IIT Madras team secures third place at Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa
Kolkata Team AgniRath from IIT Madras has secured 3rd Place overall at the prestigious Sasol Solar Challenge 2026 in South The post IIT Madras team secures third place at Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Petrol, Diesel Prices On October 8: Check Fuel Rates In Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata
Petrol and diesel prices remained steady across major Indian cities as crude oil prices rose sharply in international markets on October 8.
In the early session on Thursday, Oct. 8, both the precious metals also slumped in the international market, with COMEX gold declining around 0.18% to trade at $4,133.2 per ounce
Kolkata parents kept their kids away from school: How unschooling became their way of learning
Rohan Bopanna returns to action, will represent Gurgaon Grand Slammers in TPL
Argentina's world No. 60 Roman Burruchaga, representing the Kolkata Thunder Blades, will be the highest-ranked singles player in the league
PM, HMlikely to skip West Bengal govts mega Mahalaya event
The West Bengal government is holding the grand Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens cricket stadium and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to attend the grand event.
Taslima Nasrin In Kolkata, Says Will Stay For Durga Puja Next Year
I will certainly be here next year. I absolutely love the Puja celebrations here; it feels like a grand art exhibition, Taslima Nasrin said.
Kolkata: WB CEO Uploads SIR-Axed Voters List, Urges Eligible Voters to Enrol
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal has released the list of voters whose names featured in the Absentee, Shifted, Dead, Deleted category during the SIR and urged left out eligible voters to submit Form 6 for enrolment.
40k at Eden, 10k on Red Road: WC security model for Mahalaya show
Red Road closure ahead of Mahalayaadds to rain chaos, traffic woes in Kol
High airfares, delayed trains threaten Durga Puja plans of Kolkata-bound passengers
Eveready enters liquid vaporiser market, eyes 2-4% share
ER to run 51 puja special trains in Sealdah division
Legs tied, blood stains on face: Man found dead in locked cab
Lalbazar calling: Woman loses Rs 1.2L in digi-arrest scam
JPC to reach out to youth, institutions on Education Bill
The panel, headed by BJP MP D Purandeswari, has held consultations in Kolkata, Goa and Bengaluru to understand what students and young people want from higher education institutions and the proposed new regulatory framework.
EMI pinch for homebuyers, developers bank on market resilience
Calcutta High Court refuses relief to man over Bangladeshi wifes entry
Kol hosps go for AI-powered innovations, tech upgrade
The Vibrant Tradition of Durga Puja in Kolkata: Significance of the White and Red-bordered Sari
Discover the cultural significance of the red-bordered white sari during Durga Puja in Kolkata, a festival rich in tradition and artistry. The Vibrant Tradition of Durga Puja in Kolkata: Significance of the White and Red-bordered Sari
State declares college governing bodies
Airport mosque: State opposes plea for Friday prayers interim order
No Form 6 relief for those whose appeals are pending before tribunal, clarifies Bengal CEO
Trial judges interaction with child must before custody decision, orders Cal HC
State approves merger of Madrasah Commission with WBSSC
Server yet to come back to life, KMC extends property tax rebate deadline
Sewer line revamped to keep Bowbazar dry
WBPSC announces clerkship exam
Chancellors nominees asked to safeguard university autonomy
Hotel worker abducted and assaulted near New Market
Young aquatics prodigy sets two national records at CISCE championship
State approves Rs 23.4 crore for BMC road, drain projects
Cops want bus drivers to be liable for traffic violations
Indian Museum exhibition to trace evolution of Durga worship
High-Voltage Kolkata Derby In IFA Shield Final
East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.
Call off strike: HC to lawyers
App Cab Driver Found Dead in Kolkata, Investigation Underway
A cab drivers body was discovered in Kolkata with signs of violence, prompting a police investigation into the mysterious circumstances. App Cab Driver Found Dead in Kolkata, Investigation Underway
Bengal CM promises BJP win on all 42 LS seats in 2029
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, while speaking at Vadnagar in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the people of West Bengal would gift PM Modi victories for BJP candidates from all 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. He made the statement while speaking at an event in Vadnagar marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public administrative journey, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister. In West Bengal, I am trying to replicate the kind of development work that has been achieved in Gujarat, Adhikari said. He added that PM Modi had taught 1.4 billion people the mantra of Nation above all, and claimed that welfare of the poor and the curbing of terrorism had been achieved under PM Modi's leadership. Speaking on the occasion, Adhikari also launched sharp attacks on both the former Left Front government and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. First the Left Front and then the Trinamool Congress were in power in West Bengal, Adhikari said. He alleged that the two political formations together had created a threat to the country's security and claimed that more than three lakh Bangladeshis had been expelled from Gujarat after entering India through the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. According to Adhikari, during the Trinamool regime in West Bengal, around 600 km of the international border with Bangladesh effectively remained open. He further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised in an election manifesto that land would be provided to the Border Security Force within 45 days of the BJP coming to power in West Bengal. Adhikari claimed that the commitment had been fulfilled and asserted that PM Modi had guaranteed the development of West Bengal. He also claimed that, after 50 years, a nationalist government had finally been formed in West Bengal.
Bengal: Mithun Chakraborty appointed advisor to Information & Cultural Affairs Dept
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty was officially appointed on Wednesday as Advisor to the West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs Department. The state government issued an official notification on Wednesday announcing the appointment. The notification also clarified that the post carries a status equivalent to that of a state Cabinet Minister. An indication in this regard was given by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari last month while addressing a programme marking the birth centenary of Bengali screen legend Uttam Kumar. An official notification on the matter was issued by the state government on Wednesday evening. The notification stated that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. The notification, signed by the state's Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agrawal, said that Chakraborty was appointed by order of the Governor and with the approval of the competent authorities. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is himself in charge of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. However, from the notification issued on Wednesday evening, it is not clear what responsibilities Chakraborty will perform as Advisor to the department. Chakraborty, a former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, had severed all ties with Trinamool and also resigned from the Rajya Sabha after several leaders of the party were named in the multi-crore Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund controversies. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has since played an important role in campaigning for BJP candidates in various elections, especially the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year.
Bengal: Roadshow for Extended Port Gate System held at Balagarh
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPA) formerly Kolkata Port Trust together with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), hosted the Balagarh Road Show for Development of Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, West Bengal, at The Bengal Club in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Extended Port Gate System is being considered one of eastern Indias most significant port opportunities. Subrata Gupta, advisor to West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, was the chief guest at the occasion, which was attended by Rathendra Raman, chairman, SMPA. The programme was attended by major trade partners including Adani, JSW Infrastructure, IWAI and leading logistics companies. The deputy chairman and other senior officers of SMPA were also present. Balagarh is a unique example of centre-state coordination, Gupta said. He said that rail, road and waterways connectivity is being provided by the central government, while industrial land is being made available by the state. Environmental clearances have already been obtained, he mentioned, saying that the project will be a big boost for trade and industry in West Bengal. Through a coordinated effort by the central and state governments, Raman, Chairman, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently laid the foundation stone for the IWT Terminal and Road Over Bridge at Balagarh. The project will decongest the Kolkata Dock System (KDS), he said. Being waterways-based, it will be environment-friendly and sustainable, he added. Balagarh is located 85 km upstream of KDS on the River Hooghly. SMPA is using a natural island on the river to create a loading and unloading hub for both incoming and outgoing cargo. It will have jetties for barges and storage facilities. There will also be road and rail connectivity. The idea is to use barges to move cargo arriving at the Netaji Subhas Dock or Kidderpore Dock under KDS to the island. The cargo can then move further north by road or rail. Outgoing cargo, loaded on trucks or trains, can also be unloaded at Balagarh and taken to the facility, from where barges would be used to take it directly to the port. In this way, trucks will no longer have to enter the city limits. As it is, there are restrictions on the movement of trucks to prevent traffic jams during office and school hours. The Balagarh project would allow movement of cargo at all times. It will also provide direct and indirect employment in the region. The cost of the project is Rs 538.20 crore, and it will have a capacity of 2.7 MTPA.
App cab driver's blood-splattered, tied body found inside vehicle in Kolkata
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) The body of a man, with a blood-stained face and legs tied, was recovered from a parked app cab in Kolkata's Entally area on Wednesday, and police are probing the mysterious death. Police have barricaded the area and launched an investigation into the matter. According to the police, locals became suspicious when they saw an app cab parked for a long time in the area. Despite calling out, there was no response, and the police were informed. Officers from Entally police station arrived and found the door of the app cab locked from the inside. A local mechanic was called, and the door lock was broken to find a body inside the vehicle. Police took the body into their custody and sent it to a hospital for autopsy. The deceased's name was identified as cab driver Bhagwan Prasad Gupta, 45. An investigation was launched, with Lalbazar (Kolkata Police headquarters), Homicide, and Intelligence Department officials reaching the spot. CCTV footage from the area around the crime scene is being examined. Police suspect that he may have been murdered but have not officially announced anything. Efforts are being made to contact the deceased's family, relatives, and close friends. Police are also searching for the last person Gupta was seen with on Tuesday night. According to police sources, they are also investigating whether he had any enmity with anyone and all possible angles are being explored.
Unsafe arecanuts seized in Kolar, legal action initiated
Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officers intercepted a vehicle, which was transporting the consignment from Assam via Kolkata to destinations including Kolar, Bengaluru, Palakkad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Punganur and parts of Tamil Nadu.
Govt cuts stock limit for sugar dealers to 1,000 quintals from Oct 15
The government has issued a notification reducing the stock holding limit for sugar dealers to 1,000 quintals, effective from October 15 to November 30, as part of its efforts to control retail prices of the sweetener during the festival period. On October 1, the food ministry had said that the government has reduced the stock holding period for sugar dealers to 15 days and fixed the stock holding limit at 1,000 quintals, with effect from 15 October to November 30, 2026, except in Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and the State of Assam. The Department of Food and Public Distribution on Tuesday issued a gazette notification to implement this decision, which will come into effect from October 15. In August, the ministry imposed a stock-holding limit of 4,000 quintals on sugar dealers, applicable from August 1 to November 30, along with a maximum holding period of 30 days from the date of receipt. The limit was later tightened to 2,000 quintals from September 15. The revis
India Women Footballers Face Stern Russia Test In Kolkata
India will look to put their emerging generation of women's footballers through a stern test when they take on 27th-ranked Russia in the first of two international friendlies.
'Conversation With Abhishek Nayar Helped Me A Lot,' Says Shreyas Iyer After Maiden T20I Ton
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer credited his long-time mentor and former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for helping him improve and correct his mistakes and produce a match-winning performance after smashing his maiden T20I century against West Indies in the opening game of the five-match series on Tuesday. Iyer struck an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, as India chased down 172 in only 14.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. The knock came at an important juncture for Iyer, who had been struggling to convert starts into substantial scores and had breached the 50-run mark only twice since taking over as Indias T20I captain in June. Reflecting on his innings in a BCCI video, Iyer revealed that a recent conversation with Nayar, who has shared a long-standing coach-mentor relationship with him through Mumbai domestic cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders and the national team setup, proved valuable. I had a brief interaction with Abhishek Nayar in that period where we were talking about cricket. I think that conversation with him helped me a lot in todays performance, Iyer said in a video released by BCCI. The India skipper said the key to his innings was preparing himself before every delivery and finding his rhythm early. The key that I observed in my batting today was setting myself before the delivery of the ball, and that worked perfectly. So creating that momentum and rhythm was essential at the start of the innings, and it worked out pretty well, he said. Nayar has earlier worked closely with Iyer on technical aspects of his batting as well as during different phases of his comeback in domestic and international cricket. Iyer also spoke about the challenge of returning from Japan and immediately adapting to the demands of international cricket. Im very happy; its a great start. And especially coming after Japan, forming a solid XI here. It was kind of challenging, but I must say that thats what we look for when we are playing at this level. We love challenges, and we want to make sure that we are at the top of our game and leave the excuses aside, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. With India now leading the series 1-0, Iyer said the teams immediate objective was to maintain the momentum and complete a series victory. I would be extremely happy if we win the series. Obviously we started on a great note, and if we finish with a victory going forward in the next four games, that is what our main goal and target is at the moment, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Watch: Kolkata district Congress stages Raj Bhavan protest over alleged vote theft
India Women's Football Team To Face Russia In Friendlies
India's women's football team, the Blue Tigresses, will play two international friendlies against 27th-ranked Russia in Kolkata. These matches serve as a crucial test for India's young squad, with an average age of 23, as they prepare for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. Head coach Crispin Chettri views this as an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves against a stronger opponent.
Indias green economy could support 1.3 crore jobs by 2035: iFOREST
India vs Uruguay: Ticket prices slashed to 99 to boost Salt Lake Stadium turnout
Ahead of the India vs Uruguay friendly in Kolkata, ticket prices for some sections have been reduced to just 99, with discounted and complimentary tickets also offered to boost attendance at Salt Lake Stadium.
Repo rate hike may raise costs, but real estate demand to stay resilient
Real estate companies in West Bengal on Wednesday said the RBI's 25-basis point repo rate hike could increase borrowing costs for homebuyers and developers, but maintained that the rise is unlikely to impact demand in the long term. The Reserve Bank of India raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent on Wednesday, its first increase in nearly four years. The RBI has increased the repo rate after three years As a result, interest rates of banks and financial institutions on housing and construction loans will increase. This will have some adverse impact on real estate, CREDAI West Bengal president Sushil Mohta said. Primarc Projects MD Siddharth Pansari said the hike may make home loans marginally more expensive, but is unlikely to have a major impact on genuine homebuyers. In Kolkata, people are buying homes with a long-term view, and their decisions are increasingly driven by the right location, better quality and the lifestyle a home offers. There m
Calcutta High Court has ordered Axis Bank to defreeze a Kolkata businessman's bank account that had been put on hold over a cyber fraud case linked to just one transaction worth Rs 2,253. Court found no reason why rest of account should stay locked and asked bank to release non disputed balance at once.
Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College Kolkata (ESIC Medical College Kolkata) Recruitment 2026 for 24 posts of Teaching Faculty for Super Specialty Department (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor). The Walk-in on 13-10-2026. For detailed information please visit ESIC Medical College Kolkata official website.
Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College Kolkata (ESIC Medical College Kolkata) Recruitment 2026 for 61 posts of Teaching Faculty. The Walk-in on 14-10-2026 and 15-10-2026. For detailed information please visit ESIC Medical College Kolkata official website.
ESIC Medical College Kolkata Senior Resident Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for 85 Posts
Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College Kolkata (ESIC Medical College Kolkata) Recruitment 2026 for 85 posts of Senior Resident. The Walk-in on 03-11-2026 and 04-11-2026. For detailed information please visit ESIC Medical College Kolkata official website esic.nic.in.
Remarkable journey from village to global stage: CM Yogi on PM Modis 25-year public service
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modis completion of 25 years in public service as a historic journey from a small village in Gujarat to the global stage, saying the milestone was a matter of pride for every Indian. Addressing the Seva Jyoti Yatra - Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Sabha at Patel Park in Hazratganj, Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, Today is a day of pride for every Indian, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is completing 25 years of dedicated public service. On this occasion, on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and greetings to the Honourable Prime Minister. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of the state and every party worker on this momentous occasion. Brothers and sisters, such an occasion is rarely witnessed when a person who emerged from a small village in Gujarat goes on to lead India at the global level, he added. CM Yogi said that PM Modi had completed 25 years of continuous service, first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as the Prime Minister of India. On this day in 2001, Narendra Modi, who is now the Prime Minister, took the oath of office and secrecy as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. At that time, Gujarat was facing a severe crisis. The entire country was concerned about the devastation caused by the disaster in Gujarat, he said. This is a remarkable coincidence, and today marks 25 years of that journey. It is a journey from the village to the global stage. It is a journey of transformation in the lives of every citizen of India and of building an India that has instilled confidence in the minds of its youth, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said. He said the journey had also focused on providing security for women, improving the lives of farmers and strengthening employment opportunities for the youth. If we look back at India 12 years ago, it was considered a Fragile Five economy, among the weakest economies in the world. Indias per capita income was also among the lowest in the world. But today, we can proudly say that India has succeeded in securing a place among the top five economies globally, CM Yogi said. Highlighting the transformation in Indias infrastructure and connectivity, he said, Today, India has an excellent connectivity network. Remember, there was a time when railway speeds were limited to around 80 kilometres per hour. There were delays due to the lack of electrification. A freight train could take several days to travel from Kolkata to Delhi. Passenger trains and freight trains were forced to run on the same tracks. Today, India has broad-gauge railway networks, electrification and dedicated freight corridors for transporting goods. Through the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, freight movement will take place separately, while passenger trains are moving forward in a new direction, he added. CM Yogi said Indian Railways was now offering world-class facilities through Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains. Speaking about financial inclusion and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the Chief Minister said the Jan Dhan Yojana had helped ensure that government benefits reached beneficiaries directly. When PM Modi started opening Jan Dhan accounts, people said, Look, by merely opening accounts, the poor are being made a fool of. This was not a joke; it was a strike against the corruption of the Congress and the INDI alliance, Yogi said. Today, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), you can see that the money released from Delhi or Lucknow goes directly into the accounts of the poor, women, farmers, youth and workers, ensuring that the benefits reach them directly, he added.
Gold and silver prices today, 7 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.
SOS to PMO after 'orders from above' hold up 300 raw petroleum coke trucks at Assam-Bengal border
Petrol, Diesel Prices On October 7: Check Fuel Rates In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata And More
Despite movements in international crude prices, petrol and diesel rates in major Indian cities remained unchanged on Wednesday, October 7.
Gold prices remained elevated on Wednesday with 24 carat gold trading around the Rs.1.50 lakh mark per 10 grams across major Indian cities.
MU names provisional list for men
The Department of Sports, MU has shortlisted 30 players who will be attending the university team trial selection for participation in the East Zone Inter University Volleyball M Tournament 2026 27 to be held at Adamas University, Kolkata from October 27 to 31 The players who have been selected provisionally based on their performances in the recently held MU Inter University meet are as follows Attackers Ph Anjar of Mayai Lambi Col, MD Jasad of Mayai Lambi Col, Redeemson Rongmei of MU, Yaiphaba Huidrom of MU, Leishemba Moirangthem of Manipur Institute of Technology, Ningombam Nicholson Meitei of Nambol L S Col, RK Sanalemba of Imphal Col, Kh Chingkheinganba of Biramangol Col, Themso Ningsen of Biramangol Col, Khoisnam Nelson of Liberal Col, Laishram Rajshaksena of Liberal Col, Wangkhem Sunil of Thoubal Col and W Ibrahim of Thambal Marik Col Setters L Manimatum of Mayai Lambi Col, Oinam Samananda of Nambol L S Col, S Chalamba of Imphal Col, Wairokpam Jackson of Thoubal Col, H Rohit of Imphal Col and K Abinash of Thambal Marik Col All Rounders Oinam Mukta of Thambal Marik Col, N Leo of Thambal Marik Col, Hashan Buya of Thambal Marik Col, Athokpam Ichikhunba of Thoubal Col and Leimapokpam Ronando of Thoubal Col Center Blockers N Amar of Thoubal Col, H Heramani of Mayai Lambi Col and O Arnold of Thambal Marik Col Libero Thangjam Basanta of Liberal Col and G Rohit Sharma of Thambal Marik Col Universal N Anish of Thambal Marik Col The players were further instructed to report at the MU Volleyball Court on October 8 at 11 am with full kits for the selection trial Institutions which could not participate in the MU Inter Col tournament due to lack of requisite number of team members may nominate 3 players of their institution on or before October 7 to participate in the trial selection, said an office order issued in this regard Source The Sangai Express
Zeeshan Ansari set to return to UP Ranji squad after six-year gap
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) After years of being on the fringes of Uttar Pradesh cricket, Zeeshan Ansari is set to make his return to the Ranji Trophy squad after a gap of six years, marking another significant chapter in the leg-spinners remarkable resurgence. The 26-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match for Uttar Pradesh in 2020, has been named in the state squad for the upcoming season after forcing his way back into the reckoning with a standout domestic campaign. IANS has learned that the selectors have shown faith in him and the squad will be officially announced soon. The squad, led by Karan Sharma, includes Rinku Singh, Aradhya Yadav, Aryan Juyal (WK), Madhav Kaushik, Adarsh Singh, Sidharth Yadav, Prashantveer, Kartik Yadav, Ansari, Vansh Choudhary, Yash Dayal, Kunal Tyagi, Priyam Garg, Abhinandan Singh and Kartik Tyagi. Abhishek Goswami and Chikara have been named as stand-by players. It makes Ansaris return even more remarkable considering the way his career seemed to drift following his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Railways on October 6, 2017. Ansari was considered a promising young leg-spinner, as he was part of Indias squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup along with Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. State-level opportunities were few, his progress stagnated, and he had to look elsewhere. Beyond regular play in local tournaments in Lucknow, Ansari also played league cricket in Kolkata and was often seen around the Uttar Pradesh dressing room as a net bowler. Until the beginning of 2025, his proximity to the state team rarely translated into opportunities on the field. Ansari's big breakthrough came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he proved to be one of the most effective bowlers for Uttar Pradesh. A leg-break and googly bowler, he took 21 wickets in eight matches at a stunning 16.52 apiece, always the man to break partnerships and come through in pressure situations. He was a constant threat with his ability to change pace and flight and bowl the googly at opportune moments, especially on surfaces that were becoming more batsman-friendly. Interestingly, despite making his state debut in the 2017-18 season, the last Vijay Hazare Trophy was Ansaris first domestic 50-over competition. His white-ball emergence therefore came relatively late in a career that had begun nearly a decade earlier. The 21-wicket campaign not only revived his Uttar Pradesh career but also pushed him into the national selectors vision. He was subsequently fast-tracked into the India A squad for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month. That call-up highlighted the unusual trajectory of Ansaris career. While he has attracted significant attention through white-ball cricket in the last three years, his red-ball credentials remain relatively limited. Ansari has played only five first-class matches, including Ranji Trophy appearances for Uttar Pradesh, and has taken 17 wickets. His best figures are 3/33, which came against Tripura. His return also comes at a time when the pool of specialist wrist-spinners available for red-ball cricket has become relatively thin. A look at the leading wicket-takers from the last Ranji Trophy season underlines the selectors dilemma. Mayank Mishra, Siddharth Desai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Sharma, Vishal Jayswal and Saurabh Kumar - all slow left-arm orthodox bowlers - featured among the top 10 wicket-takers, with J&K seamer Auqib Nabi leading the charts with 60 wickets. There was only one leg-break bowler among the top 10: Karnataka veteran Shreyas Gopal, who finished third with 48 wickets. The scarcity of wrist-spinners becomes even more evident when the next group of leading wicket-takers are considered. Between 11 and 20, there were two off-spinners - 33-year-old Saransh Jain, who is with India A, and domestic stalwart Jalaj Saxena - alongside pace bowlers Mohammed Nidheesh of Kerala and Sunil Kumar of J&K. The remaining names in that bracket were left-arm orthodox spinners Sagar Udeshi, Shams Mulani, Amit Shukla, Nachiket Bhute, Parth Rekhade and Anukul Roy. In all, 13 of the 20 bowlers in that broader group were left-arm spinners, while the only leg-break bowler in the top 10 was no longer in contention for India. That shortage has created an opening for a bowler like Ansari, whose ability to turn the ball both ways and operate as an attacking wrist-spinner offers a different dimension. For Ansari, however, the journey back to the Ranji setup is about much more than filling a statistical gap. His career appeared to be losing momentum after his early promise with Indias Under-19 team, but his persistence through local cricket, league cricket, net-bowling opportunities and limited state chances eventually brought him back into the spotlight. The 21 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy became the catalyst. Now, after six years away from the Ranji fold, Ansari has another opportunity to establish himself in the red-ball format that once provided his first platform in senior cricket. His inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh squad, followed by the India A call-up, represents a rapid rise for a player who only recently found himself outside the states immediate plans. From an India Under-19 prospect in 2016 to a net bowler struggling for a state opportunity, and now an India A-bound leg-spinner preparing for a Ranji return, Ansaris career has taken an unexpected turn. The next challenge will be to translate his white-ball resurgence into sustained success with the red ball -beginning with Uttar Pradesh, where his first-class journey started on October 6, 2017.
Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
The Kolkata High Court has ruled that animal sales in West Bengal require proper licensing, ensuring compliance with wildlife protection laws. Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
Ease of voting becomes a divide between 2 Nandigram blocks
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.
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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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