the money may be deducted from the pension of retired officers and the salaries of working officers, the Minister said. Department officials alleged that during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, due diligence norms in cooperative banks were often ignored, with loan sanctions influenced by recommendations from local ruling party leaders. They claimed that while some credit officers were complicit, many also faced pressure to approve loans without adequate scrutiny. The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen financial discipline in cooperative banks, curb the accumulation of bad loans, and improve accountability in the credit approval process.
Deep Dive: Is Kolkata ready for a true 1920s-style speakeasy?
Suvendu Adhikari to meet Ambani and Adani for investment talks
The Chief Minister says previouspolitical regimes did not create an industry-friendly environment in the State
Crude prices eased on September 12 after hitting multi-month highs, while Hormuz tensions threaten supply. Indias petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged despite rising costs and a 6.3% August fuel-demand decline.
Phone access cut for UAPA, terror-law prisoners in Bengal jails
UPES hosts global conference on cybersecurity, digital forensics
UPES hosted the International Conference on Advancement in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (ICACSDF 2026), bringing together researchers, cybersecurity professionals, industry practitioners and students to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and the need for resilient digital ecosystems. Organised by the School of Computer Science, UPES, and sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Uttar Pradesh Section, the conference provided a platform for research presentations, technical exchange and academia-industry collaboration. The conference received 892 research paper submissions, with 186 papers accepted after peer review by 469 reviewers from across the world. Discussions covered AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, cyber-threat intelligence, digital forensics, post-quantum cryptography, IoT security, blockchain, software and web security, incident response, and governance and risk management. Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) highlighted the importance of cybersecurity to Indias technological progress and national security and congratulated the organisers for bringing the subject into focus. UPES Vice Chancellor Dr Sunil Rai said cyber resilience was fundamental to building trust in an increasingly digital society. He stressed the role of universities in combining research, technology and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to emerging threats. Experts from institutions including the University of Auckland, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee and Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata participated in the conference.
Little Magazine Festival 2026 to celebrate Bengals independent literary voices
From top-4 to 26, Srinagar falls in Centres clean-air ranking
Srinagar, Sep 11:Just three years ago, Srinagar was counted among the countrys top-performing cities in GoI survey regarding air quality, city-wise, across India. Now it has found itself at 26th position in the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026.The striking reversal for a city synonymous with pristine mountains, lakes and fresh Himalayan air throws uncomfortable in the air here. The health of citizens and environment in Srinagar is once again under scanner.The latest ranking Of Swatch Vayi Sarvekshan has Srinagar behind Delhi.Delhi has for long made headlines with toxic winter smog and features among Indias most persistent air-pollution hotspots. Strikingly, Delhi secured the 21st rank with 172 points. Shockingly, Srinagar scored 162.6 points and is now at 26th among cities with a population of over 10 lakh.In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023, Srinagar had clinched the fourth rank nationally in its population category. It was lauded for being one of the country's leading cities in the clean-air initiative.Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Vasu Yadav while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said the ranking does not reflect the air quality of Srinagar. He said that Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan does not rank cities based on the measurement of how good or bad their air quality is.It is not a linear, simple addition but a number of factors are assessed while giving points to the cities, he said. Yadav said the Sarvekshan measures the initiatives taken by cities to control pollution and the implementation of air-quality improvement programmes, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The assessment is based on measures to address road dust management, solid waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction waste, demolition waste and other other emission sources, he said. More importantly, he said, it has a very strong connection to Solid Waste Managemnet measures taken by the cities. If the waste is not managed scientifically, it is a pollution hazard, and a negative impact on air quality as it will eventually be burnt, he said. The Chairman said the municipalities have to list what all they have done to control air pollution over the year. The process is heavily based on self-assessment by city municipalities, he said. It is also a reflection of the scrutiny at the state level, evaluation by the Central Pollution Control Board and importantly, field verification by independent committees, he said. Three years ago, the parameter of ranking just the air quality and thats how Srinagar was among the top, he said.The latest survey has placed Srinagar above major metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.However, it trails behind Delhi and Hyderabad. Lucknow has topped the category with 198 points. Other top cities with notable clean air measures are Indore and Jabalpur.At the bottom are Chennai, Jamshedpur, Kota, Kolkata and Madurai.The pollution in Srinagar has often been blamed on the ever-increasing number of vehicles and traffic congestion to road dust.The construction activity, waste burning in autumn and emissions are considered the major culprits. The fifth edition of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, 2026, assessed 130 cities covered under NCAP, in three population categories. The Union Environment Ministry said 108 of the 130 cities showed improvement in PM10 levels during 2025-26.
KolkatasLaw College Vice Principal resigns after 23-hour studentprotest over attendance
Vice Principal says she was targeted and forced to resign; ABVP calls it a win,purifiesthe VPs room with Ganga Jal
Gangajal debut in Bengal campus politics after V-Ps forced resignation
Land for 33 projects before Durga Puja: CM
The humble flyswatter is disappearing, and our gadgets may be making us less handy
A simple encounter with Kolkata youngsters reveals how everyday tools such as the humble flyswatter are disappearing as technology replaces physical effort. From electric bug zappers to robot vacuums and pre-chopped food, convenience is steadily reshaping daily habits, raising a larger question: are modern gadgets making us increasingly dependent on electricity?
91st All India Railway Athletics Championship Kicks Off in Kolkata
The 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship commenced in Kolkata, featuring 24 teams and around 500 athletes competing across various events. 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship Kicks Off in Kolkata
CPM: Puja book stalls carry progressive tag, not Sharadotsab
West Bengal, Japan explore new trade, air connectivity and cultural partnerships
Kolkata will host an Indo-Japan cultural festival and exchange in 2027 as India and Japan mark 75 years of friendship. A Japanese delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu also discussed trade, direct air connectivity, renewable energy and a business-friendly environment with West Bengal officials during its Kolkata visit.
Students, alumni urge chancellor to protect Jadavpur University autonomy
Thanthania: Flooding Worry As Pump Trips
History lessons: Punishment fears linger after new bill
State grapples with yawning 23-8 gap between old and new universities
State Gets Panel For Naming Public Places
SSKM administers first US-approved Alzheimers drug in east India
Rain Intensity In Kol Likely To Reduce From Today
Kolkata Police Sergeant & Civic Volunteer Held For Jharkhand Bizman Murder
Veggie Prices Head North In Kol As Rain Inundates Crop Fields
Minar and Society shut, fire notices rattle single-screens
Food items clear test, eatery applies for reopening
Protests shut banks, more pain in store for customers
Ganesh Puja gains ground across Kol and beyond, idolmakers see 15% rise in orders
UAPA, terror-case prisoners kin appeal for phone access
Bengal: Congress announces candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Friday announced the names of the party candidates for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal next month. AICC issued a press statement on Friday night claiming that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the proposals for the candidature of Mohd Abdullahil Kafi from Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan from Nandigram for the upcoming by-elections for these two constituencies next month. The bypolls for these two constituencies will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The counting of votes and poll results will be declared on October 9. The date before which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly Constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, has been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the by-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to have much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Congress names candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar assembly bypolls
Promoters complaint leads to netas arrest
Kolkata to host Indo-Japan cultural festival in 2027, boosting bilateral trade and air connectivity
A joint cultural exchange between Japan and Bengal is planned for 2027. Discussions focused on bilateral trade and direct air connectivity. Japanese companies seek a hassle-free business environment in West Bengal. The state government assured a conducive atmosphere for investors. Both nations will celebrate 75 years of friendship with cultural programs.
HC grants bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir in hate speech case
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has granted anticipatory bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, observing that the ingredients of BNS Section 152, which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, were not made out against him even prima facie. Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, while granting the relief on Thursday, September 10, 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 .
Baruipur blast sparks bomb storage claims
Truncated metro service tomorrow
Durga Puja bookstalls are branded as ones selling Marxist, progressive books: CPM
EC hearing on TMC name-symbol today, to meet both camps back-to-back
Tripura tea makes European debut with 15.31-MT export consignment
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 11 (IANS) Tripura tea on Friday made its debut in the European market with the dispatch of a 15.31-metric-tonne consignment, the largest-ever single outbound tea shipment handled by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL), officials said. The high-quality tea consignment, weighing 15,310 kg, was formally dispatched from the Central Tea Processing Factory (CTPF) at Durgabari in West Tripura for export to European countries via Kolkata. Industries and Commerce Secretary Kiran Gitte, TTDCL Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh and Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das flagged off the tea consignment on Friday. Ghosh said the shipment marked a significant milestone in the state's efforts to take Tripura tea beyond geographical boundaries and gain access to wider international markets. The consignment is almost twice the corporation's previous largest outbound shipment of 8,200 kg sent to the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre earlier this year, reflecting the growing commercial potential of Tripura's tea sector. The development is expected to create new opportunities for local tea producers and strengthen the state's position in the international tea market, he said. According to Ghosh, the state government is also working to establish an Agartala Tea Auction Centre to improve marketing and price realisation for tea growers and manufacturers. The proposed auction centre is expected to bring tea growers, manufacturers, brokers, buyers, warehouses and other stakeholders onto a common technology-driven platform. Electronic bidding and wider participation are envisaged to facilitate competitive price discovery and expand market access for Tripura-produced tea. According to TTDCL officials, the auction centre could also reduce expenses related to freight, warehousing, sampling, handling and other logistics, with estimated savings of around Rs 6-10 per kg. For decades, Tripura has had considerable potential as a tea-producing state, but challenges relating to marketing, branding, logistics, price realisation and access to larger markets have remained. The government now aims to develop the state's tea sector beyond production and establish Tripura as a major tea-trading hub in the Northeast, which could help attract investment and generate employment while strengthening the supporting infrastructure and commercial ecosystem. Meanwhile, Tripureswari tea is also being distributed through local ration shops, helping increase access to the state's tea products. Currently, Tripura has 54 sprawling tea gardens, including a few run by the state-owned TTDC and the Tripura Cooperative Society, as well as privately owned estates. Around 2,800 small tea growers contribute nearly 30 per cent of the state's total tea production, which stands at about 90 lakh kilograms annually. More than 60 per cent of this production is presently sold through auction markets outside the state. Tripura is also set to have its own tea auction centre by next year, a move expected to give a major impetus to the state's beverages industry.
India repatriates 47 Bangladeshis via Petrapole border
DRDO defence project in East Midnapore on track: CM
1,100 from Bengal to embark on Somnath pilgrimage
State asks school recruitment bodies to arrange for in-service teachers TET
HC pulls up KMC over 42 illegal constructions, orders CBI probe
Calcutta High Court Reduces Life Term to 11 Years in 2012 Assault Case
CM announces plans to take Gangasagar Mela international
Suvendu Adhikari announces proposed DRDO project at Bengal's Junput
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the premium agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence, is all set to set up a mega project in the state. Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister added that Junput in his native East Midnapore district had been identified as the venue for the DRDO project. However, Chief Minister Adhikari refused to divulge further details of the project. All I can say right now is that a mega DRDO project is coming up at Junput soon. I will speak in detail in the matter at a later stage, the Chief Minister said at the sidelines of the inauguration of the outlet of a clothing store chain at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. During the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments, mega investment proposals in East Midnapore district could not be fructified because of the politically backed local opposition. During the late Budhhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front government, the proposed nuclear power project could not be fructified because of the local resistance, which was orchestrated by Trinamool Congress, as the then principal opposition party in the state. Again in 2024, during the Trinamool Congress government, an ongoing DRDO project at Junput had to be stopped midway because of the combined opposition from Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress -- the Trinamool Congress' trade union wing, and an association of the local fishermen. Meanwhile, speaking at the inauguration of the clothing store, CM Adhikari also said that although the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is keen about attracting big ticket investments for improving the state's economy as well as to ensure higher employment generation, the backgrounds of the interested investors will be checked first before they are allowed to make investments in the state. We will undergo a background credibility check of the interest investors, specially whether they had in prior involvement in money laundering activities and whether there are pending cases registered by the central investigating agencies against them. The bank guarantee factor will also be checked, the Chief Minister added.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 11 (IANS) Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi holds nearly a 40 per cent stake in a gold mining company in Congo, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday alleged that bribe money linked to PWD contracts was used to acquire foreign assets and seized Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted cash during searches at premises linked to him and his aides. The official statement released in this regard said, The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Bengaluru Zonal Office has conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his close aides in connection with an investigation into alleged undisclosed overseas investments, cross-border business links and financial irregularities. The ED also claimed that Satish Jarkiholi had acquired nearly 40 per cent stakes in Congo-based Magnitude Star SARL, a company engaged in gold mining. Documents relating to several other foreign entities owning mining assets in Africa were also found and seized during the searches, according to the central probe agency. The searches were carried out on September 9 and 10 at four locations covering Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the ED said. According to the central agency, the premises searched included those linked to Chikkodi MP and Jarkiholi's daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and his brother-in-law Y.D. Manjunath. Properties belonging to several close aides of the Minister, including his Officer on Special Duty and Personal Assistant Malagouda Patil, Raju Daragshetti, Vittal Parasannavar and Girish Sonwalkar, were also searched. The ED also searched the offices and residences of officials and owners of private company Bharat Vanijya Eastern Private Ltd (BVEPL). The agency alleged that the company had paid a huge bribe to secure a tender from the PWD department and that the money was allegedly used for acquiring foreign assets. The searches also focused on the overseas business interests of the Jarkiholi family. The ED said it found that family members, including Priyanka Jarkiholi, Rahul Jarkiholi and Mahadevi Manjunath, who is the wife of Y.D. Manjunath, had acquired shareholdings in multiple foreign entities. These entities include Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, among others, the central agency said. The searches covered the Minister's residences in Gokak and Dollars Colony in Bengaluru, as well as his office-cum-residence on Crescent Road in the city. Properties in Gokak and Belagavi were also searched. During the operation, the ED said it seized unaccounted Indian currency amounting to Rs 3.3 crore. Foreign currencies, including US dollars and euros, valued at around Rs 15 lakh were also found and seized, the ED added. The central agency said that evidence gathered during the searches indicated that substantial investments and expenses had allegedly been made in cash in an entity in Congo through unauthorised channels, raising suspected violations under FEMA. The searches also allegedly unearthed evidence relating to irregularities in the PWD department. The ED said it recovered several incriminating documents and digital devices containing information relating to the alleged collection of bribe money from contractors, including BVEPL. According to the central agency, such evidence was found in the entities and accounts of various influential persons, including accounts of an entity allegedly controlled and managed by Y.D. Manjunath, who is the brother-in-law of Satish Jarkiholi. The ED said the search action was aimed at investigating the alleged flow of funds between domestic entities and overseas assets and examining possible violations of foreign exchange regulations. Further investigation into the alleged overseas investments, PWD-related financial irregularities, suspected bribe payments and foreign exchange violations is under progress, the central agency added.
Aakash Chopra Picks Slightly Underrated Star As KKR Captain For IPL 2027
Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently shared his views on who should lead Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2027 following Ajinkya Rahane's retirement.
Analysis: In BJP's 'Go It Alone' Strategy In Bengal, A Test Of Strength, Identity
The BJP leadership has made one thing clear: in the upcoming Kolkata Municipal Corporation election, which will now have 209 seats, the party will fight alone. The BJP has decided to follow an Ekla Chalo policy in the civic elections.
AIFF SGM Set For October 4 To Advance Electoral Process
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) for October 4 in Kolkata. The primary agenda includes appointing an electoral officer from the Sports Ministry's panel and passing a resolution to conduct elections for its executive committee. Additionally, the SGM will elect sportspersons of outstanding merit to the federation's general body, with current executive committee members not holding voting rights.
Artist Shipra Bhattacharya brings five decades of her work to Chennais Lalit Kala Akademi
From desire and the female body to protest, war and a changing natural world, the Kolkata artist looks back at nearly five decades of making images out of what she finds difficult to put into words.
The filmmaker told The Hindu that it is deeply concerning that a film which strives to examine both history and the present with close, meticulous attention has met with such a fate
Kolkata High Court Sends Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur Meeting Case Back for Review
The Kolkata High Court has returned the case regarding Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur meeting to a single-judge bench for further review. Kolkata High Court Sends Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur Meeting Case Back for Review
Dhruv Singh, Subha Mita Karmakar Lead West Bengal Charge
West Bengal's Dhruv Singh, Anish Halder, Subha Mita Karmakar, and other young talents have advanced in the All India Sub-Junior (Under-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Kolkata, showcasing strong performances against competitors from across 28 states and five union territories. The tournament features a significant prize purse, encouraging young badminton players.
Piston Raises USD 15 Million to Scale the Infrastructure Layer for Logistics Commerce
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 11: Piston, a cardless payments platform that connects commercial fleets and gas stations, today announced it has raised USD 15 million in Series A funding. FPV Ventures led the round, with participation from existing investors Spark Capital and Pear VC. The financing brings Piston's total capital raised to USD 22.5 million.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The uncertainty surrounding the Trinamool Congress's proposed public meeting at Sreerampore in West Bengal's Hooghly district, with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the principal speaker, continued on Friday after a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court referred the matter back to the single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya for an early decision. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday. On Thursday, Justice Bhattacharyya's bench had granted conditional permission for the event but declined to allow a rally following the meeting. However, the programme could not go ahead as planned after the state government approached a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge and Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, seeking clarification on a particular portion of the single-judge bench's order. The state government argued that the police administration had little role in the matter because the owner of the ground selected by the Trinamool Congress for the event had objected to its use for a political programme. It further contended that the private property is generally used for religious functions, leaving the administration unable to override the owner's objections. After hearing the matter on Friday, the Division Bench sent the case back to the single-judge bench and directed it to dispose of the matter at the earliest. The Bench observed that the final decision should be taken after hearing the landowner's objections to the use of the venue for a political gathering. The Division Bench requested Justice Bhattacharyya to hear the review application on September 18 and pass orders by September 25. Since the Assembly elections, which resulted in a crushing defeat for the Trinamool Congress, Mamata Banerjee has largely confined her political activities to Kolkata. The Sreerampore event was expected to be her first major political programme in a district outside the state capital after the elections.
Kolkata's Viraj Madappa Claims Chennai Open Title
Kolkata's Viraj Madappa overcame a three-shot deficit with a bogey-free 64 in the final round to win the Rs 1 crore Chennai Open golf tournament. This marks his fourth professional title, earning him Rs 15 lakh and significantly improving his standing on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Ajeetesh Sandhu finished runner-up, while Amardeep Malik and Rashid Khan also secured top positions.
Congress leader arrested for protesting against Baba Bageshwars remarks in Kolkata
Kolkata Police said the acts by the protesters amounted to an insult to the religious sentiments of a particular community and posed a threat to public order with the potential to incite social disharmony.
Congress leader arrested for protesting against Baba Bageshwars remarks in Kolkata
Kolkata Police said the acts by the protesters amounted to an insult to the religious sentiments of a particular community and posed a threat to public order with the potential to incite social disharmony.
