EQT, Emami, Balaji Wafers join a 5500 cr war
New Delhi | Mumbai: Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners, Emami Ltd and Balaji Wafers have joined the fray to acquire Crax snacks owner DFM Foods, competing alongside other strategic and private equity suitors such as ITC, ChrysCapital and TPG, according to people with direct knowledge of the development.Talks are in early stages and non-binding bids for the deal are expected by the end of October. Advent International, which started the process to sell its entire 96.63% holding in Noida-based DFM Foods in July, seven years after acquiring the stake, expects to close the sale process by December. The potential deal is likely at a valuation of 5,000-5,500 crore, said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified.134749429The development comes at a time when hyper-local and online-only rivals are chipping away at the market share of large snack makers such as PepsiCo, Parle and ITC Foods.We are exploring the possibility of buying into DFM Foods, Balaji Wafers' founder and managing director Chandu Virani said, confirming the negotiations.If finalised, the deal will come months after US private equity firm General Atlantic acquired a 7% stake in Balaji Wafers for 2,500 crore in January at a valuation of 35,000 crore.Queries emailed to Emami, ITC, Advent International, TPG and ChrysCapital remained unanswered until press time. EQT's spokesperson declined to comment.Advent International-which acquired a majority stake in DFM Foods from WestBridge Capital in 2019 for $118.8 million and later delisted it in January 2023-has mandated Avendus Capital and EY for the deal.DFM Foods reported net sales of 916 crore for 2025-26, regulatory filings showed up from 705.8 crore in the previous year.Both Emami and ITC are present in packaged snacks. Their interest in DFM Foods stems from their aim of capturing the youth segment for snacking, as well as deepening penetration in regional markets, said an industry executive.Kolkata-headquartered Emami expanded into packaged snacks-stepping beyond its mainstay edible oils, staples and personal care businesses-for the first time in August under its group entity, Emami Agrotech Ltd, with the launch of its WeMe snacking brand. Meanwhile, ITC operates multiple snack brands, including Yoga Bar protein bars, Bingo chips and Right Shift multigrain snacks and breakfast mixes.DFM Foods, established in 1984, manufactures potato chips, namkeens and millet snacks under brands such as Crax, Curls, Fritts and Natkhat.India's consumer sector witnessed a decline in deal-making activity during the April-June quarter, with deal volume falling sharply amid a more selective investment environment, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's latest Consumer Dealtracker released in July. However, total deal value remained resilient at $981 million, underscoring continued investor confidence in long-term, consumption-led growth, according to the tracker. It added that investors remained selective, focusing on wellness, personal care, food processing and digital-first consumer brands.The consumer sector saw 97 deals worth $981 million in the June quarter, a decline of 34% quarter-on-quarter in terms of deal volume and 33% in deal value, as per the tracker.
India Falls to Uruguay 1-6 Despite Thapas Goal in Kolkata
Indias national football team suffered a disappointing 1-6 defeat to Uruguay, despite Anirudh Thapas goal, in Kolkata on October 6. India Falls to Uruguay 1-6 Despite Thapas Goal in Kolkata
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Football: Thapa scores but India go down 1-6 to strong Uruguayan side
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) The national senior men's football team ended its international window with a disappointing 1-6 defeat to two-time World Cup winner Uruguay at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kriranga in Kolkata on Tuesday. Anirudh Thapa scored the lone goal for India in the 22nd minute to level an early goal from the penalty spot by Darwin Nunez in the 12th minute. The visitors then scored five times, with Maxi Araujo scoring a brace of goals in the 28th and 59th minutes. Rodrigo Zalazar (53rd), JM Sanabria (71st), and Rodrigo Aguirre (86th minute) secured a comfortable victory. It was overall a mixed International Window for India as they drew 1-1 with Panama and lost to Brazil and Uruguay, the two World Cup winners they met in the last few weeks. Thapa created a memorable moment for Indian football as he scored against a World Cup winner. Thapa reached the loose ball first, guided it beyond Uruguay goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo and turned towards 37,307 spectators roaring at the sight of India level with Uruguay. For a brief spell on Tuesday, the Blue Tigers had given the two-time world champions a contest. Lightning halted it soon afterwards. When play resumed, La Celeste struck quickly and did not allow the hosts to make another comeback. Thapas equaliser was a piece of Indian football history even in defeat. He became only the second Indian to score against Uruguay in a senior international, following Manas Bhattacharya, who scored in Indias 3-1 loss at Eden Gardens in the 1982 Nehru Cup. Uruguay signalled their intent in the third minute when Rodrigo Zalazar delivered a cross that Anwar Ali cleared. India, however, did not retreat into their own half. Akash Mishra launched a long throw into the penalty area in the sixth minute; after the clearance fell to Ryan Williams, Anwar sent the follow-up wide. Three minutes later, India came closer. Maximiliano Arajo surrendered possession to Williams, who released Edmund Lalrindika. Lalrindika shaped to shoot, but Santiago Mourios sliding challenge stopped him. Uruguay took the lead from the penalty spot. Pramveer slid in on Federico Vias as the forward chased the ball inside the area, and referee Rustam Lutfullin pointed to the spot. Nez sent Gurpreet Singh Sandhu the wrong way in the 11th minute. The visitors almost added another five minutes later: Nez gathered a long ball on the left and found Zalazar, whose lay-off set up Arajo for a first-time shot against the right post. India kept looking for a way forward. In the 23rd minute, Williams won the ball in midfield, skipped past Emiliano Martnez and drove into space before shooting. Cardozo split the effort, and Thapa reacted quickest, keeping his composure to finish the rebound. His goal brought India level and gave the Kolkata crowd a moment to savour. The momentum was interrupted in the 27th minute. A hydration break became a stoppage of around half an hour as the game was stopped because of lightning and inclement weather. Uruguay restored their lead almost immediately after the restart. Mourio picked out Nahitan Nndez in space on the right; his low cross reached Arajo, who finished from close range in the 29th minute. Nez had a chance to stretch the lead in the 37th minute after running on to a through ball, but Sandhu rushed out and blocked the attempted chip with his face. India reached half-time trailing 1-2. Khalid Jamil then introduced Bijoy Varghese and Sahal Abdul Samad for Pramveer and Edmund. Uruguays third arrived in the 53rd minute. Substitute Lucas Torreira sent a ball over the top, Nez headed it down, and Zalazar took a touch before driving past Sandhu at the near post. Williams tried to respond with a shot after beating two players, but Cardozo gathered it comfortably. Six minutes later, Vinas threaded a pass through for Arajo, who moved into the box and placed a left-footed finish into the bottom corner for his second goal. India still had attacking moments. Lalengmawias effort flew just over in the 62nd minute, while Cardozo had to react sharply to tip Mohammed Sanans left-footed shot over the bar in the 70th. India were caught on the counterattack from a corner a minute later. Aguirre sent Facundo Pellistri down the right, and Pellistri picked out fellow substitute Sanabria for a close-range finish. Pellistri was involved again in the 87th minute, carrying the ball forward and finding Aguirre, who curled Uruguays sixth into the top-left corner. India ended the three-match window with a draw against Panama and defeats to Brazil and Uruguay. They scored twice and conceded 11 goals against three teams that played at the 2026 World Cup. Thapas goal will endure as the nights Indian moment. Uruguays response showed how quickly a match at this level can escape India.
India show potential with Anirudh Thapa's goal, crumble in second half as Uruguay win 6-1 in Kolkata
Indias international break ended on a disappointing note as they were beaten 6-1 by Uruguay at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. Anirudh Thapa scored Indias only goal in the first half, but Uruguay responded with five further strikes after the hosts had briefly restored parity. Maxi Araujo scored twice for the visitors, while Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Zalazar, Juan Sanabria and Rodrigo Aguirre also made the scoresheet.
Football Friendly: Thapa Scores But India Suffer Heavy Defeat Against Uruguay
India's national football team suffered a 6-1 defeat against two-time former world champions Uruguay in an international friendly in Kolkata.
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Uruguay Outclass Plucky India 6-1 In Salt Lake Friendly
Uruguay defeated India 6-1 in a friendly at Kolkatas Salt Lake Stadium, with India showing promise early before the visitors dominated the second half.
Abhishek security scale-down: What was the urgency, asks HC
Rajya Sabha ethics panel lens on Ananta Maharaj over Netaji remarks
Khardah BJP extortion row, late-night bomb attack leave 5 people injured
Aditya Kumar Halwasiya of Kolkata is India's fastest wealth creator, with an 859% increase, reaching 18,800 crore. He ranks 193 after rising 939 places.
BJP take control of Malda zilla parishad with TMC support
Bengal to adopt best practices for highway projects: Minister
India vs Uruguay: Salt Lake Stadium sees promising turnout after Brazil game
India take on Uruguay in Kolkata, with fans returning to Salt Lake Stadium after the massive turnout for the Brazil friendly. Ticket prices were slashed to 99 in some sections as organisers looked to boost attendance.
West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram Records 79.39% Voting, Rejinagar 78.42%; MLA Humayun Kabir Arrested
Kolkata, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): By-elections in West Bengals two high-profile and sensitive Assembly constituencies, Nandigram in East Midnapore and Rejinagar in Murshidabad, concluded on Tuesday amid tight security. According to preliminary Election Commission figures, voter turnout remained high, with 79.39% polling recorded in Nandigram and 78.42% in Rejinagar. Despite heavy security arrangements, reports of ... Read more West Bengal Bypolls: Nandigram Records 79.39% Voting, Rejinagar 78.42%; MLA Humayun Kabir Arrested
Lightning Stops India-Uruguay Football Match
An international friendly football match between India and Uruguay in Kolkata was halted for 34 minutes due to lightning and thunder. The score was 1-1 when play was suspended, with Anirudh Thapa scoring for India and Darwin Nunez for Uruguay.
The high-voltage FIFA friendly between India and Uruguay has been paused after the hydration break at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. There was some confusion between the fans when the players didnt return to the field and after which, it was announced that the lightning in the nearby area has forced the match to come to a standstill. As per FIFAs regulations, the match will now be paused before it restarts again sometime. Similar things happened during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
India vs Uruguay Football LIVE Score Updates: India have equalised against Uruguay, with Anirudh Thapa scoring the equaliser, in their blockbuster friendly in Kolkata.
Kolkata Football: Empty Stands Despite Price Cuts
Despite significant efforts including slashed ticket prices and complimentary passes, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium saw a disappointingly low turnout for India's friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay, raising concerns about fan engagement in Indian football, even with legendary players like Diego Forlan present.
Railways Announces KolkataVadodara Weekly Special via Sasaram and Dehri-on-Sone
Bengal CM to attend GJM's foundation day event in Darjeeling tomorrow
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is likely to attend the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's (GJM) foundation day programme in the North Bengal hills on Wednesday. If all goes well, he will be the main speaker at the GJM's big rally in Darjeeling, said a state government official on Tuesday. According to the official, preparations for the Chief Minister's visit to Darjeeling have also started. It may be noted that GJM president Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri met the Chief Minister in Kolkata last September. The political situation in the hills was discussed in the meeting held at the ground tent of the Public Works Department. At that time, Gurung and Giri invited the Chief Minister as the chief guest at the morcha's foundation day function. Government sources said that after accepting the invitation, the Chief Minister told them that the situation is different if the party's central leadership calls him to Delhi for some urgent work. Otherwise, he will definitely attend the event in Darjeeling. According to the sources, the Chief Minister's presence at Wednesday's event is almost certain, keeping with that promise. It is believed that the Chief Minister's speech on the political future and development of the hills, as well as the GJM leadership at the event, may become important. Gurung-led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is currently an alliance partner in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. In this year's Assembly elections, GJM supported BJP candidates in several seats where it has influence in the North Bengal hills and plains. Its influence was also evident in the election results. BJP won several seats in North Bengal by a large margin. The lotus has bloomed in all three Assembly seats in the hills - Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. Due to this political equation, the Chief Minister's participation in the GJMs foundation day event is considered significant in political circles. As a result, the Chief Minister's visit is also being seen as a message of the state government's new political equation with the hills. The Chief Minister is scheduled to return to Kolkata on Wednesday after attending the event in Darjeeling. Before the visit, the state's Transport Minister Arjun Singh went there to inspect the situation in the hills. Arjun Singh was also present at the GJM leadership meeting with the Chief Minister in Kolkata in September.
Kolkata clay, Gen Z spirit & women rights: Chennai gets ready for Durga Puja
Bengal bypolls: Candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction seeks re-polling in Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, the candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, on Tuesday wrote a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking cancellation of the ongoing bypolls at Rejinagar Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Murshidabad district and had also demanded repolling there. Chowdhury is the second candidate for the Rejinagar seat to demand repolling there. Earlier in the day, the Congress candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls, Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, had also raised the same demand and even staged sit-in-demonstration in front of the Rejinagar Police Station in support of his demand. However, the BJP candidate from Rejinagar, Shankharav Sarkar denied allegations of electoral malpractices there on Tuesday. The voting at Rejinagar is taking place in a festive mood. People were able to vote freely and peacefully after a long time, standing in line. We (BJP) were ahead in the campaign and will be ahead in the counting as well. The Opposition will say a lot. But the reality is different, Sarkar said. Meanwhile, the average polling percentage at Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies in East Midnapore district had continue to be quite high at 70.54 per cent till 3 p.m., which, according to the sources from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had been quite high for bypolls. Till 3 p.m. the polling percentage at Rejinagar stood at 69.29 per cent, while at Nandigram the figure was even higher at 71.79 per cent. Considering that the polling will be till 6 p.m., It can be comfortably said that the final average polling percentage will be well above 80 per cent, a CEO's office source said. He also added that because of the pleasant weather throughout the day, the voter's enthusiasm was high even between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the period which the voters generally avoid because of heat. Meanwhile, after receiving a detailed report from the Murshidabad district administration regarding the arrest of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir, earlier on Tuesday, the CEO's office had forwarded the report to the ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. It is learnt that in the report it had been said that Kabir was arrested for violating election rules.
India vs Uruguay Live Telecast, Football Friendly Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live
India vs Uruguay Live Streaming: After a 0-4 defeat against Brazil, India men's team is all set to face Uruguay in another football friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.
NITTTR Kolkata Project Scientist Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research, Kolkata (NITTTR Kolkata) Recruitment 2026 for post of Project Scientist. Candidates Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 27-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through NITTTR Kolkata official website.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 6: Koninika Bhattacharjee has launched Windward Law Office, a specialist transactional law office focused on Private Equity & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Investment Funds.
Young voices lead Sundarbans call to save tigers
Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
Two BJP leaders arrested in Kolkata after violent clashes over alleged extortion in the fish farming sector. Violence Erupts Between BJP Factions in West Bengal Over Extortion Claims
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 6
Bengal to get rain for five more days as monsoon retreats, light showers likely during Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Rain is likely to continue across West Bengal for the next five days as the southwest monsoon withdrawal remains underway, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said on Tuesday. The weather office, however, ruled out the possibility of widespread heavy rainfall during this period. Light to moderate rain is expected at several places, with isolated heavy showers likely in parts of north Bengal. Eastern Regional Director of the RMC Habibur Rahman Biswas said a low-pressure area extending from Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh in the lower levels of the atmosphere was influencing the weather over the state. A cyclonic circulation over Bihar is also contributing to the rainfall activity. Under its influence, light to moderate rain is likely in all districts of north Bengal, while heavy rain may occur at one or two places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. The weather office has also warned of thundershowers in several areas. On Tuesday, partly cloudy skies and light to moderate rain were expected in the state. In south Bengal, districts including Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas may receive rain accompanied by thundershowers over the next few days. Several districts of south Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thundershowers until the weekend. Rainfall will also continue in north Bengal, with isolated heavy showers possible in one or two places. Kolkata is also likely to receive light to moderate rain on Tuesday. The city is expected to remain cloudy during the morning, with partly cloudy skies likely in the afternoon. The possibility of rain is expected to increase from Wednesday through Friday. The RMC said there was no forecast of heavy rain during Durga Puja, which begins on October 17. However, light to moderate rain may occur around Mahalaya on October 10. On Monday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 32.08 degrees Celsius, which was normal, while the minimum temperature was 26.06 degrees Celsius, 0.08 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 69 and 97 percent.
BJP's Hasirani Rath may surpass my 2016 victory margin in Nandigram: Bengal CM
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said that the victory margin of Hasirani Rath, the BJP candidate in the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency, may surpass his own victory margin from the same constituency in 2016. In 2016, he was elected from Nandigram as a Trinamool Congress candidate by a margin of over 80,000 votes. I got elected from here in 2016 by a margin of over 80,000. I believe that the winning margin of the BJP candidate in the Nandigram bypolls will surpass my own winning margin in 2016, said CM Adhikari after casting his vote at a polling booth in Nandigram. The Chief Minister came to the polling station riding a toto without his own convoy and security personnel and explained why he did that. As a Chief Minister, I am entitled to security. But today I came to the polling station as a voter of Nandigram. So, I chose to come like a common person. I also stood in the queue and cast my vote without taking any special advantage as the Chief Minister, CM Adhikari said. He also said polling in Nandigram had been going on peacefully, with voters casting their vote with the spirit of a festival of democracy. The polling percentage at Nandigram as of now is quite high, which generally does not happen in any bypoll, the Chief Minister said. He once again explained why he chose to retain Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata instead of Nandigram. He won from both the constituencies in the assembly polls earlier this year. Had I not retained Bhabanipur, the person whom I defeated would have contested from Bhabanipur in a bypoll. I also defeated that person at Nandigram in 2021. But my emotional attachment with Nandigram will always be there, the Chief Minister said. He was indirectly referring to his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was defeated by him first at Nandigram in 2021 and then at Bhabanipur in 2026. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also justified the arrest of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir, at Rejinagar in Murshidabad district earlier in the day. He is an elected legislator. But he is not a candidate for the Rejinagar bypoll. He is neither an election agent. So even as an elected legislator he could not move from booth to booth influencing the voters, the Chief Minister said.
Why Bengal sculptors collect soil from Kolkatas red-light area for Durga idols
Kumartuli, an iconic neighborhood in Kolkata, showcases the unique tradition of crafting Durga idols from clay. A significant aspect of this practice involves gathering soil from the thresholds of sex workers, which holds sacred meaning in Bengali heritage. This inclusion reflects a profound connection between faith and societal acceptance, stirring dialogue about purity and respect for all communities, particularly those often sidelined during significant cultural events like Durga Puja.
WBPSC Clerkship Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for LDA/ LDC Posts
The Public Service Commission, West Bengal (WBPSC) has released the Clerkship Examination, 2024 notification under Advertisement No. 12/2024 on 6 October 2026. The examination will fill Lower Division Assistant / Lower Division Clerk posts and similar posts in the Secretariat, Directorates, District offices and regional offices (including Kolkata) of the Government of West Bengal.
HC sets aside kidney transplant permission refusal, asks committee to reconsider patient's request
Kolkata, Oct 06: The Calcutta High Court on Monday set aside a kidney transplant permission refusal by the designated authorisation committee to a chronic renal ailment patient, directing it to reconsider the request of the petitioner. The court observed that unless there is definite material to establish financial dealings involving the parties, permission ought not to be withheld or rejected. If the donor states that out of love and affection, he/she is making the donation, in the absence of any credible reason, the averment should not be doubted, the court observed in its judgment. Justice Krishna Rao directed the state-level authorisation committee for organ donation and transplant to reconsider the petitioner patient's request and to take appropriate decision within two weeks, setting aside its refusal to allow the kidney donation by the wife of his driver. The court said the reasons the authorisation committee refused to recommend the petitioner's case for kidney transplantation were not in accordance with the statute, despite the fact that no commercial transaction was involved and the donor was willing to donate the organ out of love and affection, knowing the recipient for the last three to four years. The authorisation committee did not recommend the case of the petitioner with the reasons that the husband of the donor has not produced documents that he was working as a driver at a driver centre and has obtained driving licence only in the year 2024. Holding that the rules provide for scrutiny of application, the court said that if there is doubt, the applicants can be asked for an explanation, and verification can also be done through government officials. Observing that too much burden cannot be laid on the shoulders of the applicants unless there is definite material to establish that there are financial dealings involving the parties, Justice Rao observed, Permission ought not to be withheld or rejected. The court noted that in the present case, before making a decision, the authorisation committee examined the donor, the husband of the donor and the petitioner patient. Pointing out that the committee also called for a report from the police authorities to ascertain whether any commercial transaction or middlemen/touts were involved, the court noted that the police report certified that there was no commercial transaction or middlemen involved. The court noted from the statements of the donor, the donor's husband, and the recipient that they have known each other for the last three or four years. Furthermore, the donor's husband used to drive the recipient to the hospital, and the donor treated the recipient as her uncle. The court stated that if the donor is not a near relative, the requirement is that they must establish that the organ removal was authorised for transplantation into the recipient's body due to attachment or some special reason for donating the organ. Justice Rao observed that the purpose of enacting the statute shows that there cannot be any commercial element involved in organ donation.
Star-studded Uruguay ready to give India another test of character in Kolkata
Star-studded Uruguay ready to give India another test of character in Kolkata
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Veteran actor Raj Babbar recently visited Kolkata, where he reconnected with old friends and familiar faces from the Bengali film industry while soaking in the citys distinctive charm. Sharing his experience of being back in the City of Joy, Babbar said Kolkata will always have a special place in his heart. He spoke warmly about the citys unique character and its rich legacy of cinema, art and literature. Taking to Instagram, he posted his video and wrote, Back in Kolkata..The City of Joy that will always hold a special place in my heart I have always adored this city, which has a unique warmth & timeless charm and a rich legacy of cinema, art, and literature. The Nikaah actor said his stay in Kolkata was made memorable by the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and familiar faces from the Bengali film industry. My stay here is sure to be memorable as I reconnect with old friends and familiar faces from the Bengali film industry. For now, I am simply soaking in Kolkatas unique energy and the unmistakable vibe, he added. Babbars visit also reflected his longstanding affection for the city, which he described as a place with a distinctive cultural and artistic identity. In the video, the veteran actor could be seen travelling in a car and enjoying glimpses of the rain before arriving at his hotel, where he received a warm welcome. Although Raj Babbar is best known for his work in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, his association with Bengali cinema goes back several decades. The veteran actor also ventured into Bengali films with the 1992 family drama Anutap. Over the years, Babbar has developed a warm bond with the Bengali film fraternity and maintained friendships with several prominent names from Tollywood. He shares a good bond with several well-known names from the Bengali film industry, including Debashree Roy, Mithun Chakraborty, Rituparna Sengupta, Prosenjit Chatterjee and filmmaker Swapan Saha.
Author Jeffrey Archer, who has died at 86, had a particularly soft spot for India
The author (Lord) Jeffrey Archer, who has an especially devoted following in India, died suddenly on Monday at his home in the UK at the age of 86. He would have liked the fact that his end resembled one of the twists in his tales. He passed away after he had spent Sunday promoting what he had declared was his very last novel, Adam & Eve . This was formally published on Tuesday, October 6, by HarperCollins, who announced he died suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions. Kate Elton, the HarperCollins UK chief executive, said: It has been one of the great privileges of my publishing life to have been Jeffrey Archers editor. He was the master storyteller and an editors dream phenomenally hard-working, utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible, and a true champion of the team nature of great publishing. When he set out to write Adam & Eve, he told me from the very beginning that it would be his final novel he was so excited about the scale of it and told me that if he could pull it off, it would equal anything hed previously written, on which basis he couldnt imagine embarking on any future novels. He did indeed pull it off and he was utterly thrilled by the early reader reactions. Were all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers and a true friend. Jeffrey Archer at Jaipur Literary Festival in 2019 Eastern Eye The phrase bestselling author doesnt do him justice. He was the ultimate story teller. He sold more than 300 million books in his five-decade writing career, including the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel , and often set the novels in his home town of Wellington, Somerset. His books sold in 119 countries in 49 languages. But he had a particularly soft spot for India, it became clear during my interviews with him. In September 2019, for example, I went to see him at his penthouse suite overlooking the Thames with a view of the Palace of Westminster. He reckoned he had visited 20 to 25 times over the years. He was taken aback to discover one young woman journalist in Kolkata knew his tales almost better than he did. But he did point out that his debut novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less , was published in 1975 when he was 35. Put simply, Indians appeared to adore Archer and Archer adored India. They are very kind to me, he summed up. On his phone was a picture of the crowd he had attracted at the Jaipur Literary Festival earlier that year. 7,500 people turned up to hear me in Jaipur. His wife, Dame Mary Archer, a distinguished scientist in her own right to whom he had then been married for 53 years, was moving around quietly in the background. A couple of months previously, a group of senior Indian businessmen had hosted a lavish dinner for the Archers in London. Mary was shocked, recounted Archer. It was truly remarkable every course was named after one of my books. On the menu, headed A Tribute to Jeffrey Archer, were such items as Mightier than the Sword (Lavash and Hummus), First Among Equals (Dragon Fruit Waldorf Salad), Nothing Ventured (Podi Hoppers Corn and Kuttu Roti), Only Time Will Tell (Slow-cooked Kali Dal) and Kane and Abel (Celebration Cake). Jeffrey Archer part of the menu Amit Roy Since most Indian businessmen probably dont read anything other than their bank statements, clearly a researcher had been hard at work to make the menu a collectors item (Archer generously donated one of his three copies to Eastern Eye ). He added: I am always teased that the other author Indians love is P G Wodehouse. And you would think we couldnt be more different. He learnt that several schools in India look at Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less as a first novel and see the immaturity of someone writing a first novel. A headmistress told me recently that her school is studying the art of short storytelling because you have R K Narayan, one of the greatest story writers who has ever lived. I am a huge admirer and fan wish I had met him before he died. In fact, if he were to be cast on a desert island and allowed to take a handful of books, R K Narayans short story collection, Malgudi Days , would be in the mix, along with Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. He accepted that since his first novel came out in 1975, British society had changed beyond recognition and with it the standing of Indians. One has to be very careful what one says in this situation because we live in an age where prejudice is misunderstood but all I will say is the Indians work very hard, number one. And they are very bright, number two. And that is a good start. So, I am not surprised that Indians are doing well in this country. Everywhere I go I was in Qatar recently they seem to be running the place. I was in Dubai they seem to be running the place. Jeffrey Archer signing a book Amit Roy I think you are the most aspirational race on earth, possibly other than the Chinese who are also very aspirational. And I write aspirational books. As for his fan base in India and the enthusiastic welcome he received whenever he was in India, he commented: Its a mystery. Perhaps my love of India, (and) my love of cricket come through to the people both in the books and whenever I am on radio and television in India. He reckoned India should have won the ICC World Cup earlier that year you were the best team. His eyes lit up at the mention of Rahul Dravid. Oh, yes. Beautiful stroke player. Jeffrey Archer with Sharmila Tagore and her family at an auction dinner in London in 2013 Eastern Eye He went on: I always say that V V S Laxman and Rahul Dravid staying in all day against the Australians (at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2001 when India won after following on) was one of the great Test matches in history. He had met the then Indian skipper Virat Kohli three times. I heard him make a speech recently in your (Indian) high commission and he is a very measured, sensible, intelligent man, was his assessment. I am a great admirer, not just of his batting, but of his competitive attitude and indeed the way he conducts himself. But this has been true of the Indians for many years. In this ultra elite group, he included Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri. And he retained warm memories of the Nawab, a reference to Mansur Ali Khan Tiger Pataudi. I was at Oxford with the Nawab who was a friend and remained a dear friend through to his death. He was a great man and a great captain of India. He saw Tiger in action before his friend lost much of the vision in his right eye in a car accident. That was very, very sad. I am amazed that he went on to captain his country and remained a world class cricketer. Always in demand as an auctioneer at Indian charity functions, the author officiated at a dinner at the May Fair Hotel in London in 2013 to raise funds for the Pataudi 2020 organisation which helps people with sight problems. The occasion was attended by his wife Sharmila Tagore, son and daughter Saif and Soha and daughter-in-law Kareena. The auctions I love they are fun. And that was a particularly fun one because I was doing it in memory of someone I cared about. After many ups and downs in his life, Archer was glad he did not stay in politics or become mayor of London but made his mark as a storyteller. His style was deceptively simple. But he had the gift of being able to make the reader turn the page to find out what happened next. He told me he wanted to take his new protagonist, Detective Constable William Warwick, a bright, young recruit to Scotland Yards art and antiquities squad in his latest novel, Nothing Ventured (Macmillan; 20), through to Metropolitan Police Commissioner over the course of eight novels. Jeffrey Archer Amit Roy We chatted about Nothing Ventured , in which Warwick makes his debut starting out in Scotland Yards art and antiquities squad. One night while watching a suspects house from a car, said Archer, Warwick kept awake by remembering the top ten Test batting averages of all times Bradman 99.84, Pollock 60.97, Headley. Whether Warwick would get to the very top would depend on whether the author was around to complete the task, said Archer, who was due to turn 80 in 2020. However, the narrative trajectory changed, and the series formally concluded with the final book in the series, End Game . The book tracked Warwick at the rank of Commander during the 2012 London Olympics, leaving him just short of the top job. An editor had suggested I should get Jeffrey Archer to talk about Jofra Archer, then Englands exciting new fast bowler. Oh, yes, responded the author, who was very knowledgeable about cricket. He is clearly a great new talent and made the big decision whether he would play for the West Indies or for England. And luckily for us he chose England. Yes, very exciting indeed. As he is only 24 years old, we can hope to have him for 10 years. On a broader sociological point, no one made anything of the fact that Jofra was a black man playing for England and had become a national hero overnight. Cover of one of his books Eastern Eye Why should it? asked Archer. This is a natural evolution. Archer, himself once an athlete who ran the 400 metres, recalled: When I ran for England and for Britain, we had no black men in the team. That has changed now. It has changed to the extent that I read in The Times the other day that in the Olympic Games there wasnt a white man in the semi-final or the final. And thats fine. Thats a change. We live with it. Did he think that diversity, represented by the likes of Jofra Archer, had brought strength to modern Britain? Very much, enthused the author. Archer, who was given a peerage in 1992, retired from the House of Lords in 2024. He is survived by his wife Mary, to whom he was married for 60 years, two sons, James and William, and two granddaughters and three grandsons.
Bengal bypolls: Voting in first two hours recorded at 19.47 pc
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) The average polling percentage for the bypolls to Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and the Rejinagar seat in Murshidabad district of West Bengal had been recorded at 19.47 In the case of Nandigram, the polling percentage till 9 a.m. has been recorded at 20.89. And, in Rejinagar, the polling percentage in the same period was 18.05. Political observers feel that the voting percentage in the first two hours has been impressive, considering that voters' enthusiasm for bypolls is generally lower than what is seen in general elections. Barring stray incidents reported in Nandigram and Rejinagar, the polling process has, so far, been peaceful in the first two hours. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, had sought a report from the Murshidabad district administration about the arrest of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and legislator, Humayun Kabir, accused of constantly threatening the police and even grabbing an on-duty police officer's collar. Kabirs son, Golam Nabi Azad, is the candidate for Rejinagar bypoll. Kabir is not the candidate. He is neither the polling agent of his son. So, he has no authority to move from one booth to the other and make provocative statements. He violated the rules since morning. So, he had been arrested, said a district police officer. The CPI(M) has alleged that its polling agents were not being allowed to enter some booths in the Dadpur area of Rejinagar. The Left has alleged that their agents were not being allowed to sit in booths 112, 113, 114, and 122. Mild tension was also reported from Nandigram after the Congress candidate there, Milan Pradhan, alleged that his polling agents were forcefully driven out of the polling booths by the BJP supporters, with the Central forces personnel remaining mute spectators. However, the BJP candidate from Nandigram, Hasirani Rath, denied the allegations. In Nandigram, the opposition parties are suffering from a survival crisis, and so they are making false allegations, she said. Congress has already lodged a complaint on this count with the office of the CEO, West Bengal. Police have also arrested Nandigram Block-1 Congress president, Sheikh Asraful Tulla. Congress alleged that he was unnecessarily detained during the voting. There is no such thing as democracy in the area now. The concerned authorities are being informed about this incident, said a district Congress leader.
India vs Uruguay: Plenty for both sides to gain, and lose, in FIFA friendly
India take on Uruguay in an important FIFA friendly in Kolkata, with both sides looking to gain valuable experience and momentum. As the teams prepare for the clash, there is plenty at stake ahead of the highly anticipated international fixture.
Gold and silver prices today, 6 October: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Voting begins in Bengal bypolls to Nandigram, Rejinagar seats
Kolkata: Polling began Tuesday, October 6, at 7 am for by-elections in the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies in West Bengal amid tight security arrangements, officials said. Altogether 71 companies of central forces have been deployed for the bypolls, they said. Polling will continue till 6 pm. The contests will give the BJP an early 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 .
Test for BJP in Bengal, TVK in TN; bypolls in 5 assembly constituencies, 1 LS seat begins
Voting commenced at 7 am for multiple by-elections across West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry on Tuesday. In West Bengal, significant contests included Nandigram and Rejinagar with notable security. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election also featured 19 candidates competing for votes. In Puducherry, the election for Thattanchavady Assembly witnessed a three-way contest among different political parties. Counting for these elections will occur on October 9 across all constituencies.
Narayana Hrudayalaya to operate and manage Mission of Mercy Hospital in Kolkata
The agreement is aimed at leveraging Narayana Hrudayalayas healthcare and hospital management expertise to support the facilitys long-term sustainability
Complex atlantoaxial stabilization surgery performed in high-risk patient at AIIMS Jammu
Jammu, Oct 5:All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has successfully performed a complex atlantoaxial stabilization surgery on a high-risk patient from Kolkata suffering from atlantoaxial rotatory instability, marking another important milestone in the institutes growing expertise in complex spine surgery. The atlantoaxial joint, located between the first and second cervical vertebrae, is responsible for nearly half of the necks rotational movement. Instability at this level can lead to severe restriction of neck movements, spinal cord compression, progressive weakness, gait disturbances and other disabling neurological deficits, making timely diagnosis and specialized surgical management essential. The patient, according to AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, is recovering well and showing encouraging neurological improvement following the procedure. The patient had been experiencing progressive restriction of neck movements along with weakness of all four limbs and had previously sought treatment at multiple tertiary care centres across the country before presenting to AIIMS Jammu. Detailed clinical evaluation and advanced radiological assessment by the Department of Orthopaedics confirmed a complex atlantoaxial rotatory instability requiring definitive surgical stabilization. The surgery was successfully performed by Dr Tarsem Motten and Dr Rashid Anjum, Department of Orthopaedics, who carried out stabilization of the atlantoaxial junction to restore spinal stability, relieve neural compression and prevent further neurological deterioration. The procedure was uneventful and the patient is currently comfortable and improving steadily after surgery, the doctors stated. Dr Amit Thakur, Additional Professor and Officiating Head, Department of Orthopaedics, emphasised that upper cervical spine surgery required meticulous preoperative planning, precise instrumentation and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach because of the close proximity of the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and vital neural structures. He also highlighted that the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS Jammu was regularly performing complex spine and spinal deformity surgeries, offering advanced treatment for challenging spinal disorders. The case received specialised anaesthesia support from Dr Slomi Gupta and Dr Shruti Sharma, Department of Anaesthesia. Anaesthetic management in atlantoaxial instability requires careful airway planning, minimal cervical movement during intubation, and continuous neurological vigilance to ensure safe surgery. Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, congratulated the multidisciplinary team and noted that the successful management of this technically demanding case reflected the institutes expanding capability in advanced spine and craniovertebral junction surgery. He emphasised that the availability of modern surgical technology, including intraoperative neuromonitoring and navigation, together with experienced multidisciplinary teams, was enabling AIIMS Jammu to deliver world-class complex spine care within the region. The successful outcome further strengthens the Department of Orthopaedics comprehensive spine services and reinforces AIIMS Jammus position as a referral centre for complex spine and spinal deformity surgery, it was stated.
A day after the BJPannounced candidature of former Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick alias Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha, the actor turned politician on Monday formally joined the saffron party. Ms. Mallick filed her nomination papers for the Upper House in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari andState BJP president.
Bengal to have 4 more airports in 2 years: Civil aviation minister
Four migrants detained in MP: Cal HC pulls up Bilaspur SP for parallel SIR-citizen exercise
After SRFTI mention, HC seeks info on student campus safety
Rain-guard action shifts to pandals across city
Over 1k hotels shut: KMC mulls 4-month window to upgrade fire safety measures
New Alipore factory of sweet shop to resume operations soon
Will reduce red tape, govt promises bars & restaurants
40-Year-Old Held For Assault On Civic Cop & Constable
100% Waiver On Property Tax Dues In 6 Civic Bodies
Minister announces plan for textile hub in Bengal
Amit Shah will not attend Mahalaya event
Uruguay Match Ticket Price Nosedives From Rs 749 To Rs 199
Chief Minister to hand job letters to 5,000 new cops on Oct 11
Maids steal Rs 20L jewellery from Behala flat
Season of confusion returns for those on the ground
ED conducts searches in Kolkata to probe Rs 1,109 crore bank fraud
Govt doubles financial aid for unmarried girls in college from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000
Bankshall lawyers strike work over assault, egg attack
112 helpline to cut down on police response time
Kolkata to See Direct Flights to Europe as Central Minister Promises Initiatives
The Indian government plans to initiate direct flights from Kolkata to European cities, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure. Kolkata to See Direct Flights to Europe as Central Minister Promises Initiatives
Kolkata to Explore Direct Flights to Europe
Union Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announces plans for direct flights from Kolkata to various European cities, enhancing connectivity. Kolkata to Explore Direct Flights to Europe
Let Milan contest: SC adjourns bail nix plea hearing to day after bypoll
They think they can beat us into submission, Neha Bora says in Kolkata
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Indian Statistical Institute, and Jadavpur University students join convention to speak out against crackdown on educational institutes, and the voter rights issue
Rejinagar bypoll: Babri rhetoric fades, development takes centre stage
Right-wing outfits attacking institutions in Bengal: Neha Bora
Kolkata: AISA national president Neha Bora on Monday, October 5, alleged that right-wing organisations like the RSS and BJP were carrying out attacks on campuses of premier educational institutes in West Bengal, threatening democratic and secular views. Bora was speaking at a seminar organised by the SFI at Jadavpur University (JU) here. Repeated attacks are 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 .
Bengal must resist SIR, defend democratic rights: Neha Bora
SRFTI Assures Student Safety After Clashes With Protesters in Kolkata
Mamata Banerjees 2021 leg injury row: Dont dig too deep, Suvendu Adhikari Warns
Christian forum moves rights panels over Bengal attacks
Stone crushers: NGT flags Bengal data mismatch, seeks report
Eight decades on, Khulna woman traces roots to Krishnanagar
