India-China War Unlikely, Pak Warship Collision, IAF Pushback: Ex-Navy Chief Sunil Lanba | DefenceHQ
Will India and China ever go to war? Why does India hold the advantage over China in the northern Indian Ocean? And what does a former Navy chief make of the Pakistani warship that collided with an Indian destroyer?In this episode of DefenceHQ by The Times of India, Prasad Sanyal speaks to former Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba (retd) about India's maritime strategy, the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean, the collision with a Pakistani warship and the future of India's military power.Lanba explains why he believes India and China are unlikely to go to war, calls the conduct of the Pakistani warship's commanding officer most unprofessional and speaks candidly about the Indian Air Force's reservations over integrated theatre commands.He also reveals how a joint military plan prepared a year before Pulwama helped shape India's response at Balakot, why India needs three aircraft carriers, how delays have hurt the submarine programme and why he calls India's shipbuilding capacity pathetic. From sea-based nuclear deterrence to drones, modern naval warfare and the challenges of military integration, the former Navy chief offers an insider's perspective on India's defence preparedness.YouTube Tags: Admiral Sunil Lanba, Sunil Lanba interview, Prasad Sanyal, Indian Navy, India China war, China Navy, Pakistan Navy, India Pakistan, Pakistani warship collision, INS Kolkata, Operation Sindoor, Pulwama, Balakot airstrike, Indian Air Force, theatre commands, Indian aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant, Indian submarines, Project 75I, nuclear deterrence, nuclear triad, Indian Ocean, naval warfare, Indian defence, military strategy, DefenceHQ, TOI DefenceHQ, Times of IndiaHashtags: #DefenceHQ #IndianNavy #SunilLanba #PrasadSanyal #IndiaChina #PakistanNavy #TheatreCommands #TheTimesOfIndia00:00 Intro & Highlights02:20 Meet Former Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba03:55 Indias Maritime Power & Why the Seas Matter06:40 India-Pakistan Warship Collision Explained08:05 What Happens When Rival Warships Get Too Close?09:35 Admiral Lanbas Journey in the Indian Navy11:05 Navigation Before GPS: How the Navy Operated12:50 Tracking Chinese Ships in the Indian Ocean15:55 Commanding Indian Navy Warships17:35 Indias Naval Indigenisation Journey21:40 Can Indian Warships Defend Against Drone Attacks?24:15 Why India Needs Aircraft Carriers27:20 Why Landing on an Aircraft Carrier Is So Difficult28:50 Why India Needs Three Aircraft Carriers29:30 How the Navy Responds During a Crisis31:30 Indias Submarine Fleet & The China Challenge33:40 Why Indias Submarine Programme Faced Delays35:55 Nuclear vs Conventional Submarines38:00 The Cost of Delays in Submarine Projects39:00 Indias Nuclear Deterrence & Second-Strike Capability41:30 Working With Army & Air Force Chiefs43:25 Why India Needs Integrated Theatre Commands46:05 What Is Holding Back Theatre Commands?48:20 Navy vs Army vs Air Force: Command Challenges50:45 What Does the Indian Navy Need Today?52:55 Chinas Massive Navy vs India54:30 Indias Advantage Over China in the Indian Ocean55:00 Rapid Fire: Carrier, Submarine, BrahMos & More56:05 Admiral Lanbas Favourite Warship58:05 The Indian Navy of 203558:35 What India Still Doesnt Understand About the Sea59:40 Why India Needs Holistic Maritime Power1:00:28 Closing
IWL: Upbeat East Bengal eyes a historic third straight title
The Kolkata outfit takes on three-time former champion Gokulam Kerala FC in the opening match at the Kalyani Stadium on Friday
Former Kolkata Police DC's Assets Worth Rs 2.78 Cr Attached By ED
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached immovable assets worth Rs 2.78 crore belonging to former Kolkata Police deputy commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas. This action is part of an ongoing money laundering and corruption investigation involving city-based strongman Sona Pappu. Biswas, who was arrested in May, is accused of using his position to facilitate illegal activities, including land grabbing and extortion, and receiving substantial financial benefits. Kolkata Police has also initiated a separate case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Odisha woman murder: Caretaker arrested in Gujarat after week-long manhunt
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (IANS) The Commissionerate Police has cracked the sensational murder case of a 76-year-old elderly woman in the Laxmisagar area of the city with the arrest of her caretaker from Gujarat after a week-long, multi-state operation, police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh said on Thursday. The accused was identified as Balabhadra Maharana alias Balia (40), a native of Tangi in Khordha district, who was residing at Titipa under Krushnaprasad police limits in Puri district. He was working as a caretaker at the residence of the deceased, Kunjalata Nanda, in the Laxmisagar area of Bhubaneswar for over five months after the death of her husband. Addressing the media, the Police Commissioner said the accused murdered the elderly woman for financial gain and fled the spot after breaking open an almirah and disconnecting CCTV cameras installed inside the house. Singh also stated that preliminary investigation revealed that accused Maharana first attempted to strangle the septuagenarian and subsequently inflicted fatal injuries on the back of her head when she resisted. The incident came to light on the morning of November 4 when tenants residing in the same building alerted Nandas daughter, Samahita Nanda, after the elderly woman didnt respond to their calls and her room was found locked from the inside. Upon being informed, police officials arrived at the spot, forcibly opened the grill door, and found Nanda in a pool of blood near the dining table with severe assault injuries on her head. She was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital, where the doctors declared her dead. Based on a complaint lodged by her son-in-law, the Laxmisagar police registered a case (777/26) under Section 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the Commissionerate police, Maharana was hired through one of his relatives, Bidyadhara Maharana, who has worked as a domestic help for Nandas elder son, currently residing in the USA. After committing the crime, the accused was deliberately evading arrest and was frequently changing his location and moving from one State to another. The police stated that the accused had visited Kolkata, Raipur, Panipat, Surat and other cities during this period. A special team led by Laxmisagar police station traced him to Ahmedabad and subsequently moved to Surat following intelligence. With the assistance of Gujarat Police, the team intercepted a Delhi-bound bus in Vadodara district and apprehended Maharana. Police have seized Rs 20,600 in cash, a gold locket, a gold finger ring, a pair of earrings, two mobile phones, a SIM card, and a diary from his possession. The police said the accused has been brought to Bhubaneswar on transit remand, and further interrogation is underway to recover the remaining stolen valuables and the deceased's scooty, which he used to flee the house.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said it has attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore of ex-DCP Kolkata, Santanu Sinha Biswas, and his family members and associates in the case of history-sheeter Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu and others. The attached properties include three flats located in Kolkata and land at Kandi in West Bengal's Murshidabad as Proceeds of Crime under PMLA 2002. The properties were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. ED's Kolkata Zonal Office-II provisionally attached immovable properties of Santanu, his family members and associates in the case. ED investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against Sona Pappu and others involving complaints of murder, extortion and land-grabbing. Earlier, ED had conducted searches at multiple premises on April 1, April 19, April 26 and May 22 in Kolkata and nearby places, including the residential premises of Santanu, Jay S...
SMAT: ISPL prodigy Vivek Shelar earns maiden call-up to Maharashtra's squad
Hailing from Bhiwandi, the 26-year-old speedster has delivered impressive performances in his debut ISPL season. Representing Tiigers of Kolkata, Shelar claimed nine wickets, including a hat-trick in the eliminator. He also clocked a speed of 145.2 kmph during the tournament
Only farmers not responsible for Delhi pollution, reiterate farmer leaders amidst rising car sales
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) For years, farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh have found themselves at the centre of Delhi-NCR's annual pollution debate especially if one of these states were ruled by a different political party over the issue of burning crop stubble between agricultural cycles. Farmer organisations have repeatedly argued that while stubble burning contributes to seasonal pollution, it has been unfairly portrayed as the principal culprit. Now, there is a cautious sigh of relief among the farmers of the region as the onus shifts to traffic emissions, with a prominent union leader calling for family planning of cars. Welcoming the Supreme Courts intervention this week, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra asked states to withdraw such cases against farmers and return any fines imposed on them with interest. The strong objection raised by the Supreme Court against blaming only farmers for pollution makes it clear that farmers are not the primary cause of pollution, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated farmer organisation leader said. The administration should pay attention to pollution from vehicles. There should be family planning for cars with respect to the numbers owned by a family, he emphasised. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the peasant wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI), meanwhile, blamed government policies penalising the farming community. Agriculture has been painted as a polluting job, while legislations are framed to support corporates, AIKS President Rajan Kshirsagar alleged. Weve been repeatedly stressing that stubble burning is not the principal reason for pollution in Delhi and the NCR, as it is evident, he added. The Supreme Court's observation, while hearing on Delhi-NCR's pollution crisis, questioned the tendency to place the entire burden of blame on farmers, while a report has highlighted transport as the largest local pollution contributor, while stubble burning's impact declined closer to Diwali. Levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air peaked during evening rush hours and stayed high until midnight, reflecting the impact of traffic congestion, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The apex court observed that stubble burning is only one among several contributors to deteriorating air quality and drew attention to the much larger challenge posed by vehicular emissions. Each winter, images of stubble-burning fields dominate television screens, often reinforcing the perception that farmers are chiefly responsible for the Capital's toxic air. The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana has now directed Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan governments to submit plans covering vehicular movement, emission standards and measures to curb polluting vehicles. The Supreme Court noted that during the Covid-19 lockdown, stubble burning had not entirely ceased, yet Delhi witnessed significantly clearer skies, suggesting that factors beyond farm fires play a decisive role in the pollution crisis. The apex court's remarks also echoed scientific assessments. Data suggested that stubble burning accounted for around 14 per cent of Delhi's pollution contribution on November 5, while transportation remained one of the largest local sources of emissions. The CSE has consistently argued that Delhi's air quality problem is multi-source in nature, stemming from vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, construction dust, waste burning and adverse meteorological conditions, with crop residue burning acting as an aggravating rather than exclusive factor. Earlier reports this year by the CSE said that between 1,800 and 2,000 new vehicles are added to Delhis roads daily, where, as of 2024-2025, its total registered vehicle count crossed 15.6 million, with a significant surge in private two-wheelers and cars. Additionally, the number of registered vehicles in Delhi matches the combined total of registered vehicles in the three metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. According to the Economic Survey of Delhi 2025-26, an additional 643,000 vehicles were added in the national capital, which incidentally is the largest single-year increase in nine years. Farmer unions emphasise that the larger lesson emerging is that Delhi's pollution crisis cannot be solved through a single-point blame game; while largely acknowledging the need to reduce stubble burning, they urge for solutions to be practical, incentive-based and equitable.
Bengal Police launch probe into Gaighata encounter incident
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The West Bengal Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigate the encounter of rape and murder accused Prahlad Das in Gaighata of North 24 Parganas district, a government official said on Thursday. A CID delegation led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer inspected the crime scene earlier in the day. According to the government official, the investigators are trying to understand where the shooting took place and how the accused tried to escape. On October 25, the body of a 17-year-old girl was recovered in Gaighata. On October 24, the victim had gone to a jalsa near her home where her friends and family members were also present. The jalsa went on until late at night. Her family claimed that the girl received a call at around 11:30 p.m. on October 24. After receiving the call, she left the event following which she went missing. The girl's naked and injured body was recovered the next morning. The victim's family claimed that she was raped and murdered. After the initial investigation, the police arrested Prahlad Das, a distant relative of the girl, on the day the body was recovered. The police suspected that the youth had offered the girl physical intimacy. When the girl did not agree, he hit her on the head with a heavy object. When the girl lost consciousness, the accused tortured her. The youth fled the area leaving the girl in a bloody state. Police sources claimed that there were scuffles, nail scratches, etc. on her body. Police reconstructed the incident with the accused in the middle of the night. Police sources claimed that the accused attacked the policemen while returning after the reconstruction phase of the incident on the night of October 27. At one point, Prahlad snatched the policeman's revolver and ran away. Police claimed that he fired three rounds in which a policeman was injured. However, it is not known whether the policeman was shot or not. However, the police vehicle in which the accused was taken has a bullet mark. The source claimed that the police also fired four rounds in self-defence. Prahlad died in retaliatory fire by the police. This time, the CID has launched an investigation into the incident.
ED attaches assets worth Rs 2.78 cr belonging to ex-Kolkata Police DCP in Sona Pappu case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore belonging to former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Santanu Sinha Biswas, his family members, and his associates in connection with the Sona Pappu money laundering case. In a statement issued on Thursday, the central agency confirmed that the assets, comprising three flats in Kolkata and parcels of land at Kandi in Murshidabad district, were attached as proceeds of crime under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against alleged criminal Biswajit Podder, alias Sona Pappu, and his associates involving charges of murder, extortion, and land-grabbing. Earlier in the probe, ED sleuths conducted coordinated raids across Kolkata and adjoining areas, searching the residences of Biswas, Jay S. Kamdar, and Podder. Those searches resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.64 crore in cash, gold jewellery, a Toyota Fortuner car, an unlicensed revolver, and various incriminating documents and digital devices. Following the raids, the agency arrested all three accused, who are currently remanded in judicial custody. According to the agency's findings, the proceeds of crime were generated through extortion, illegal real estate grabbing, and unauthorised construction carried out via entities controlled by Podder, Kamdar, and their associates. Investigators revealed that Biswas, who previously served as the Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police Station before his elevation as DCP, developed a close nexus with Kamdar during his stint at Kalighat and actively facilitated his illicit operations. Through this association, Kamdar allegedly wielded significant clout within the police establishment. The ED statement further noted that Biswas directly and indirectly acquired, concealed, and possessed proceeds of crime amounting to at least Rs 2.89 crore.
Calcutta HC expresses anguish over Abhishek Banerjee's derogatory remarks against judiciary
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) A single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed anguish over some reported derogatory comments made by the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee accusing a section of the Judiciary as iased. The occasion was the final hearing on a petition by Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking restoration of his -Plus security. The final hearing was taking place at the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao. During the hearing in the matter, the state government Counsel and the state's Additional Advocate General, Billawdal Bhattacharya, drew the attention of the court to a recent social media message made by the Diamond Harbour MP accusing the Kolkata Police of maintaining constant surveillance around his residence and snooping on him. Bhattacharya claimed that in the social media message, Abhishek Banerjee made some remarks that directly challenged the country's judicial system and the dignity of the courts, and therefore he should be booked under contempt of court charges. I am submitting an interview of the plaintiff to the court. That interview amounts to contempt of court. He has insulted the judges, even mentioned their names. The court cannot be fooled like this. This is contempt of court. Criminal action should be taken against him (Abhishek Banerjee), the Additional Advocate General said. Thereafter, Abhishek Banerjee's Counsel said that his clients' comments were in the context of certain developments where petitions filed by him were pending before the the court for several months. Thereafter, Justice Rao expressed his displeasure after this comment. In very strict language, Justice Rao ordered Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer to submit a complete list of which judges are with the Bharatiya Janata Party and which are with the Trinamool Congress. Ask your client (Abhishek Banerjee) which judges are with the BJP and which are not! He thinks he is very intelligent. Ask him to give a list; I will look into it, Justice Rao said.
CAQM Chief visits Punjab as stubble burning cases cross 5,500
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) With the number of farm fires in Punjab crossing the 5,500 mark by Wednesday, Union Minister of Environment Bhupender Yadav directed Rajesh Verma, chairperson, Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas, to visit the state and review the situation. Verma visited Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna and Patiala on Thursday, November 12, 2026, to review crop residue management and enforcement measures amid the recent rise in stubble-burning incidents. During his meeting with officials, the CAQM chief focused on intensified patrolling, satellite monitoring of fire hotspots, effective utilisation of CRM machinery and promoting the use of paddy straw as industrial boiler fuel. Directions were issued to district administrations and police for strict enforcement, stronger coordination, enhanced field monitoring and zero tolerance towards stubble burning, the ministry has said. On November 11, the cumulative number of stubble burning cases in the district reached 5,517. The maximum number of cases were reported from the Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Sangrur districts. Despite government orders, farmers are continuing with the activity. On November 10, there were 345 fresh incidents in the state. A day later, 515 cases were reported, impacting air quality in the Delhi NCR region severely. According to government statistics, 4,657 cases of stubble burning were recorded in the state between September 15 and November 9. Ferozepur contributed 728 of these, followed by Tarn Taran (687), Sangrur (628) and Bathinda (499). Authorities have swung into action and registered 1,259 FIRs under Section 223 (disobedience of order promulgated by public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Fines, totalling more than Rs 85 lakh, have been imposed in 1,695 cases. Of this, nearly Rs 37 lakh has been recovered. The government has also made 1,637 red entries in land records for stubble burning. A farmer with a red entry is not entitled to receive a loan against his farmland or sell it. Farmers resort to stubble burning to clear their farmlands for the wheat crop immediately after paddy is harvested in October and November. The monitoring period starts from September 15, two weeks ahead of paddy procurement. While incidents continue to be reported, numbers have come down significantly over the last few years. In 2023, the number of cases reported was 36,663. This fell to 10,909 in 2024 and 5,114 in 2025. The figure has gone up this year. Officials have said that not all farm fires get recorded, as farmers have shifted the timing to between 4 pm and 6 pm to avoid the standard afternoon satellite observation period.
Calcutta HC reserves order on Abhishek Banerjee's plea for restoration of 'Z Plus' security
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The hearing on the petition from Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, seeking restoration of his -Plus security was completed at a single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday. However, the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao had kept the judgement on reserve. Abhishek, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had been enjoying the Plus security granted to him by the previous Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal led by his aunt since he became the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour for the first time in 2014. However, after the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in the state, Abhishek Banerjee's -Plus security was withdrawn and he was granted the security entitled to him as a Lok Sabha member as per protocol. Recently, the Diamond Harbour MP approached the Calcutta High Court with the plea for restoration of his -Plus security apprehended lie threats considering that already some assassination attempts had been made on him in the recent past. The hearing in the matter was completed on Thursday, and Justice Krishna Rao had reserved his judgment in the matter. During the hearing on Thursday, Justice Rao raised questions about the state administration's role in the state's security review process and the subsequent allegations of multiple attacks. The state government told the court that the decision on the category of security to be granted to anyone was their prerogative and it was not binding on the administration to explain its decisions in the matter. Thereafter, Justice Rao said that while the court will not direct which category of security should be granted to whom, since the plaintiff claimed that there was an attack on him and his security requirements were not reviewed, the court could seek explanations in the matter. Abhishek Banerjee's Counsel then said that till the time the security requirements of his client were not reviewed, till that time -Plus security should be granted to him.
Indian envoy meets Mongolias First Deputy PM, discusses mutual cooperation
Digital Desk | Ulaanbaatar, Nov 12 (IANS) Indias Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, on Thursday met Mongolias First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, J Enkhbayar and discussed various issues of mutual cooperation, the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar said. On 12 Nov 2026, HE Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia, met with HE Mr. J. Enkhbayar, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia and Minister of Economy and Development at the Ministry of Economy and Development and discussed various issues of mutual cooperation, the Embassy posted on X. On Wednesday, Ambassador Gotsurve and members of the Indian diaspora in Mongolia participated virtually in the launch of the website of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2027, to be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027. On Tuesday, Ambassador Gotsurve, as part of the diplomatic corps, attended the special session of the Parliament of Mongolia at the State Palace to commemorate the 820th anniversary of the establishment of the Mongolian Empire, the 864th birth anniversary of Chinggis Khaan and the National Pride Day of Mongolia. The session was addressed by the President of Mongolia H E Mr U Khurelsukh and Chairman of the Parliament, H.E M S Byambatsogt, the Embassy said. Last week, addressing members of the Indian community in Ulaanbaatar, Ambassador Gotsurve spoke about the latest important developments in India-Mongolia bilateral ties including the commencement of the direct non-stop flights between India and Mongolia, the Embassy had said. Last month, India and Mongolia held the 14th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Ulaanbaatar, reiterating their commitment to further strengthen defence cooperation and promote regional peace and security. Both countries reaffirmed their longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual trust, and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and promoting regional peace and security, the Ministry of Defence had said. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ishita Ganguly Tripathi, and Mongolias Deputy State Secretary Brigadier General Gansukh E had co-chaired the meeting.
Rapido's Ownly aims to strengthen presence in five markets by 2026-end
Rapido's food delivery platform Ownly plans to deepen its presence in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Ahmedabad by the end of 2026, while expanding its operations to Kolkata
Assam Train Derailment: A major train accident recently occurred in Assam. Meanwhile, let's explore the different types of brakes on a train engine and how an accident like the one in Assam can be avoided.Train derailment in AssamAssam Train Derailment: The derailment of the Kolkata Sair...
Abhishek Banerjee Vows to Fight On After Demolition of Structures Outside His Residence
Abhishek Banerjee remains defiant after Kolkata authorities demolish structures outside his home, pledging to continue his political battle. Abhishek Banerjee Vows to Fight On After Demolition of Structures Outside His Residence
Bulldozer rolls up outside Abhishek Banerjees Kolkata house; gate razed
Punjab Kings Co-Owner Ness Wadia Backs Juhi Chawla In Moving Up IPL To January
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla's idea of starting the IPL in January provided there is scope for a change of schedule.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the appointment of coordinators within municipal wards starting December 1. He criticised opposition parties for obstructing the electoral process due to fear of defeat and highlighted long-standing civic service deprivations. Adhikari pledged to approach the Supreme Court regarding delays in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections. Municipal officials are unable to fully substitute elected representatives, according to the Chief Minister.
'Bulldozers cannot silence me': Abhishek Banerjee defiant after demolition outside residence
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) Mamata-Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday vowed to continue his political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led West Bengal government, declaring that no bulldozer could silence him, even as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) demolished three structures allegedly encroaching on footpaths outside his residence in Kolkata's Kalighat. No number of bulldozers can silence my voice or break my resolve. I will continue my fight against the Bangla Birodhis. I will neither retreat nor budge an inch until my last breath, he said in a social media post, shortly after the demolition drive was completed. The operation assisted by the Kolkata Police began on Thursday morning, with a makeshift bamboo structure outside the residence being razed first. The structure had reportedly been used as a seating arrangement for security personnel when Abhishek Banerjee enjoyed Z-plus security cover provided by the state government during the previous Trinamool Congress government led by his aunt and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. An iron gate outside the residence, which also allegedly encroached on the footpath, was subsequently demolished. A Trinamool Congress Martyrs' Memorial, constructed with concrete and iron beams, was also razed as part of the operation. All three structures were brought down using a bulldozer. The removal of the bamboo shed had initially been undertaken by Trinamool workers on Wednesday evening. However, the exercise remained incomplete until KMC personnel, accompanied by police officers and a bulldozer, arrived at the spot on Thursday morning and completed the demolition. The temporary shed had become a subject of controversy over the past few days. Tensions had flared in Kalighat during the intervening night of November 6 and 7, when a large gathering assembled outside Abhishek Banerjee's residence for his birthday celebrations. Several people were seen taking shelter under the temporary structure. The presence of the shed subsequently drew objections from local residents, who reportedly complained that the construction was obstructing pedestrian movement on the footpath. The demolition drive also came a day after Abhishek Banerjee accused the Kolkata Police of keeping his residence under constant surveillance and snooping on him. In a social media post on Wednesday, the Mamata-Trinamool Congress leader had questioned the police surveillance arrangements around his residence. Soon after this social media post, party workers began dismantling the bamboo structure. The KMC-led operation on Thursday, however, extended beyond the shed to include the iron gate and the party's memorial. Abhishek Banerjee's remarks following the demolition indicated that he viewed the action as part of the continuing political confrontation with the BJP government in the state.
Air India Passenger Arrested for False Hijack Threat on Kolkata-Mumbai Flight
A passenger was arrested for making a false hijack threat on an Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai, leading to heightened security measures. Air India Passenger Arrested for False Hijack Threat on Kolkata-Mumbai Flight
IPL in January? Ness Wadia Backs Juhi Chawla's Schedule Shift Idea
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla's idea of starting the IPL in January provided there is scope for a change of schedule.
Lensman Hirak Sen, chronicler of Satyajit Rays later years and Oscar moment, dies
'Chilling Reminder': Mamata Attacks BJP After TMC Leader Ujjal Biswas' Death
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of pursuing a politics of vengeance, intimidation and persecution in Bengal following the death of senior TMC leader and former minister Ujjal Biswas, aged 72.In a post on X, Banerjee recalled Biswas' alleged ordeal, claiming he was brutally attacked, implicated in false cases and kept in custody for 49 days. She described his death as a deeply personal loss and criticised what she called the BJP's politics of political retribution.Biswas, a three-time MLA from Krishnanagar South, died at a Kolkata hospital on November 11 following multiple health complications.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on November 12
Air India passenger held over hoax hijack threat on Kolkata-Mumbai flight
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) A passenger was apprehended and handed over to the airport police after allegedly being linked to a hoax hijack threat targeting an Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai, officials said on Thursday. According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the action followed an incident on Wednesday involving Air India flight AI 2772 after a handwritten threat note was found inside the aircraft's lavatory shortly before its scheduled departure. The note, which warned that the aircraft would be hijacked at 11.10 a.m., was discovered by a cabin crew member at around 10.37 a.m. The alert immediately triggered standard security protocols, prompting authorities to initiate a comprehensive security response. As part of the precautionary measures, all 105 passengers on board were deboarded and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for detailed inspection and security checks. Multiple security agencies conducted mandatory screening procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at around 10.30 a.m., remained grounded for several hours while security personnel completed the required checks. After authorities found no credible threat, the warning was declared a hoax. The aircraft was subsequently cleared for operations and departed for Mumbai at 5.38 p.m. AAI said the passenger linked to the incident was later handed over to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport Police Station for further investigation. Authorities have launched a probe into the matter and are examining the circumstances surrounding the threat note. Meanwhile, last month, an Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi made an emergency landing in Jaipur after reportedly transmitting Squawk 7500, the international code used to indicate a hijacking. Reports claim that the alert was received by Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC), following which the aircraft landed safely in Jaipur. Further details about the circumstances that triggered the alert were not immediately available. Squawk 7500 is an internationally recognised aviation transponder code that pilots use to discreetly alert air traffic control to a hijacking or unlawful interference with an aircraft.
Kolkata: Bulldozer action outside Abhishek Banerjee's home, footpath cleared amid political row
Bulldozer Rolls Up Outside TMC MP Abhishek's Kolkata Residence As Civic Body Clears Footpath
A bulldozer was deployed outside TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence here on Thursday as civic workers demolished a temporary bamboo shed erected over the footpath and removed an iron gate allegedly obstructing pedestrian movement. A large contingent of Kolkata Police personnel
Why Is A Bihar Collectorate On Auction? All About The Rs 4 Crore Case
A court-directed payment of Rs 4.17 crore to a Kolkata firm has triggered auction proceedings against a portion of the Madhubani Collectorate property after the dues remained unpaid for over a year.
Flier arrested for hijack threat to Mumbai-Kolkata AI flight
A passenger has been apprehended following a hoax hijack threat that significantly delayed an Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai on Wednesday.
Passenger held over hijack threat to Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight
The passenger was handed over to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport Police Station
Passenger held over hoax hijack threat to Air India Kolkata-Mumbai flight
A passenger was apprehended and handed over to the airport police in connection with a hoax hijack threat to an Air India flight from Kolkata to Mumbai, officials said on Thursday. In a release, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the action was taken over Wednesday's incident involving Air India flight AI 2772, which was delayed for several hours after a handwritten threat note was found inside the aircraft's lavatory before take-off. The passenger was handed over to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport Police Station, it said. The note, warning that the aircraft would be hijacked at 11.10 am on Wednesday, was discovered by a cabin crew member around 10.37 am, prompting security agencies to initiate mandatory safety checks. All 105 passengers on board were deboarded, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for thorough security checks. The flight, originally scheduled to depart around 10.30 am, eventually left for Mumbai at 5.38 pm, after th
Bulldozer reaches outside Abhishek Banerjees house: Tin shade, boundary gate removed
The development came days after a clash erupted in front of Abhishek Banerjees house after the Diamond Harbour MP alleged that he was attacked by the goons of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on November 7
Gold, silver prices today, 12 November: Check retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver in your cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Abhishek Banerjees Bamboo Structure Removed by KMC Amid Controversy
Kolkata Municipal Corporation removes bamboo structure outside Abhishek Banerjees home amid rising tensions and local complaints. Abhishek Banerjees Bamboo Structure Removed by KMC Amid Controversy
Cancer patient arrested over hoax hijack threat on Air India flight at Kolkata airport
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) A 56-year-old cancer patient has been arrested in connection with the hoax hijack alert at a Mumbai-boundAir India flight on November 10, following which the flight had to be taken to the isolation bay at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, as a result of which the departure of the flight was delayed for around seven hours. The accused has been identified as Partha Pratim Nandi. He was first arrested by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deputed for security at the airport and later handed over to cops of the NSCBI Airport Police Station under the Bidhannagar City Police, under which the airport comes. Sources aware of the development said that during interrogation, Nandi confessed that he planted the hoax hijack alert note on the flight, which resulted in the following chaos. He has also confessed to the reason that prompted him to take such a step, which was quite tragic. Nandi claimed that both he and his wife were cancer patients, and he was first supposed to move to Mumbai and subsequently from there to Africa for a job. However, as per his confession, he was unwilling to leave his cancer-affected wife alone in Kolkata and go to faraway Africa. As per his confession, he was in a disturbed state of mind while leaving the city on Wednesday, and committed the act of planting the hoax hijack alert note on the Air Flight, which he was supposed to take to Mumbai. I understand the tragic circumstances under which the accused had committed this act. But what he has done is strictly punishable under the law. Because of his act, so many other passengers who were supposed to fly to Mumbai, some with urgent purposes, including scheduled medical appointments, had to suffer. So, the law will take its own course, a Bidhannagar City Police officer said. On Wednesday, the pilot received the threat as the flight was preparing for take-off and immediately alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC). The flight was immediately shifted to an isolation bay, and security personnel immediately started search operations. Finally, the hijack alert turned out to be a hoax. The note warning that the plane would be hijacked was recovered in the flight's toilet, which was noticed by someone.
West Bengal: Passenger apprehended after threat alert on Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight
One passenger was apprehended and handed over to the airport police following a threat alert involving an Air India flight scheduled to operate from Kolkata to Mumbai, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a press note on Thursday. The incident involved Air India flight AI 2772 (Kolkata-Mumbai) on Wednesday (November 11). Following the threat alert shortly before its scheduled departure, the aircraft was moved to the isolation bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata as a precautionary measure. Security agencies immediately reached the spot and initiated necessary security checks in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to sources, the aircraft had received a threat alert, following which airport authorities shifted it to the isolation bay to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members and airport personnel. The situation was subsequently assessed by the concerned security agencies. In an update issued on...
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the state an opportunity to host the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, describing the event as a major opportunity to showcase a new Bengal before the world. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said that following the political changes in West Bengal, the state had attracted global attention and that hosting the prestigious convention would provide an opportunity to strengthen its image. This is a great opportunity for Bengal. Following the changes that have taken place in Bengal, the entire world has its eyes fixed here. I thank the central government and Prime Minister Modi for giving Bengal the opportunity to host this event... The cooperation of all is needed to build a new Bengal. This is a major opportunity for us, he said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Prime Minister Nar...
Dilip Ghosh thanks Centre for 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kolkata
The News Mill
KMC removes makeshift bamboo structure near Abhishek Banerjees Kolkata residence
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The staff of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), with the help of the personnel from the Kolkata Police, on Thursday removed a makeshift bamboo structure in front of the residence of the Trinamool Congress general secretary and the partys Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, at Kalighat in South Kolkata. The process of removing the makeshift bamboo structure was started by Trinamool Congress workers on Wednesday evening. However, the process was completed later after KMC staff, accompanied by the police, reached the spot with a bulldozer on Thursday morning, demolishing the structure and removing it. The entire demolition work was conducted in the presence of a huge police contingent, who were there to prevent any escalation of tension. An iron gate, which was installed outside the boundary wall of the Diamond Harbour MP's residence for a long time, was also removed. The iron gate was first cut with a gas cutter by KMC staff and then removed. The local people had been complaining that this iron gate was installed by encroaching on the footpath. Trinamool Congress spokesman Arka Kumar Nag, who is also one of the counsels of Abhishek Banerjee, claimed that the process of removing the makeshift structure was initiated on Wednesday evening by the Trinamool Congress staff following the instructions of the Diamond Harbour MP. The temporary structure was meant for the seating arrangement of the police personnel when the Diamond Harbour MP was entitled to Z-Plus security during the previous regime. Now, after that change of regime, the Z-Plus security had been lifted. So, there was no use for that makeshift construction. Hence, the Diamond Harbour MP instructed the removal of the makeshift bamboo structure, Nag said. The shed in front of Abhishek's house has been a topic of debate for the past few days. Tensions flared up in Kalighat on the intervening night of November 6 and November 7 over the MP's birthday celebrations. At that time, many people were seen gathering under the temporary shed. Apart from this, many local residents also started raising questions about the temporary structure. It is alleged that the temporary shed on the footpath was causing problems for pedestrians. On Wednesday, Abhishek Banerjee accused the Kolkata Police of maintaining constant surveillance around his residence and snooping on him in a social media post. Soon after that, the Trinamool Congress workers began removing the makeshift bamboo structure, and the process was completed this morning by KMC staff with the help of police.
West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 2
Kolkata, November 12, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Most districts of West Bengal are expected to experience dry weather on Thursday. However, isolated areas of South Bengal may receive light West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 23C
Kolkata Municipal Corporation Removes Temporary Structure Outside MP Abhishek Banerjees Residence
Kolkatas municipal authorities dismantled a security structure outside MP Abhishek Banerjees home, prompting criticism from Minister Dilip Ghosh. Kolkata Municipal Corporation Removes Temporary Structure Outside MP Abhishek Banerjees Residence
Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata sees bulldozer action, KMC removes temporary structure
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials on Thursday morning removed a temporary bamboo structure erected on the footpath outside Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, Kolkata. Civic officials arrived at the site with a bulldozer and cleared the structure, which they said was causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
Mumbai-bound Air India flight receives hijack threat in Kolkata
All 105 passengers were deboarded, and it was taken to the isolation bay and later cleared for take-off.
West Bengal News | Bulldozer Action Outside TMC MP's Residence In Kolkata
Bulldozer action was carried out outside the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP in Kolkata's Kalighat area, as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) moved to remove a bamboo structure.
Gold prices declined across international markets as a stronger US dollar and concerns over further interest-rate hikes weighed on bullion. Check the latest 24K and 22K gold rates across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Shomik Basuray on making From Nowhere: 'I like documenting disappearing spaces'
From locked-up temples to disappearing neighbourhoods, Shomik Basuray on capturing Hakka Chinese community in Kolkata caught between its roots and need to leave it in his short film, From Nowhere
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles Kolkata: Former West Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas expired on Wednesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced the death of her former cabinet colleague in a social media statement and condoled the [] The post Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Thousands struggling without water after a major leak in a pipeline in Kolkatas Tala area
According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, over 5 million gallons of water have been gushed out after the 72-inch pipeline got damaged on Monday (November 9, 2026) morning
Fox on runway and hijack alert, passengers had a harrowing time at Kolkata Airport
A Chennai to Kolkata flight was diverted to Andal in Durgapur after pilot spotted fox on a runway during touch down, while a hijack note was found by the cabin crew inside the lavatory of a Kolkata to Mumbai flight, delaying the departure by several hours
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
Satyajit Rays Oscar lensman who chronicled film-makers life passes away at 71
Rose-water mist cannons to curb pollution
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
No private vehicles on app platforms: Bengal govt
Overnight rain washes away Kolkatas pollution as 5 of 7 air monitors turn green
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
Kolkata-Sairang Express crash survivors recount terrifying moments
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
Fox On The Runway In Kolkata, IndiGo Flight Diverted Just Before Landing
The CISF and specialized security personnel launched an extensive search operation, screening all compartments and luggage hold areas as part of standard security protocols.
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.
IIFT Research Officer Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata (IIFT) has released the official notification for the post of Research Officer. The last date to apply online is 01 December 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, iift.ac.in.
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.
