Sharadwat seeks independent agency probe into Swasthya Sathi scam
Old Kol phanush flyers run between govt depts for nod
BJP netas union rift brings cargo ops to a halt at Petrapole
Birth registers at police stations delay birth cert clearance
Garia burglars audacity captured in CCTV footage sends shockwaves among locals
After pushback, CISCE asks schools, students to get ready for SHINE, PISA
Calcutta High Court on Free School Street fire
50 offices stay shut in fire-hit building behind Writers, officers suspect short circuit
Dip in gold, silver prices adds glitz to jewellery mkt in festive season
Kolkata advocate attacked after refusing puja subscription demand
In a first, KMC engineers join cops to inspect stability of Kali Puja pandals
Met predicts dry Diwali and cooler nights ahead
Hanuman Ansh director urges dialogue
Walong Day Commemoration commences with wreath-laying ceremony
Digital Desk | Kolkata/Itanagar, Nov 3 (IANS) The 64th Walong Day Commemoration commenced in Arunachal Pradesh with a wreath-laying ceremony paying homage to the brave hearts of the historic Battle of Walong in 1962. The event featured traditional welcomes and vibrant performances by the Mishmi and Meyor tribes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The celebrations featured the flag-off of Battlefield Treks and the inauguration of the Lt. Bikram Singh Football Tournament, honouring the valour and supreme sacrifice of the heroes. Participants from across the country will trek until November 12, ahead of Walong Day, which is commemorated on November 14. The formation also conducted the Walong Half Marathon 2026, themed 'Run for the Bravehearts Remember Walong', at Lohit Valley on October 27, 2026. Both events honour the valour and supreme sacrifice of the heroes of the Battle of Walong in 1962. During this famous battle, outnumbered and under-equipped Indian troops resisted the Chinese advance into Arunachal Pradesh for nearly a month. It was during the Battle of Walong that the Indian soldiers carried out their first attack on the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The battle began on October 21, 1962, with the PLA launching an attack on the Kibithu Post, about 40 km from Walong. Two platoons of Indian troops were attacked by nearly 3,000 PLA soldiers armed with AK-47s, and backed by artillery support. Realising that Kibithu could no longer be held, the 6 Kumaon were ordered back to Walong on October 22. A day later, the Delta Company of 6 Kumaon, under Lt. Bikram Singh Rathore, ambushed the Chinese at a small hanging bridge across the Namti Nullah, about 5 km from Walong. The attack resulted in 200 casualties and injuries to the Chinese side. After this success, the unit was ordered to the West Ridge, overlooking the Walong Landing Ground. The Chinese reinforced and sent an entire infantry division towards Walong. On October 14, the 6 Kumaon launched a fierce attack and captured several Chinese defences in Walong. This was the war's only operation in which Indian troops actually attacked the Chinese, instead of defending territory. The attack continued till November 15, with the Indian forces pushing back the Chinese, despite receiving no artillery or aerial support. On November 16, a large contingent of PLA troops attacked about 100 men of the 6 Kumaon's Delta Company under Lt. Rathore, who had been ordered to hold on to the post till 11 am. The brave officer and his troops continued to repulse continuing attacks by heavily armed PLA soldiers, paying a heavy price. The Chinese had artillery support, but the Indians refused to give up the West Ridge. This continued till well after the deadline of 11 am. The Chinese then fanned out and attacked the defenders from three sides, the other one being a sheer cliff. The brave Kumaonis fought on even after their ammunition ran out. They engaged the PLA troops in hand-to-hand combat till being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The Indian troops were ordered to withdraw from the West Ridge and the Chinese took control of Walong. However, the Indian troops had held them back long enough, making their further progress difficult. The PLA started withdrawing after the Chinese declared a unilateral ceasefire on November 21. Today, several war memorials stand at Walong. The most significant among them are the Walong War Memorial, Helmet Top Post War Memorial, and the Kibithu Hut of Remembrance Memorial.
Thane mans organs saves 3 lives after brain death in Kolkata
42 rare golden coin turtles seized in Howrah
Ghum Winter Festival to mark 27 years of DHRs Unesco heritage status
State signs MoU with NBCC for city and riverfront revamp: Minister
Kolkata Police inducts 4 horses, eyes Republic Day parade
RBI starts 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence
Reserve Bank on Tuesday announced three key surveys to capture inflation expectations of households and gauge consumer confidence in the country- the studies that provide input for bi-monthly monetary policy. The central bank has announced the launch of the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH). The November 2026 round of the survey is being launched. The survey aims at capturing subjective assessments on price movements and inflation, based on their individual consumption baskets, it said. The study will be conducted across 19 cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi and Thiruvananthapuram. In another statement, the RBI said the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks qualitative responses from households regarding their sentiments on the general economic situation, employment scenario, price level, households'
Union Shipping Minister visits Korean shipyard for firsthand account of operations
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) As part of the government of India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, and met Chang-yong Kim, its executive vice president of manufacturing. Ravi Kumar M, ship surveyor-cum-deputy director general (technical), Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), accompanied the minister during the visit. Hanwha Oceans Geoje shipyard covers about 4.9 million square metres. It has a one-million-ton dock and a 900-ton Goliath crane. The yard builds LNG carriers, VLCCs, mega container ships, FLNG units and offshore plants, as well as naval and speciality vessels including submarines. The shipyard delivered its 200th LNG carrier in February 2025. The Indian team got a firsthand view of the shipbuilding operations, reflecting the continued engagement between India and South Korea in shipbuilding and maritime cooperation. Under its maritime policy, the Government of India is aggressively pushing for domestic shipyards to secure joint ventures and technical collaborations with premier foreign partners. Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Centre aims to catapult India into the top five global shipbuilding nations by 2047. The Union Cabinet approved a massive Rs 69,725 crore to turn this vision into reality. This fund is being leveraged by the government to attract global players, particularly from South Korea, Japan, and Europe, to anchor new manufacturing hubs and modernise existing yards. South Korea became India's primary maritime partner under the VOYAGES framework signed in 2026. HD Hyundai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a $4 billion mega greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which will be Indias largest commercial shipyard. India is also aggressively courting Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean for technical support and yard expansions. At the same time, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is in active talks with major Japanese shipbuilders, including Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to establish joint ventures with Indian yards. Europes largest private shipbuilder, Damen Shipyards, is also expanding its existing joint ventures in India to manufacture electric tugs, ferries, and specialised vessels. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has also signed a MoU with Norway's Kongsberg Maritime. To reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies, the government plans to purchase over 400 vessels worth nearly $23 billion over the next decade for public sector entities, giving foreign joint ventures massive order-book visibility. The government is also offering 15-25% capital support for vessels built domestically under the updated Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS). The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) also focuses on building greenfield shipbuilding clusters where the government provides common infrastructure, allowing foreign entities to quickly step in as technical and strategic anchors. To streamline the supply chain, the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) opened its first Indian office in Mumbai to help specialised component manufacturers set up local production alongside Indian yards. State-owned Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and major commercial yards are actively looking for global investors. These include Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), which is currently seeking strategic partners for two massive proposed shipbuilding hubs in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Both GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) are looking for advanced global tech integrations. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is also expanding capabilities in green shipping and cruise tourism through recent MoUs with European firms like Germany's Everllence SE.
Posters of Rahul Gandhi Napping Appear in Kolkatas Salt Lake
Posters depicting Rahul Gandhi napping in Parliament have surfaced in Kolkata, raising questions about accountability and political rivalry. Posters of Rahul Gandhi Napping Appear in Kolkatas Salt Lake
Former Bengal minister Indranil Sen booked under WBMPO Act after seven sections of BNS
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) Former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs, Indranil Sen, who had been accused and arrested by the Kolkata police for his alleged involvement in a fake Durga Puja pass case linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, had also been booked on Tuesday under a particular section of the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (WBMPO) Act, 1972, besides seven sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Sources from the Kolkata police aware of the development, said that Sen, a singer-turned-politician, had been booked under Section 9 of the WBMPO Act, 1972, which relates to penalty for subversive acts, where a person committing any subversive act can be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both. Legal analysts say that the development would bring further trouble for the former Minister considering that he had already been booked under seven sections of the BNS, 2023, Section 316 (criminal breach of trust), Sections 336(2) and 336(3) (forgery and forgery for cheating), Section 338 (forgery of valuable security and other specified documents), Section 318 (cheating), Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), and Section 340(2) (using a forged document or electronic record as genuine). According to preliminary findings, financial irregularities involving several crores of rupees allegedly took place between 2022 and 2025 in the name of UNESCO and Durga Puja celebrations through Mass Art Society, a corporate entity owned by Sen's wife Madhuchhanda Sen. Investigators have also found indications that the former Minister allegedly withdrew substantial sums from various organisations in the name of UNESCO by using his influence, the sources added. The investigating officers of the city police are currently examining other angles in this massive financial forgery, including the floating and use of shell companies to divert funds. Sen is currently in police custody, and he will be presented at a lower court in Kolkata again on November 10. The Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged scam involving passes for UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja tours. The Kolkata police arrested Sen after he emerged from the ED's Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata last week.
East Bengal lose to Al Seeb in AFC Champions League Two
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) East Bengal FC conceded two late goals to suffer a 0-2 defeat against Al Seeb Club (Oman) in their fourth AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Group D match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Tuesday. It was a big blow to the Indian Super League (ISL) champions' hopes of making it to the knockout stage. With this result, the Red and Golds have now slipped to the bottom of the group with two points from four games. Al Seeb are now in third place with four points. Al Shorta SC lead the way with seven, followed by Al Hussein with five. The latter two will meet later in the evening in Jordan. After a tepid opening half, Axel My broke the deadlock in stunning fashion in the 85th minute before Zahir Al Aghbari sealed the victory for the Oman club in the first minute of stoppage time. The home side dominated the opening proceedings with Bipin Singh Thounaojam firing wide from the edge of the box in the fourth minute before Dani Ramrez sent a low effort just wide after a neat passing move from captain Mohammed Rashid, wrote the AIFF on its website. Despite seeing defender Anwar Ali forced off by injury in the 17th minute, the Indian Super League champions continued to press with Edmund Lalrindika threatening, while Ramrez headed Bipins cross narrowly wide. Al Seeb finally got their act together just after the half-hour mark when Abdul Aziz Al Maqbalis through ball released My into the box, but the Gaboneses low drive was comfortably saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. Ramrez then missed another opportunity in the 39th minute, controlling Lalrindikas cross before dragging his effort wide of the far post as the score remained goalless going into the break. Al Seeb came back rejuvenated in the second half, with My wasting another effort in the 49th minute, sending his header just over the bar following Mohammed Al Musalamis layoff from a corner. East Bengal responded in the 55th minute through Lalrindika, whose header from Sandip Mandis cross narrowly missed the target, while Augustine Oladapo could not find the target from distance after seeing his effort just miss the right post. The Omani side looked more likely to score with Omer Al Malki forcing Lachenpa into a reflex save from inside the six-yard box in the 76th minute, before sending his follow-up effort just wide of the left post. Al Seebs persistence finally came to fruition in the 85th minute after Hassan Al Ajmi recycled the ball back to My, who turned past his marker before unleashing a powerful drive past a rooted Lachenpa. Al Aghbari closed Al Seebs account in first-half stoppage time after collecting My's long cross from the left, completing the counter-attack with a fine finish into the bottom right corner. East Bengal will next face Al Hussein SC on Matchday five on November 24 in Kolkata before finishing the group stage in Iraq against Al Shorta on December 8.
East Bengal's Knockout Stage Hopes Dim After Al Seeb Defeat
East Bengal suffered a 0-2 defeat against Oman's Al Seeb Club in their fourth AFC Champions League 2 group match in Kolkata. Two late goals in the 85th minute and stoppage time sealed their fate, pushing them to the bottom of Group D and significantly impacting their knockout stage aspirations.
Dawid Malan named Venice Livewires captain; KC Cariappa joins squad for Italia T10
Digital Desk | Venice, Nov 3 (IANS) Venice Livewires have strengthened their squad ahead of the upcoming Italia T10 League with the signing of Indian leg-spinner KC Cariappa, while former England international Dawid Malan has been appointed captain of the franchise. The twin announcements mark an important step in Venice Livewires' preparations for the competition, bringing together international batting experience and specialist bowling talent. Dawid Malan, one of Englands most accomplished white-ball batters, will lead the side. Known for his consistency, composure and ability to perform under pressure, Malan brings considerable international and franchise cricket experience to the leadership role. His appointment is expected to provide stability and direction to the team as they prepare for the fast-paced T10 format. KC Cariappas inclusion adds variety and depth to the bowling department. The Indian leg-spinner has experience in the Indian domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League (IPL), having represented franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. Recognised for his variations and ability to challenge batters, Cariappa will add another dimension to the Venice Livewires bowling attack. With Malan taking charge as captain and Cariappa joining the squad, Venice Livewires are building a competitive combination for the upcoming Italia T10 League. The franchise is focused on assembling a balanced squad featuring experienced international cricketers and emerging talent, with the ambition of making a strong impact in the tournament. The latest announcements underline Venice Livewires intent to build a competitive team while contributing to the growing popularity of cricket in Italy and across the European sporting landscape. Italia T10 League is Italy's first city-based franchise cricket competition, scheduled to run from November 18 to 29, 2026, in Rome. Officially backed by the Italian Cricket Federation (FCI) and recognised under the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italia T10 features six city-based teams. Among the other teams in fray, Napoli Knights, which will be captained by England legend James Anderson alongside Luke Sutton; Rome Gladiators, which will be led by Babar Omar and feature players like Chris Gayle, Anthony Joseph Mosca, Ahmed Daniyal and Will Smeed. Brescia Lions will feature Mohammad Hafeez, Johnson Charles, and Mian Muhammad Asif Nadeem. Milan Icons is the sixth team in the competition.
Kolkata: Rahul Gandhi's 'sleeping posters' surface in Salt Lake
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) Parts of Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata, on Tuesday, were flooded with posters featuring pictures of Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi taking a nap when the House was in session. The posters also carried a slogan -- Desh Ki Neta Aisa Ho? (Should the country have a leader like this). However, it is still not clear who put up such posters, and no individual or group has claimed responsibility for it. The said posters depicted two separate pictures of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. In one picture, Rahul Gandhi is seen sitting with his hands on his cheeks, and his eyes closed during a session of the Parliament. In another picture, he is seen sitting in a reclining position with his hands on the seat within the House. The message conveyed through the poster is that Rahul Gandhi was sleeping inside the Parliament when the House was in session. The development surfaces at a time when Rahul Gandhi is spearheading a movement at New Delhi, uniting all the opposition forces against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' lists in the country as well as demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, had started a counter campaign throughout the country under the aegis of Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy. On Monday, a mega rally on this count was organised in Kolkata, which was led by the BJP President Nitin Nabin. At the end of the rally, Nabin addressed a gathering and said that just as West Bengal had been freed from the misrule of Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in the Assembly polls earlier this year, now Delhi too needs to be freed from Rahul Gandhi quickly. On Tuesday, a similar rally was organised at Siliguri in Darjeeling district, which was led by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is trying to eliminate illegal infiltrators from the voters' list while Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were trying to protect them.
ISI Conclave: AI, Data Crucial For Policy
Educationists and policy experts at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata emphasised the critical need for developing a robust database, leveraging modern technology and artificial intelligence, to enhance effective policymaking. The two-day conclave, featuring prominent speakers like Prof S Mahendra Dev, highlighted the ongoing transformation in official statistics and the importance of public trust and research.
ABVP announces 'Kolkata Chalo' rally on November 20
At a press conference at the ABVP's West Bengal state office, the organisation's leaders called for protecting democratic institutions and constitutional values.
Inauguration of Agartala Tea auction centre is a big boost to Tripura tea industry
Producers are happy at substantial lowering of transport costs, timely delivery By Ashis Biswas KOLKATA: In Tripura, the fledgling tea industry received a major boost a few days ago with the inauguration of Agartala Tea Auction Centre (ATAC) the fifth such unit in India. State Chief Minister Mr Manik Saha, while thanking [] The post Inauguration of Agartala Tea auction centre is a big boost to Tripura tea industry appeared first on Northlines .
Air Pollution Alert: Delhi's AQI At 'Hazardous' 341; Kolkata Breathing In 'Unhealthy' Zone
Check the latest AQI readings and air quality categories for six Indian cities.
Bengal govt official held while accepting bribe in North 24 Parganas
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the West Bengal Police on Tuesday arrested an official of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) after catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 in New Barrackpore of North 24 Parganas district, officials said. According to the ACB, the official was accused of accepting bribes for installing a new electricity connection and transformer. According to ACB officials, the arrest followed a written complaint lodged by a local resident, who alleged that the official had demanded Rs 20,000 to facilitate the installation of a new electricity connection and a 315 KVA transformer in the area. Acting on the complaint, ACB officers conducted a verification exercise and laid a trap. As part of the operation, the complainant met the accused official at a pre-arranged location on Tuesday and handed over the money. The ACB team immediately intervened and apprehended the official while allegedly receiving the bribe. The entire amount was recovered from his possession. Following preliminary investigations, a case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators are now examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged bribery network or if the accused was acting on behalf of a larger group. The arrest was made based on a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, an official said. The latest action comes a day after the ACB arrested a suspended sub-assistant engineer of Raghunathpur Municipality in Purulia district in connection with multiple corruption allegations. The probe involves alleged corruption, misappropriation of government funds, irregularities in municipal works and suspected irregularities related to government land.
Bengal CM announces healthcare and tourism sectors development
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) The West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Tuesday, chaired an administrative review meeting at Siliguri in Darjeeling district in the northern sector of West Bengal and made a host of announcements for the overall development of the healthcare and tourism sectors in the hill regions in North Bengal. The Chief Minister announced that the foundation stone of Kalimpong Medical College & Hospital will be laid on December 9, 2027. In addition to that, we have decided to carry out extensive repairs, modernisation and infrastructural improvements to the sub-division and district hospitals of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik and Siliguri, the Chief Minister said. According to the Chief Minister, strengthening the health infrastructure in North Bengal will ensure access to improved medical services for thousands of people staying in the region, and they will not have to move elsewhere to get proper treatment facilities. He also announced the approval for a 21-kilometre ropeway project connecting Darjeeling and Kurseong. According to him, once this ropeway project is operational in mountainous areas, it will not only relieve the problem of severe traffic congestion but will also make travel much easier and more enjoyable both for the residents and the tourists from home and abroad. The Chief Minister, at the administrative review meeting, also gave directions to complete the repair and renovation work of all government tourist lodges in the region at the earliest. He also gave a green signal to the proposal to upgrade the Lebong Ground into a modern stadium of international standards to develop the talent of the sports-loving youth of the hills. The Chief Minister also announced an allocation of Rs 19 crore for the beautification, infrastructural transformation and regular maintenance of the sacred and historical Mahakal Temple premises in Darjeeling. Thanking the Chief Minister for these announcements, the BJPs Lok Sabha member from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, said that the expansion of communication systems, health services, sports and spiritual tourism will create employment opportunities for the local youth and completely transform the economic landscape of North Bengal.
Wanted Cyber Fraudster Arrested at Kolkata Airport While Attempting to Flee to Dubai
A wanted cyber fraudster was apprehended at Kolkata Airport while trying to escape to Dubai, facing multiple charges in Karnataka. Wanted Cyber Fraudster Arrested at Kolkata Airport While Attempting to Flee to Dubai
Three burglars allegedly broke into a Kolkata businessman's home hours after his wife shared a picture wearing a Rs 5 lakh birthday necklace on social media. They spent around 50 minutes ransacking the empty house, using birthday cake to cover CCTV cameras and stealing cash, jewellery and imported liquor worth Rs 9 lakh.
Three burglars allegedly broke into a Kolkata businessman's home hours after his wife shared a picture wearing a Rs 5 lakh birthday necklace on social media. They spent around 50 minutes ransacking the empty house, using birthday cake to cover CCTV cameras and stealing cash, jewellery and imported liquor worth Rs 9 lakh.
Three burglars allegedly broke into a Kolkata businessman's home hours after his wife shared a picture wearing a Rs 5 lakh birthday necklace on social media. They spent around 50 minutes ransacking the empty house, using birthday cake to cover CCTV cameras and stealing cash, jewellery and imported liquor worth Rs 9 lakh.
Old Image Falsely Linked to INDIA Bloc
The image dates back to 2019 and shows visuals of a Left Front rally in Kolkata, West Bengal.
SMP Kolkata Dy. Chief Engineer Recruitment 2026
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) has released the official notification for the post of Dy. Chief Engineer. The online application process will begin on 03 November 2026, and the last date to apply is 02 December 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, smp.smportkolkata.in.
Ranbir Kapoor's eagerly awaited film Ramayana is set to debut on November 5, 2023, following global screenings. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the epic movie boasts a staggering budget of Rs 4000 crore. With ticket prices differing by location, format, and showtime, viewers can experience this cinematic masterpiece in 2D, 3D, IMAX, or 4DX, starting with early morning shows across major Indian cities.
Bengal CM calls emergency meeting with BDOs over 125-day rural job scheme after complaints
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has convened an emergency review meeting with block development officers (BDOs) from across the state to assess the progress of the 125-day rural employment scheme, amid complaints of sluggish implementation at the district and panchayat levels. According to state secretariat sources, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had been receiving several complaints about administrative laxity in implementing the scheme, prompting Adhikari to seek a detailed assessment directly from the officials responsible for its execution at the grassroots level. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the headquarters of the West Bengal Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Department in Salt Lake, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Besides the Chief Minister, state Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh and Minister of State Santanu Pramanik will also attend the meeting, the sources said. During the meeting, Adhikari is expected to seek block-wise and district-wise details of projects undertaken under the rural employment scheme. He will also seek explanations from BDOs over the slow pace of implementation in certain blocks and the reasons behind the reported administrative shortcomings. The review follows a meeting convened by the Chief Minister last week with departmental secretaries, principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries to assess the implementation of the scheme. The issue of delays and inadequate progress in several blocks had figured prominently during that discussion. Following that meeting, the Chief Minister decided to interact directly with the BDOs to obtain first-hand information about the ground situation. He has also made it clear to the senior bureaucrats heading various departments that any laxity in implementing the rural employment scheme will not be tolerated, a state secretariat insider said. Following the change of government in West Bengal after the Assembly elections earlier this year, the state was brought under the Centre's Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VG-RAM-G scheme. The new arrangement provides for 125 days of guaranteed rural employment annually, compared with the earlier provision of 100 days. The scheme came into effect in the state on July 1, 2026. However, complaints of delays and inadequate implementation have continued to reach the CMO. Despite the new arrangement coming into effect, there have been reports of shortcomings in its execution. The Chief Minister has, therefore, decided to intervene personally and review the progress, the sources added.
Todays Gold Rate in India November 3: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on November 3
INS Kolkata Leads Azini Rescue: Indian Navy Frees 20 Crew From Armed Pirates Off Somalia
The Indian Navy has liberated the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates in a swift, well-coordinated operation spanning more than 48 hours, bringing all 20 crew members to safety with no casualties or injuries. The warship that carried out the rescue was INS Kolkata. The operation took place more than 3,000 km from Mumbai, and [] The post INS Kolkata Leads Azini Rescue: Indian Navy Frees 20 Crew From Armed Pirates Off Somalia appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Cyclone Murasu delays winter in Bengal, relief expected before Kali Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) The indirect impact of Cyclone Murasu has delayed the onset of winter in West Bengal, with temperatures remaining above normal across the state, the meteorological department said on Tuesday. However, weather conditions are expected to improve from Thursday (November 5), with temperatures likely to dip ahead of Kali Puja on November 8, bringing the much-awaited winter chill to the state. According to the weather department, scattered rainfall is likely in several parts of Bengal on Tuesday under the influence of Cyclone Murasu, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The cyclone has triggered forecasts of heavy rainfall, with a red alert issued for coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Although Bengal is unlikely to experience any direct impact of the cyclone, its indirect effects are expected to influence weather conditions. The sky will remain partly cloudy across all districts on Tuesday, with isolated spells of light rain. In north Bengal, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar may receive light rainfall at one or two places. The remaining three districts of north Bengal are expected to remain dry. In south Bengal, isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia. Other districts are likely to experience predominantly dry weather. The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry conditions across the state from Wednesday to Saturday, with the possibility of rainfall gradually diminishing. As cloud cover clears, night temperatures are expected to fall progressively, creating favourable conditions for the arrival of winter around Kali Puja. Meanwhile, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31.04 degrees Celsius on Monday, marginally above the normal level of 31 degrees. The minimum temperature stood at 25.02 degrees Celsius, which was 2.03 degrees above normal. The relative humidity in the city ranged between 67 and 95 per cent, indicating continued moisture in the atmosphere.
Gold, silver prices today, 3 November Coimbatore: Latest price movement today for investors ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali in Isha city. We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Gold, silver prices today, 3 November: Latest price movement today for investors ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali in Chennai. We also bring retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver across cities Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Kolkata: BJP announces Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy march from College Street
Kolkata: BJP announces Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy march from College Street
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) The Kolkata Police, probing an alleged multi-crore fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to festival tours organised around the UNESCO-tagged celebration, may summon the wife and daughter of arrested former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen for a second round of questioning. Sens wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, and daughter, Averi Sen, have already been questioned once each at the city police headquarters in Lalbazar, Central Kolkata. However, police sources said their initial statements failed to answer several questions satisfactorily, prompting investigators to consider questioning both again. A police source said, however, the reasons for seeking further clarification from Madhuchhanda and Averi were different. The statements made by the former minister and his wife regarding their respective roles in Mass Art, the entity through which the fake passes were allegedly sold, have been completely contradictory. While the former minister claimed that he had no role in the day-to-day operations of Mass Art, his wife maintained that although the entity was officially registered in her name, she had no decision-making authority and that all major decisions were taken by her husband, the police source said. However, according to the police source, both Sen and his wife have consistently named one individual, Dhurbojyoti Basu, as the person responsible for handling the operational activities of Mass Art. Investigators are now seeking greater clarity on the respective roles played by the former minister, his wife and Basu in the functioning of the entity. This has prompted them to consider another round of questioning of Madhuchhanda Sen to reconcile the contradictory statements and establish who exercised actual control over its operations. The proposed second round of interrogation of Averi Sen, meanwhile, is linked to financial transactions involving two other entities, 'iScape' and 'Mayra', which were reportedly controlled by her. Another city police source said the investigation had revealed frequent transfers of funds to the bank accounts of these two entities. However, during her first round of questioning at Lalbazar on November 2, Averi allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations for the transactions or establish the reasons behind the repeated transfer of funds. Investigators are, therefore, seeking further clarification from her regarding the financial transactions and the nature of the two entities' involvement, the source added. A singer-turned-politician, Indranil Sen, had served as West Bengal Tourism Minister and Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs. He is currently in police custody and is scheduled to be produced before a city court again on November 10. Both the Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are conducting parallel investigations into the alleged multi-crore fake Durga Puja pass scam involving festival tours organised around the UNESCO-tagged celebration. The financial transactions and the alleged roles of individuals associated with Mass Art are among the aspects under scrutiny.
Sourav Gangulys ancestral Behala home reflects his family history and cricketing career. The more than 60-year-old mansion includes a Wall of Fame, a trophy room filled with memorabilia, and a backyard cricket pitch.
Alan Walker Announces Legend of Atlantis Tour In India: Heres Everything You Need To Know
The India tour will span six cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi NCR, at prominent festival venues in the country like the Leisure Valley, Mahalaxmi Lawns, NESCO Hall 6, Aquatica Grounds and more.
Manipal Hospitals Launches BE FAST Initiative for Stroke Awareness
Manipal Hospitals promoted the BE FAST initiative for stroke detection during an event in Kolkata, urging quick identification of symptoms. Manipal Hospitals Launches BE FAST Initiative for Stroke Awareness
Countrywide butter shortage hits Kashmir as supplies run dry
Srinagar, Nov 2:The familiar Amul butter pack is becoming increasingly elusive in Srinagar, and other districts as well. Consumers are struggling to find it at neighbourhood grocery stores and departmental outlets amidst a shortage that extends well beyond Kashmir. Finding a pack of Amul butter, any size, has now become like hitting a lottery. The supply disruption has left households searching multiple shops for the popular dairy product. For the past one week, we have been looking for 500 gm pack for our home, the one we usually have. We couldn't find it, neither at small shops in neighbourhood, nor at bigger departmental, Farhan Zargar, a resident of Lal Chowk Srinagar said. He said earlier in the week, the shops sold blister packs, but even that supply appears to have exhausted now. Now, there are some tin-can packs available in some shops, and it costs double the regular packs, he said. Retailers that Greater Kashmir spoke to said they are receiving inadequate stocks to meet customer demand. Saleem Hussain, a grocery store owner in Jawahar Nagar said his suppliers are not delivering Amul butter for some time. It is a problem. Some people have old stock, but new stock is disrupted, he said. The problem is not confined to Srinagar or other districts of Kashmir. Similar shortages have been reported from several parts of the country, including Gujarat, Pune, Kolkata and Agra. These shortages point to a wider supply-side disruption. Consumers looking for their preferred butter brands have now found themselves having to settle for alternatives. A report published by The Himalayan Post on October 29 quoted a regional distributor as saying only 50 parcels were being supplied against orders for 500 parcels. The distributor attributed the shortage to inadequate supplies from the company. He claimed that the disruption was being experienced nationally. The report also documented shortages at departmental stores and online grocery retailer. Some online sellers reported that distributors were imposing conditions involving bulk purchases of other products. The precise reasons behind the disruption is unclear through. In September, reports from Gujarat had also highlighted consumers' inability to find Amul butter across retail outlets. The shortage had also hit quick-commerce platforms. A distributor had attributed the problem to seasonal milk availability in Gujarat. In Pune, a shortage was reported as early as July. The distributors had pointed to inadequate availability of milk with the required fat content. Kolkata retailers too reported erratic replenishment in September. They were quoted across media outlets saying they received only a fraction of their usual requirements. Recently reports from Agra have pointed to shortages ahead of the festive season. There is also change in retail prices, wherever available.
Gold and silver prices recovered on Monday after last week's sharp fall, but both metals came under fresh pressure in international markets on Tuesday.
Robots enter Kashmir's saffron fields
Pampore, Nov 02: In Kashmir's saffron fields, where extracting a kilogram of the prized spice requires separating the red stigmas of nearly 1.6 lakh flowers by hand, scientists are testing robots to take over some of the most labour-intensive work involved in its cultivation. On Monday, the experimental machines were put to the test at the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices in Konibal, Pampore, where scientists demonstrated robotic systems designed to remove weeds, pick saffron flowers and separate their delicate stigmas. The field trials, conducted under a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)-supported project in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), offered growers a glimpse of how automation could change the way Kashmir's most valuable spice is cultivated and processed. For scientists, the immediate challenge is to reduce the dependence on manual labour, which remains one of the biggest constraints on saffron cultivation. Prof Syed Zameer Hussain, Director Research at SKUAST-K and Chief Principal Investigator of the project, said harvesting flowers and separating stigmas are among the most demanding operations in saffron production. To obtain just one kilogram of dry saffron, growers must separate stigmas from approximately 1,60,000 flowers, he said. Scientists are now developing robotic arms fitted with vision systems to identify and pick flowers in the field, along with mechanical units capable of separating the red stigmas after harvesting. Hussain said the trials had shown encouraging results and that researchers were aiming to make field-ready machines available to farmers by next year. Another prototype demonstrated on Monday was an autonomous weeding robot, developed to address the persistent problem of weeds in saffron fields. Unlike crops where weeding is confined to a particular season, saffron fields require repeated attention almost throughout the year. The robot is designed to identify and remove weeds, with its navigation and operation controlled through a mobile application. SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who attended the demonstration, said the machines were being developed in collaboration with leading national research institutions, including C-DAC Kolkata and CMERI Durgapur. He said trials would continue over the next month or two, while the technology could take one to two years to be fully refined for wider use. Ganai said the shortage of agricultural labour had become a serious concern for growers across Jammu and Kashmir, with younger people increasingly reluctant to take up physically demanding farm work. Although climate change, prolonged dry spells and erratic weather have affected saffron production, he said the heavy dependence on manual labour was another major obstacle to sustaining cultivation. Mechanisation, he said, could help address that difficulty and make saffron farming more attractive to younger generations. Dr Showkat Rasool, In-charge of SKUAST-K's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, said the project was conceived about a year ago in response to declining saffron acreage and yields and the difficulties associated with manual cultivation. He said the automated weeding system had already been validated during important stages of the crop cycle, including November, March and the June-July period. The project, now in its second year, involves CMERI Durgapur, CMERI Ludhiana, CMTI Bengaluru, C-DAC Kolkata and C-DAC Mohali. Dr Sunita Verma, Scientist G and Group Coordinator, R&D in IT at MeitY, said the initiative was intended to use electronics and information technology to address practical problems faced by farmers. Besides saffron, the programme covers technological interventions in walnut and apple cultivation. Verma said farmers had been consulted while developing the project and were being involved in evaluating the prototypes. Their feedback, she said, would be important in identifying limitations and making the machines suitable for actual farm conditions. Monday's demonstration was held as part of the third meeting of the National Steering Committee under the National Programme on Application of Electronics and ICT in Himalayan Region Crop Management, known as Agri-Excellence. The committee will continue its review at SKUAST-K's Shalimar campus on Tuesday. The university has also developed machines for preparing saffron beds and planting corms, with the corm-planting equipment already operational at the research station. Ganai said researchers had additionally developed an intercropping system that allows saffron and black cumin, locally known as Kala Jeera, to be cultivated in the same field. The university is producing and distributing planting material to encourage farmers to adopt the practice.
Health dept deploys emergency teams for Kali Puja
HC: Not for us to dictate how KMC wards will be altered
Crowd-control steps at pujas in Barasat
Maidan cleanup volunteer tracks down owner of lost ID cards
Kolkatas Pavement Doctor dies at Norfolk home
Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.
Arunachal: Mortal remains of two missing soldiers recovered after two months
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) More than two months after flash floods swept away five Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the two remaining bodies were finally traced. The Army's Eastern Command, on Monday, paid homage to Havildar Upendr Yadav and Agniveer Samundra Singh. Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, Army Commander, and all ranks express deepest condolences on the demise of Havildar Upendr Yadav and Agniveer Samundra Singh of Spear Corps, who gallantly made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Dibang, Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved families, the Command posted on X. The flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst, had swept away two camps of the 5 Grenadiers around 4.30 pm on August 14, 2026. Seven soldiers were carried away from the Pasu Pani camp by the floodwaters. While two of them could be rescued, five went missing. A massive search operation was launched by the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other agencies. Three bodies were recovered in September from the debris and rocks. After DNA analysis, they were identified as Agniveer Aditya Kumar of Vaishali, Bihar; Kundan Kumar of Bhojpur, Bihar; and Vinod Yadav of Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh. However, there was no trace of Havildar Yadav or Singh. It is a rugged and desolate terrain, with rock outcrops, hills and forests. Despite the challenges, the rescue teams did not give up. Helicopters also joined in the search operations, and locals were engaged to look for the two, an official said. While the recovery of the bodies has smothered even the last flicker of hope for the families, it will bring closure and remove legal hurdles. Havildar Yadav's family members in Uttar Pradesh were waiting for any news about the 38-year-old soldier. Relatives had earlier said that the wait was taking a heavy mental toll. The family had launched social media appeals and poster campaigns to draw attention to the missing soldier and urged civil society to support the search. According to officials, the mortal remains will be sent back to the families after all legal formalities. Their last rites will be performed with full military honours. While Havildar Yadav's family will receive compensation, gratuity and pension, the next of kin of Singh will receive an amount exceeding Rs 1 crore. This will include Rs 48 lakh from the non-contributory life insurance, one-time ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh and Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund. His family is also entitled to his entire salary for the balance period of four years that he was to serve.
Arnab-Murasu first double cyclone to hit Bengal-Andhra stretch in less than 7 days
ED Searches Seven Premises In Delhi, Kolkata In Money Laundering Cases
Probe concerns alleged illegal overseas transfers of `569.03 crore through forged software import documents
Jadavpur University Debars Staffer Amid Sexual Harassment Probe
KMC show-causes LBS for remarks against min, comm, Kartik Maharaj
Green body calls for stricter curbs
KMC commissioner joins queue, orders more birth certificate counters
Chorbagan fallout: Cops to bar pandal entry if it rains on Kali Puja
Airfares to Kolkata soar on Nov festive demand
Bazi Bazaar tightens safety checks, bars 3 fireworks stalls
Secondary board proposes to defer Madhyamik exam
Assembly canteen worker found dead in washroom
App-cabby gets pals to thrash, rob 2 passengers in Entally
Fire rages overnight, guts offices behind Writers
Rs 5cr state funds for New Town road repairs
IIT Madras sets up research laboratories to advance sustainable construction
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Two advanced research laboratories focused on sustainable construction are being set up at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras as part of a longstanding industry partnership. The state-of-the-art research facilities will be supported by a Rs 3.8 crore grant spanning three years. The two specialised units being established are the Digital Real-Time Sensing Technologies for Infrastructure (DRSTI) and the Concrete Admixture Research for Engineering Next-gen Construction (CAREN) laboratories. Both laboratories will be located at IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Technologies for Low-carbon and Lean Construction (TLC2). The laboratories will focus on developing innovative solutions to improve construction productivity, material efficiency, structural durability and sustainability through next-generation materials and digital technologies, the institute stated. This collaboration aims to translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions, advancing smarter infrastructure and low-carbon, lightweight construction in India, it added. The initiative comes at a time when sustainability and low-carbon emissions have become top priorities across the construction sector. Building material companies are actively striving to manufacture products with a significantly lower carbon footprint, encompassing everything from glass to plaster and concrete. Under current industry developments, plaster for interior finishes is being formulated with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). There is also a constant effort to reduce cement clinker content for greater circularity. Furthermore, embodied carbon in raw materials such as glass, plasterboard, and mortars is being systematically reduced, while manufacturing plants are switching to electric power and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Leading industry manufacturers are expanding these efforts by maximising recycled content, reducing waste, and offering comprehensive Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The broader construction sector has steadily moved from heavy to light construction, actively promoting resource-efficient designs, high thermal/acoustic insulation, and smart glass solutions that lower a building's energy footprint throughout its operational lifecycle. Consequently, modern offices and homes are becoming smarter through the strategic use of lighting and air-conditioning. These contemporary offices and homes are being specially designed and built with materials that have a lower carbon footprint to reduce power consumption, with many structures incorporating solar panels for the generation of green energy.
ED Raids in Delhi and Kolkata Lead to Seizure of
The Enforcement Directorate seized 47 lakh and foreign currency during raids in Delhi and Kolkata linked to a software import scam. ED Raids in Delhi and Kolkata Lead to Seizure of 47 Lakh in Software Import Scam
Bengal: Sub-Assistant Engineer arrested on multiple corruption charges
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), on Monday, arrested a Sub-Assistant Engineer (under suspension) of Raghunathpur Municipality in Purulia district, in connection with multiple corruption allegations against him. The arrest was made based on a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. According to an ACB official, the investigation pertains to allegations of corruption, misappropriation of government funds, irregularities in municipal works and suspected irregularities involving government land. During the investigation, substantial documentary evidence, including tender records, an enquiry report submitted by the Sub-Divisional Officer and land and property-related records concerning the accused and his family members, has been collected and is under scrutiny, said the official. The accused had been served notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, on two occasions to appear before the Investigating Officer but failed to appear. Further investigation and necessary legal formalities are in progress in accordance with law, the official added. Last month, a revenue inspector was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch while taking a bribe. He is an employee of the Land and Land Reforms Office in Aushgram of East Burdwan district. He was accused of taking a bribe of Rs 4,000 in the name of issuing an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate. The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch conducted the operation and caught him red-handed. The state administration has informed that the number of such operations will increase in the coming days to keep government services transparent and corruption-free for the common man. The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Bureau has given a clear message that any attempt to harass the common man or take bribes in the name of providing government services will not be tolerated. The ACB said such strict steps will increase in the future to maintain transparency.
Bengal: E-tendering mandatory in govt Depts for better transparency
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) The West Bengal government, on Monday, announced mandatory e-tendering in 25 state government departments in an attempt to complete project works on time and in a more transparent manner. Accordingly, in a notification issued by the State Finance Department on Monday, it said that new e-tender portals have been opened for these 25 state government departments where e-tendering will be mandatory henceforth. The new system will be in effect from November 3. As per the notification signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the State Finance Department, P.K. Mishra, the initiative had been mooted to ensure timely and effective implementation of various schemes and ensure transparency in the tendering system. The state government has launched this new portal so that the work of various government projects can be implemented in a timely and effective manner, the notification read. The notification further stated that henceforth, the departments concerned and all their subordinate branch offices would have to invite all new tenders only through this new portal. The new web portal was launched on a trial basis in December 2025 through a special memorandum of the State Finance Department. Subsequently, on August 12 of this year, the scope of this system was extended step by step based on the application of some specific departments, including the Public Works Department. This time, it has been decided to launch this service in full swing in 25 departments at once. All the necessary information from the old portal is also being quickly transferred to the new system, a state finance department official said. The departments where the e-tendering system had been made mandatory henceforth include the Agriculture & Agricultural Marketing Department, Animal Husbandry Development Department, Cooperatives Department, Backwards Classes Welfare Department, Consumer Protection Department, Disaster Management Department, School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Food & Supplies Department, Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Information Technology Department, Tourism Department, Fire Service Department, Home & Hill Affairs Department, Industries & Commerce Department, Labour Department, Fisheries Department, Food Processing Department, Horticulture Department, Housing Department, Prison Administration Department, Justice Department and Women & Child Welfare Department. The main objective of this step is to speed up the tender process and create a common digital infrastructure across all departments. The new portal will increase transparency in government work and reduce delays to a great extent as it becomes operational. The departments concerned have been instructed to strictly follow the new rules from Tuesday, said the state finance department official.
West Bengal Christians hurt by mob violence narrate their ordeals before peoples tribunal
Christian women say mobs vandalised prayers meetings in their homes and physically assaulted them, accusing them of religious conversion; most perpetrators not arrested, police attitude has changed under BJP rule, survivors say
Bengal: Nadia tops among districts in tuberculosis eradication campaign program
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) Nadia has topped among the districts in West Bengal in the tuberculosis eradication campaign programme under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. According to the statistics provided by the Nadia district administration, out of the total 185 village panchayats in the district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in 15 village panchayats in the last three years, which is considered as Gold Standard as per the national programme on tuberculosis eradication. Similarly, in 33 village panchayats in Nadia district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in the last two years, which is considered as Silver Standard as per the same national programme. At the same time, in 50 village panchayats in Nadia district, not a single case of tuberculosis has been reported in the last year, which is considered Bronze Standard as per the national programme. This means that currently a total of 98 of 185 village panchayats in Nadia district are tuberculosis-free. According to Nadias district magistrate, Dr Srikanth Palli, this success has come as a result of continuous initiatives in tuberculosis detection, regular treatment, surveillance and awareness raising. About 20 years ago, the number of tuberculosis patients in Nadia district was around 30 times higher than the current number. The situation has totally changed now for the better, he added. According to him, tuberculosis needs long-term treatment and, depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment period can be as long as six and 18 months. However, it was noticed earlier that after the beginning of the medication process, often people stopped taking medicines midway after getting the initial relief from the cough and decline in infection level. This tendency used to increase the risk of drug-resistant tuberculosis, where treatment became even more difficult, he added. Therefore, he added, in the last few years the emphasis was especially given to ensuring that the patients go through the entire medication process, continuing the medicine for the full period as per the doctors advice. Currently, around 350 volunteers are involved in Nadia district alone as 'Nikshay Mitra'. They are responsible for helping the affected people with treatment and nutrition, Palli added.
Home Ministry expands FRRO framework for better management of foreign nationals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) The Union Home Ministry highlighted on Monday that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the institutional framework for management of foreign nationals has been strengthened through expansion of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), to establish an office in all state capitals by 2027. In a statement issued by the Ministry, senior officials said that there has been a substantial increase in the number of foreigners visiting India for tourism, medical and education purposes, and there is a need to appoint FRROs in all states. This will ensure service accessibility, enhance regulatory compliance and promote India as an attractive destination. Identifying this need, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the establishment of FRROs in all state capitals by 2027, the statement said. Pursuant to the above directions of the Union Home Minister, five new FRROs have been set up in the capitals of five states since 2025, said the statement. Three FRRO offices at Jaipur, Chandigarh and Guwahati were established in 2025. Earlier, these were under the jurisdiction of the FRRO offices located at Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata, respectively, it said. This year two new FRRO offices have been established in the state capitals, namely, Aizawl (Mizoram) and Amravati (Andhra Pradesh). Earlier, Aizawl was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Kolkata, whereas Amravati was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Hyderabad, it said. Recently, three new FRRO offices, namely Kohima (Nagaland), Agartala (Tripura) and Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) were notified. Earlier, Kohima and Agartala were under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Kolkata, whereas Bhubaneshwar was under the jurisdiction of FRRO, Hyderabad, said the statement. The total number of FRRO offices in the country has now gone up to twenty (20), located at Ahmedabad, Amravati, Amritsar, Aizawl, Agartala, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Chandigarh, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kohima, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai and Trivandrum, it said. The expansion of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) has a dual focus on facilitating foreigners legitimate travel and stay in India and ensuring effective implementation of immigration laws and security requirements, it said.
GRSE signs Rs 32,000 cr deal with Indian Navy to build five next-generation corvettes
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a contract with the Indian Navy for the construction of five (5) Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) on Monday. GRSE was the lowest bidder for this project, which is worth nearly Rs 32,000 crore (for the five warships). While GRSE has built guided-missile and anti-submarine warfare corvettes in the past, the NGCs will not only be larger, but far more advanced with state-of-the-art sensors and weapons. These warships will be 127 metres long and 17.6 metres wide. They will have a deadweight tonnage of 4,950 Tons, with the capability of operating at sea without replenishment for 14 days. Their maximum speed will be 26 knots. Classified by a Naval Headquarters-approved classification society, the NGCs will accommodate 11 officers and 139 sailors. The platforms will have a highly sophisticated propulsion architecture of a Combined Diesel and Gas turbine with a Cross-Connect gearbox (CODAG-CC), driving two Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP). The Corvettes will be designed for multi-role operations, including offensive Ship-to-Ship or Ship-to-Surface Missile Attacks, Anti-Missile Defences, Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations, Escort Duties, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) including Visit Board Search and Seizure, and Local Naval Defence. For these roles, the warships will be fitted with advanced weapons and navigation suites such as Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM), Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), and 324 mm torpedo tubes. They will also have a OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with the latest upgrade, an AK 630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns (SRCGs) with Electro-Optic Based Fire Control System (EOFCS), Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) system and Multi-Function Surveillance, Track and Guidance Radar (MFSTAR). The NGCs will also carry helicopters.
Fake software import: ED seizes Rs 47 lakh, foreign currency in Delhi, Kolkata
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) The ED conducted searches at seven premises located in Delhi and Kolkata and seized Rs 47 lakh and foreign currency in a case related to illegal transfer of funds outside India in the guise of payments for software import, an official said on Monday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Visakhapatnam Sub-Zonal Office, carried out the search operations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official said in a statement. The proceeds of crime in this case are prima facie estimated to be about Rs 1,500 crore. The search operation led to seizure of unaccounted/unexplainable cash worth Rs 47 lakh and foreign currency amounting to US $5900, 2200 United Arab Emirates dirham, 5600 renminbi/Chinese yuan along with voluminous incriminating documents/records/property papers and digital devices containing evidence of layering of proceeds of crime and its transfer outside India through shell entities, the ED said. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered under various sections of the IPC by M.V.P. Police Station, Visakhapatnam, on the complaint of the Income Tax Department, against Vaddi Mahesh and others, said the statement. They were accused of conspiring together, creating false and forged documents and using the same as genuine to make foreign outward remittances through various banks, it said. It was revealed that Vaddi Mahesh, along with his father and others, floated several companies with registered offices in Kolkata and opened bank accounts in their names, through which an amount of Rs 569.03 crore was transferred to five companies in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, ostensibly towards purchase of customised software. However, fabricated invoices of the foreign companies were submitted to the banks, and no software was imported against these remittances, the ED said. The money laundering investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate revealed that Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, a habitual offender detained thrice under COFEPOSA, was smuggling cosmetics, electronic goods, textile fabrics, into India by evading customs duty, including by misusing the Customs Transit Declaration Scheme available for Nepal, the agency said. In order to pay the overseas suppliers and to launder the proceeds of crime generated from the sale of the smuggled goods, he approached Vaddi Mahesh through his associates, it said. Investigation showed that during 2014-17, Vaddi Mahesh received funds in the bank accounts of his shell companies from various entities and remitted the same abroad on the instructions of Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, the ED said. These funds were parked in dormant or newly incorporated companies in Singapore and Hong Kong held by nominee directors, and were further transferred to the bank accounts of Bhimendra Kumar Goyal and the companies of his family members, Swiss Fox Pte Ltd and Bhav Technology China Limited, thereby projecting the proceeds of crime as untainted. Investigation further revealed that Bhimendra Kumar Goyal, in collusion with Pawan Kumar Ralli, operated fake firms, Mehak Overseas, Karan Overseas and Geet Enterprises, in fictitious names at fake addresses in New Delhi, and that part of the proceeds of crime was also diverted abroad through Village Handicraft Export and received in Eagle Mount Trading Pte Ltd, Singapore, beneficially owned by Ashish Todi, the ED said.
After Mamata-free Bengal, time now for Rahul-free Delhi: Nitin Nabin
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 2 (IANS) BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Monday led the party's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' march in Kolkata and simultaneously targeted former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The procession, which started from College Street with Nitin Nabin, state Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, concluded in the Esplanade area in central Kolkata. While addressing the public at the end of the march, Nitin Nabin said, West Bengal is already completely free from Mamata. Unable to cope with the shock of defeat in his own state, the former Chief Minister is now crying in Delhi. Now Delhi too needs to be freed from Rahul quickly. The BJP launched a counter-offensive against the Opposition's protests over the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On Sunday, the INDIA Bloc held a 'Save the Vote, Save the Country' programme at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Slamming the Opposition for organising the protest, Nitin Nabin said, People of the INDIA Bloc, who were defeated in their respective states, had gathered in Delhi to cry. The manner in which TMC was wiped out in Bengal, Congress and AAP were wiped out in Delhi. In Bihar too, RJD was completely wiped out. Now, it is Uttar Pradesh's turn; we had defeated Akhilesh Yadav earlier too, and we will defeat him in 2027 too. Such people with anarchist mindsets are led by Rahul Gandhi. Attacking the Congress further, the BJP national president said the grand old party never learns from its mistakes. Instead of learning from his mistakes, Rahul Gandhi is acting as the tool kit of foreign forces. When I say this word, I say this because when there was unrest in Bangladesh, he was sympathetic towards the elements who were causing the unrest. When elements try to cause unrest in Nepal, he expresses sympathy to them. Rahul Gandhi and Congress are sympathetic towards all such elements. The BJP Rajya Sabha leader further said, ''Even today, I tell Rahul Gandhi Ji: learn from your shortcomings, or else in the coming days, there will be no one left in the country even to take Congress's name; this is the situation that will arise for you. You talk about democracy? I ask the workers of Congress: is there any democracy left in your own party? You invoke the Constitution, which Constitution? The Constitution that runs according to the Nehru-Gandhi family? Nabin also hailed the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the country forward on several fronts. When it comes to national security, he stands as a Chowkidar (watchman); during a crisis like COVID-19, he stands as the Pradhan Sevak (Chief Servant) of the nation; this is Narendra Modi's leadership. Today, you are trying to spread anarchy across the country and harm constitutional institutions. When the public rejected you, had you fought for the people's causes, they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The BJP leader added, And we can say that today, if more than 25 crore poor families have risen above the poverty line, it is a victory of trust in Narendra Modi's development. It is a victory of Narendra Modi's welfare schemes. Now they ask how this transformed into results. Instead of removing poverty, you removed the poor. But Narendra Modi Ji removed poverty and brought people out of the poverty line. That is why we won the election in 2019, and that is why we won in 2024, and we will win again in 2029. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari compared the Trinamool Congress and the Opposition by presenting his own political interpretation of the SIR process. He said, Whatever SIR means to the opposition, for us the real meaning of SIR is - remove the infiltrators, save India. Strongly attacking the opposition camp, the Chief Minister further said, Let me remind those who have come together today to save themselves from corruption and jail terms, to maintain the dynasty and to bring back the politics of appeasement - in the 2026 elections, the people of West Bengal elected the Bharatiya Janata Party by giving 2 crore 92 lakh votes. That is why they want to create anarchy in Bengal today.''
Kunal Ghosh Criticizes BJPs Rally as Political Misstep in Kolkata
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh condemns BJPs rally, claiming it undermines democracy and highlights political bias in Bengal. Kunal Ghosh Criticizes BJPs Rally as Political Misstep in Kolkata
Indias Most Affordable Art Fair Opens in Delhi This November
The Art Mela by the Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA), Kolkata, is Indias pre-eminent art fair for the first-time buyer. It brings Indias modern masters and the next generation of artists together in one room.
BJP national president criticises Opposition leaders at Kolkata march
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Kolkata: Tejaswini Samman honours Durga Puja artists, rewards eco-friendly pandal practices
Celebrating artistic excellence and promoting environmentally responsible festivities, the Rotary Club of Calcutta Avyanna organised the eighth edition of the 'Tejaswini Samman' award ceremony in Kolkata on October 31, honouring artists for their creative contributions to Durga Puja celebrations and recognising puja committees for adopting sustainable practices. The annual initiative aims to acknowledge the creative efforts behind Durga Puja while encouraging organisers to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into pandal construction, management and post-festival activities. This year, 140 puja pandals participated in the awards, of which 40 were shortlisted and 16 were finally selected for top honours. The evaluation process considered several parameters beyond the use of eco-friendly materials, including waste management, dismantling practices, recycling, plastic usage and cleanliness in and around pandals during the festivities. Speaking to ANI, Rotary Club of Calcutta Avy...
When Union Ministers from Bengal step from politics to the theatre stage
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar taking time off to step under the arc lights on stage has generated interest because while politicians are known to have dabbled in acting in West Bengal a state recognised for cultural activities there have not been many who could follow their hearts while being in a similar position that demands absolute involvement. Yet, for Bengal, the achievement is not without precedent. More than two decades ago, another Bengali minister at the Centre, Ajit Panja (1936-2008), became famous for the portrayal of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa in productions of Nati Binodini. Majumdar took to the stage on Sunday, donning the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a theatrical production, 'Keshari Hatya', depicting the life and death of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). He also appeared in the same play as the narrator. The Minister told the media that he was offered the role, and as every Bengali has a latent desire to act, he accepted it. Though I cant recollect any other Union Minister from West Bengal having acted in a play apart from Ajitda and Sukantababu, I do remember Subrata Mukherjee and lately, Bratya Basu, having enacted roles on stage as well as in cinema, said Saumya Bandopadhya, a senior journalist who has covered the state for almost a half-century. Subrata Mukherjee (1946-2021) was a veteran West Bengal politician who was a senior leader of the Congress party and later, the Trinamool. He served as a cabinet minister in the West Bengal government and was widely regarded as an influential organiser and administrator, with a political career spanning more than five decades. He also served as the Mayor of Kolkata and played an important role in Bengal politics for many years. The 57-year-old Bratya Basu has served as a Minister in the Mamata Banerjee-led cabinet in West Bengal. However, neither Mukherjee nor Basu were Union Ministers, and their acting skills were well known earlier. Echoing Bandopadhya, another senior journalist from West Bengal, Gautam Hor, added that it is the passion for the stage that draws people from other professions onto amateur acting. Anybody who loves theatre can participate on stage, but it is the time constraint for someone who holds a ministers job that makes such an attempt stand out. Such a foray requires time, especially for rehearsals, he said. According to Majumdar, rehearsals were conducted even as he attended to his official engagements, participating whenever he could afford the time. That, indeed, is a tough task. It is perhaps Bengali has a latent desire to act that the Minister stated that made the task possible for him. Panja, a senior Congress leader who later joined the Trinamool Congress and served in several Union ministries, was also a passionate theatre actor. He earned widespread recognition with his enactment of Sri Ramakrishna, and has even held a show at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Contemporary accounts describe how then-Prime Minister Vajpayee was among those who watched the production during one of its stagings, and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Jyoti Basu, had attended a performance and praised Panja's acting. The tradition resurfaced with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sukanta Majumdar performing at Kolkata's Rabindra Sadan. Hopefully, the curtain will never fall as Bengal continues to follow the passion.
