Delhi-NCR to remain dry as IMD forecasts clear skies; mercury to touch 34 degree Celsius
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) The national Capital is likely to witness clear skies and relatively pleasant weather on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a minimum temperature of around 24 degree Celsius and a maximum of nearly 34 degree Celsius. According to the weather agency, Delhi is expected to remain largely dry throughout the day, marking a change from the cloudy conditions and occasional showers witnessed recently. The forecast of clearer skies could provide some relief from the persistent humidity experienced across the city over the past few weeks. The relative humidity is likely to remain around 60 per cent, while weather conditions are expected to be generally comfortable for residents. However, temperatures are likely to rise during the afternoon before easing later in the day. Among the weather stations in the national Capital, Palam is likely to record a minimum temperature of around 23 degree Celsius. Lodi Road and Ayanagar may register minimum temperatures of 24.3 degree Celsius and 24.2 degree Celsius, respectively. The Ridge could witness a comparatively cooler morning, with the minimum temperature expected to settle at around 22.5 degree Celsius. While Delhi-NCR is likely to remain dry on Tuesday, several other parts of the country are expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days due to a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal. Odisha is likely to witness some of the most intense weather activity as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal becomes more organised. The system is expected to move towards the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast and reach the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the coast around the morning of September 23. The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri on September 23. A similar red alert has been issued for Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Rayagada for September 24. Rainfall is expected to remain active across Odisha until September 27, with different districts placed under red, orange and yellow alerts depending on the anticipated intensity of rainfall. Kerala is also likely to experience wet conditions during the week. Light to moderate rainfall has been forecast in several areas between September 21 and 25, while isolated heavy showers are possible in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur. The IMD has advised residents in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and landslides to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Weather activity is also expected to increase across parts of the Northeast and eastern India. Assam and Meghalaya may experience thunderstorms and lightning on September 22, followed by heavy rainfall between September 23 and 25. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim could witness thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions on September 22. Heavy rainfall is likely in these areas on September 23 and 24, while very heavy showers are possible on September 25. East Uttar Pradesh is expected to see increased rainfall activity from September 24, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and squall-like conditions. Similar weather is likely to develop over West Uttar Pradesh from September 25. In contrast, Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, is unlikely to receive significant rainfall on Tuesday. The region is expected to remain predominantly dry as the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw from northwest India. However, weather conditions could become more active towards the end of the week, with the IMD forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and squall-like conditions over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between September 25 and 27. The developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to remain the primary factor influencing rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several parts of the country in the coming days.
Students From Kolkata Schools Battle It Out At Science Quiz
App-biker threatens woman with rape
Noise Demon To High Spirits, Trouble Brews At Immersions In Kolkata
Car catches fire on Maa, traffic hit for 40 mins
Encroachment On Canal Bund Land Blocks Access To East Kolkata Wetlands Bheris
Jilted 3rd-yr boy stalks, assaults junior near Minto Park college
DC Edit | Voters Cannot Be Termed Discrepancies, EC Must Act
The EC has invented a new tool called discrepancies (it was logical discrepancies in West Bengal) to deny people their basic right as citizens of this country: the right to vote. The Supreme Court itself had once remarked that some of the discrepancies the EC talks about, such as minor variations in the spellings in surnames or age differences between parents and children, are very normal and natural in Indian conditions
Class 12 student Prithwish developed the idea of a soundproof hammer after renovation work at his home exposed him to prolonged construction noise. Interested in science and technology, he proposed covering the hammer with a foam-like material to absorb impact and reduce noise. While economics is his favourite subject, he reads science books and hopes to become a businessman like his father.
JU VC convenes meet to form IoE, PM-USHA panels
Mithu Mukherjee, the girl next-door from Mouchak, passes away
Kolkata airport gets new charging points to juice up your laptops
Matri Bhavan should be a model for other hosps: Min
Coughless cold joins cough and cold in season of viral infections
Vandalism goes on at TMC, CPM offices in S Kol areas
Kol crime hotspots: Jadavpur leads in petty thefts, Port in break-ins
Min: State to repurpose 933 unused schools
Met sounds rain alert for Kolkata, coastal districts
West Bengal Medical Council Launches Audit of Doctor Registrations Amid Fake Practitioner Concerns
In response to rising cases of fake doctors, the West Bengal Medical Council has initiated a comprehensive audit of doctor registrations spanning 17 years. West Bengal Medical Council Launches Audit of Doctor Registrations Amid Fake Practitioner Concerns
State committee considers renaming roads after Sri Chaitanya, slain cop Vinod Mehta
KIFF extends submission deadline to Sept 30
6 youths harass doc couple & friends at multiplex, arrested
CM woos Reliance investment in meet with Ambanis
Tension outside BDO office, highway & roads blocked as Annapurna protests spread in distss
Bengal: RSP withdraws from Rejinagar bypolls after ECI changes its traditional electoral symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), a constituent of the West Bengal Left Front, which fielded its own candidate for the forthcoming Rejinagar assembly bypolls after declaring revolt against the Left Front, on Monday night, announced its decision to refrain from contesting in the Rejinagar bypolls. A statement has been issued by the RSPs state secretary in West Bengal, Tapan Hore, in which he claimed that the decision to withdraw its candidate in the Rejinagar bypolls had been prompted by the last-moment decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deprive the party of its traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker and instead allot the bucket symbol for the Rejinagar bypolls. After the West Bengal Left Front officially nominated the CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali as the official Left Front candidate, the RSP leadership declared a revolt and announced the name of Bikash Chandra Mishra as the RSP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls. However, amid the ECIs decision to allot the bucket symbol to RSP, denying the partys rights over the traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker, the RSP leadership became furious and hence announced the decision to withdraw its candidate from the electoral race at Rejinagar. However, the withdrawal of the candidate will be just symbolic since the last date for withdrawal of nominations had already expired on September 19. After the scrutiny ended on Saturday, the Commission informed us that it was not possible to give us our traditional symbol of the spade & stoker, and we will have to contest the by-election with the bucket symbol. Hence, we have decided to withdraw from the contest in protest against this, said Tapan Hore in his statement issued on Monday night. The bypolls for Rejinagar, as well as the Nandigram Assembly Constituency, will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9.
Supreme Court Agrees to Urgent Hearing on TMC Symbol Freeze Plea
The bypolls in West Bengal were necessitated as chief minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur and chose to vacate Nandigram, while AJUP leader Humayun Kabir won from both Naoda and Rejinagar and decided to give up the Rejinagar seat.
IIT-Kharagpur director urges students not to stress over exams
West Bengal Medical Council starts registration audit of practicing doctors
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Amid instances of fake doctors surfacing in the state, the West Bengal Medical Council on Monday began the registration audit of practising medical practitioners in the state for the last 17 years. State Medical Council sources said that the medical registration audit started on Monday, and under this exercise, registration information for the last 17 years will be under the scanner to check whether cases of fake or inconsistent registration took place during that period. If a fake doctor is found, his MBBS registration will be cancelled, and an FIR will be lodged with the police against the persons concerned for legal action. We have requested the agencies concerned to send the information for the last 17 years in Excel format, a source said. The agencies concerned have been asked to provide details of the registrations done in the last 17 years, including the names of the doctors concerned, the registration numbers allotted to them, the names of their fathers, gender details, current addresses, primary educational qualifications, and the name of the university that awarded the MBBS degree. In addition, the Medical Council source said, if a doctor has additional educational qualifications, details of those qualifications and the name of the university that awarded these will also have to be provided Arrangements are being made to check not only the registration numbers or the doctor's names, but also the information about the detailed educational qualifications and the degree-granting institutions, the source said. On September 15, the secretary of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHN), Rajeev Pandey, lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate seeking an investigation into senior officials of the West Bengal Medical Council over the alleged increase in registrations of fake doctors in the state. The complaint named the council's President Sudipta Roy, Secretary Sushanta Roy, Registrar Manas Chakraborty, council member MLA Nirmal Maji, among others. Both Roy and Maji are former Trinamool Congress legislators.
Opposition candidates raise allegations of intimidation during bypoll campaigning in West Bengal
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan seeks bail as his wife claims the arrest was based on fake cases; AJUPs Humayun Kabir alleges harassment of his supporters while adding that he will see things on polling day
Humayun Kabir alleges police targeting ahead of Rejinagar bypoll
Suvendu urges EC, cops to act on Humayun Kabirs threats
Will Delhi-NCR Schools Be Closed On September 22? Check Latest Update
Schools in West Bengal and Assam will be closed on September 22 for Karam Puja as per state government holiday notifications.
West Bengal Joins PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Fishermen to Receive Loans and Benefits
West Bengal officially joins the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, providing loans and benefits to fishermen, enhancing the fishing sector. West Bengal Joins PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Fishermen to Receive Loans and Benefits
Passenger Arrested at Howrah Station with
A passenger was detained at Howrah Station, West Bengal, with 67 lakh in cash, raising concerns about the source of the money. Passenger Arrested at Howrah Station with 67 Lakh in Cash
West Bengal, Centre To Sign UDAN Agreement For Purulia Airport On 28 September
With deadlines missed twice, Bengals new Industrial Policy unlikely before Durga Puja end
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) With deadlines missed twice, West Bengal's new industrial policy is unlikely to be announced before October, after the end of the Durga Puja by the middle of the next month, state Secretariat 'Nabanna' sources said. The initial deadline for finalising and announcing the new industrial policy was August 15 on the occasion of Independence Day. However, that deadline was missed, and the middle of September was fixed as the time for the announcement of the new policy. However, the Secretariat source involved in the process said that since some work to give the final shape to the new policy is yet to be done, the announcement will be made in the next month and, in all probability, after the Durga Puja. According to the source, while the other aspects of the policy are complete, the main complications are related to finalising the policy for land procurement for industries, maintaining a balance in protecting the interests of both the state government as well as the landowners. In case of procurement of agricultural land for industries, besides the landowners, the interests of the sharecroppers and agricultural workers will also have to be protected. So, a combination of all these factors has made the process of finalising the policy for land procurement for industries a bit complicated. After all, past experiences show that land is a very sensitive issue in West Bengal considering the highly fragmented nature of landholding in the state, which often makes it quite difficult to get huge plots of land at one go for big industries in the manufacturing sector, the source said. According to him, the state government is clear about one thing on this issue - that neither will it apply the archaic acquisition rules to get land nor leave the entire responsibility of land procurement to the investors or industrialists concerned. Considering the extremely fragmented land-holding nature in West Bengal, it is impossible for the investors to contact and negotiate with so many land-owners to get the land for the state. So, the policy of the new government is that the state will do the negotiation part, directly purchase from landowners and subsequently hand over that purchased land to the investors, the source said. At the same time, the source added, the state government is also trying to work out a formula where the landowners could be made stakeholders in those industrial units for which the land will be procured. There could be two options for achieving that goal. The first option is to provide employment to one member of the land-owning family a job in the proposed industrial unit. The second option is enabling the landowners to set up 'indirect support' entrepreneurship catering to the main industrial unit, the government official said.
Bengal school job scam accused seeks to become approver from ED after similar plea to CBI
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Santu Gangopadhyay, a Kolkata-based businessman accused in the multi-crore school recruitment scam in West Bengal, has approached the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking to become an approver in the case, days after making a similar request to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Gangopadhyay had made a similar plea to the CBI on September 12 to become an approver in the case. Both the CBI and the ED had been conducting parallel probes in the school job case during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal. Sources aware of the development said that in his letter to the ED, Gangopadhyay named a couple of top Trinamool Congress leaders as the mastermind behind the alleged multi-crore scam. In the letter, Gangopadhyay also claimed that despite being willing to divulge secrets in the school job scam much earlier, he was forced to remain silent because of a life threat during the previous Trinamool Congress government regime. Now, as the Kolkata-based businessman claimed to the CBI, with the change of government in West Bengal after the Assembly elections earlier this year, Gangopadhyay gained confidence to reveal everything to the central probe agency, and hence he pleaded to become an approver. Named in the charge sheet of the CBI in the case of recruitment of primary teachers in the state-run schools, Gangopadhyay was arrested earlier. However, he is currently out on bail. He was known as an extremely close confidant of former West Bengal Education Minister and former Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, who had also been in jail for more than three years because of his involvement in the school job case. Chatterjee is also out on bail. Sources said that in his communications to both the ED and the CBI, Gangopadhyay alleged that he and another accused, Kuntal Ghosh, had delivered money collected through the recruitment racket to a senior Trinamool Congress leader.
Four injured as armed gang goes on stabbing spree in southwest Bengaluru
Six to seven men travelling on three to four motorcycles and armed with machetes and long knives allegedly attacked a group of four friends standing by the roadside.
AISF moves Calcutta HC against ECI symbol allotment
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) All India Secular Front (AISF), with Nawsad Siddique as the lone party representative in the West Bengal Assembly, on Monday approached the Calcutta High Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI)s decision last week to allot the Envelope symbol to Ritabrata Banerjeeled rebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress. Last week, the ECI allotted the Ritabrataled faction the new name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the new symbol Envelop. AISF, instead, was allotted the Almirah symbol. The decision irked the AISF leadership, especially Siddique, who contested and was elected twice from the Bhangar Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, first in 2021 and then in 2026, with the Envelop symbol. Siddique told media persons last week that he had already sent a letter to the Commission highlighting AISFs objections and might also challenge the decision in court. Accordingly, on Monday afternoon he approached the Calcutta High Courts singlejudge bench of Justice Krishna Rao, challenging the ECIs decision on the Envelop symbol. AISF has been contesting with the Envelope symbol since 2021, the year the party was formed. Even I got elected twice in 2021 and 2026 with that symbol. In that case, how can the same symbol be allotted to the Democratic Trinamool Congress, which was formed just a couple of days back? Siddique questioned. AISF was not the only political party from West Bengal allotted a new symbol by the ECI last week. Humayun Kabirfounded Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) was given the symbol table, replacing its earlier whistle. Kabir had contested and won simultaneously from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district with the whistle symbol earlier this year. However, Kabir did not raise any objection about the allotment of the new symbol for the party he founded. While AJUP is contesting the Rejinagar bypoll, AISF is contesting from Nandigram in East Midnapore district next month. The bypolls for both constituencies will be held on October 6, and the results will be declared on October 9.
Temporary health workers protest around Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul's car, demand a salary hike
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A section of temporary health workers protested around the car of West Bengals Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, demanding a hike in their salary. In the morning, the state minister joined the anti-dengue campaign in the Chitpur area of north Kolkata. While leaving the programme, a section of temporary health workers of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) protested around her car. The protesters demanded a salary increase. The state minister said that she will look into the demands of the health workers. The minister said that a decision will be taken considering the poor financial condition of the state. In Agnimitra's words, They get only Rs 303 per day. We will try to increase the salary. No one's salary has been stopped. No one's salary will be stopped during this new government's tenure. Rather, it will increase. At the same time, the state minister added, We will have to take a decision after seeing the state's treasury. The previous government has incurred debts. We are giving women Rs 3,000 per month. There are also many projects currently underway. We will also have to look at the state's treasury before taking a decision in this regard. Meanwhile, regarding the dengue awareness campaign in the city, she said, Everyone should be careful not to allow water to accumulate anywhere near the house or roadside. Because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even if iron, nails or other materials used in building a house are left for a long time, water can accumulate there. Therefore, action will be taken if construction materials are left on the roadside or anywhere else. The Minister gave a clear message that if the rules are not followed, in addition to fines, those materials can also be confiscated if necessary. She warned of hefty fines in this regard. According to her, awareness and active cooperation of the general public, along with the administration, is also very important in preventing dengue. Agnimitra Paul said that last year the number of dengue cases in Kolkata was 585. So far this year, the number has been 539. However, she said that the goal is to reduce this number to zero.
Bengal govt joins Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) West Bengal on Monday formally joined the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Union Government initiative to reduce infrastructural gaps and strengthen the fisheries sector. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Newtown, Kolkata, to finalise the decision. After the one-and-a-half-hour meeting, Adhikari announced that West Bengal had been brought under the PMMSY scheme. He said, There is a lot of potential in the states fisheries sector. We have discussed it repeatedly. Today I thank Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in particular. He listened to our concerns and handed over Rs 9 crore for fisheries development. From today, fishermen will get loans as needed along with other benefits. Adhikari accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of depriving fishermen by not allowing West Bengal to join the scheme earlier. Singh seconded the Chief Minister, saying the Union Government's efforts had stalled due to non-cooperation from the previous regime. Adhikari added that coastal areas, including the Sundarbans, would be further developed. We have seas and rivers in South Bengal. Fishermen there have their own problems. Following our proposals, the Union Minister has approved six Amrit Sarovars in Bankura and Purulia districts, he said. Singh noted that a lot of work pending for the last five years has been cleared in the last four months.
School holiday tomorrow, September 22: Check if schools will remain closed in your state
Schools in parts of India will observe a holiday on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, mainly because of Karam Puja. West Bengal has declared a state holiday covering educational institutions under government control, while Assam's official calendar also lists Karam Puja on the date. Students in other states, including Delhi-NCR, should check their school's individual holiday calendar before assuming classes are cancelled.
School Holiday Tomorrow, Sept 22: Schools closed in West Bengal, Assam
Karam Puja is an important regional festival observed in parts of eastern India on September 22, 2026. Students and parents are checking whether schools will remain closed on Tuesday
Heavy rain likely in south Bengal from Tuesday to Friday, says Met Department
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in various parts of West Bengal from Tuesday to Friday due to the influence of a low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday. According to a Met Department official, a cyclone strengthened in the north Andaman Sea and turned into a clear depression on Sunday. Its direction is west and northwest. It is likely to turn into a deep depression in the east-central Bay of Bengal on Monday. As a result, there is a possibility of scattered rain and thundershowers in south Bengal, and the possibility of rain will increase from Tuesday, the official said. There is a possibility of heavy rain in most districts of south Bengal from Wednesday to Friday. On the other hand, there is no possibility of heavy rain in north Bengal for now. The possibility of rain will be low until Wednesday. However, heavy rain is predicted again in the northern districts, i.e. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar on Thursday. Fishermen have been prohibited from going deep into the central and north Bay of Bengal on Monday. There is a ban on going into the central and north Bay of Bengal from Tuesday to Friday, while fishermen have been banned from going to sea off the coast of Bangladesh, Odisha and West Bengal from Wednesday to Friday. According to the forecast, rain will increase in the districts of south Bengal from Tuesday. Thunderstorms with lightning will occur in all districts, along with rain accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in East Midnapore, and some parts of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts on Wednesday. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are likely to occur in coastal districts, i.e., South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Light to moderate rains with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are expected in some parts of all the remaining districts. The rainfall will increase slightly on Thursday. A Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts today. A Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in seven districts - North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and East Burdwan - on Friday. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely in coastal parts of North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Light to moderate rain with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour is expected in some parts of all the remaining districts. Rain will increase in north Bengal from Wednesday. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely in all districts today. There is a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts on Thursday. A Yellow alert will be in effect in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur districts on Friday as well. There are fewer chances of rain in Kolkata on Monday, while the chances will increase from Tuesday. There will be a higher chance from Wednesday to Friday. On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Kolkata and its surrounding areas was 29.02 degrees Celsius, which is 3.06 degrees Celsius below normal. The minimum temperature was 24.06 degrees Celsius, which is 1.07 degrees below normal. The relative humidity was at a maximum of 98 and a minimum of 79 per cent.
Democracy facing deep crisis in country under BJP rule: Bengal Congress chief
West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar has accused the BJP government and Election Commission of undermining democracy, alleging repression of dissent and calling for opposition unity ahead of the October 6 Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. His remarks come as Congress candidate Milan Pradhan remains in judicial custody in connection with cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram agitation.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the bypolls from Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, who was arrested last week in connection with an old murder case registered against him in 2007, on Monday, approached a single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court seeking interim protection from coercive police action in five other cases registered against him during the same period. The single-judge Bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya had admitted the petition. The first hearing in the matter will be held on September 22. The Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll was arrested from Chandipur in East Midnapore district on the evening of September 18. According to police, he was arrested in an old murder case filed during the anti-land acquisition movement in 2007 during the late Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front regime. Arrest warrants were issued against Milan Pradhan in other cases, too, a long time ago. The police claimed that they arrested Milan Pradhan to execute the long-standing Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) for his arrest as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). After filing the petition at the Calcutta High Court on Monday, Milan Pradhans counsel Ayan Bhattacharya said that after his client has already been arrested in one case, there were apprehensions that he might be shown as arrested in five other old cases registered against him. Pradhan was arrested on September 18 evening after former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, announced that the faction in the Trinamool Congress led by her would support the Congress candidate from Nandigram. Mamata Banerjees announcement on this count came just after her factions candidate, Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination from Nandigram. A murder case was registered against Milan Pradhan during the Nandigram movement in 2007. Police claimed that in addition there were cases of attempt to murder, kidnapping with intent to murder, destruction of evidence, trespassing and spreading unrest using weapons. Police said they executed the NBW for his arrest as per the instructions of the ECI. The police also claimed that three FIRs were filed at Nandigram police station and one at Khejuri police station initially. On Saturday, the Haldia subdivision Court sent Milan Pradhan to 14-days' jail custody till October 3. The bypolls for Nandigram, as well as for Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, will be held on October 6 and the counting will be on October 9.
Mamata Banerjee seeks urgent SC listing of her plea over ECIs freeze on TMC name, symbol
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday sought urgent listing of her plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) decision to freeze the partys name and election symbol amid the ongoing dispute between rival factions. Mentioning the matter before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of Mamata Banerjee, sought urgent listing of the plea. They (ECI) issue a by-poll notification and in the middle of notification, they freeze the symbol. We want urgent listing, Sibal submitted. At this, the CJI said that the rival side would also have submissions to make and assured that the matter would be considered for listing. Both sides will have something to say. When the matter is listed, then argue. We will try to list, CJI Kant said. The plea has been filed by Mamata Banerjee challenging ECIs interim decision to freeze the name All India Trinamool Congress and its reserved Flowers and Grass election symbol amid the dispute between the rival factions of the party. The ECI had on Thursday passed an interim order barring both factions from using the TMCs existing name and symbol, observing that there were two rival groups claiming to be the recognised political party and that the dispute required a substantive determination under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The poll panel subsequently allotted alternative names and symbols to the two factions for the upcoming by-elections. Mamata Banerjee-led faction was allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the football player symbol, while the rival faction was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the envelope symbol. The ECIs interim arrangement applies to the October 6 by-elections in West Bengal, including the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies. The Mamata-led faction has challenged the ECI decision in the Supreme Court, with the plea questioning the freezing of the partys established name and symbol pending the final determination of the dispute. Mamata-led faction has maintained that it does not accept the ECIs interim order, while the rival camp led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee has claimed control over the partys organisational and legislative structures. The dispute had also spilled over into Parliament, where 20 rebel TMC Lok Sabha MPs had broken away and aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), claiming recognition as a separate parliamentary group. The Mamata-led faction had challenged the delay by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in deciding disqualification petitions against the 20 rebel MPs under the anti-defection law. On August 25, the Supreme Court had issued notice to the 20 rebel MPs on a plea filed by TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, while refraining from issuing notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker, had informed the top court that notices had already been issued to the 20 MPs in the disqualification proceedings. The apex court had thereafter sought responses from the rebel MPs. The TMC has maintained that the MPs were elected on its symbol and that their subsequent decision to join another political formation attracts the provisions of the anti-defection law. However, the rebel faction has claimed the support of more than two-thirds of the TMCs Lok Sabha MPs and sought recognition as a separate parliamentary group. The dispute over the partys organisational control subsequently reached the ECI, with both sides staking claim to the TMC name and symbol. The poll bodys interim order said the temporary arrangement was intended to place the rival groups on an even footing and protect their respective rights and interests until a final determination of the dispute.
Rejinagar bypoll: AJUP chief Kabir approaches EC over police harassment; suspends campaigning
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and legislator Humayun Kabir on Monday submitted an official complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, alleging that the West Bengal Police are selectively targeting his party leaders and cadre prior to the upcoming Rejinagar assembly bypoll in Murshidabad district. In a surprise move, Kabir announced that he would refrain from campaigning for his party candidate and son, Golam Nabi Azad, who is contesting from the Rejinagar assembly constituency. He also directed Azad to avoid physical campaigning and instead focus on social media, leaving the final decision to the voters of Rejinagar. AJUPs Beldanga-1 block president, Munaim Sheikh, has been arrested. Our state committee secretary, Sukhbar Mollah, was arrested from his house at 12 midnight. He has been falsely implicated in a case related to fake notes and firearms. I have filed a complaint with the ECI highlighting the intentional and selective targeting of our party leaders and workers before the Rejinagar bypoll, he said. I have demanded the immediate transfer of the Baharampur Police District superintendent and the inspectors-in-charge of the Beldanga Police Station and Rejinagar Police Station, Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader, said. Meanwhile, Kabir has been summoned to Baharampur Police Station on Monday in connection with a surfaced audio clip in which he was reportedly heard speaking about violence. IANS could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip. The police said they registered a case against Kabir under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In the notice, the police asked him to cooperate with investigating officer Rabindranath Biswas or face legal action under Section 208 of the BNS. Rejinagar, along with Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, will go to the polls on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. In the Assembly elections earlier this year, Kabir was elected simultaneously from Naoda and Rejinagar, both in Murshidabad district. He later chose to retain Naoda, necessitating the Rejinagar bypoll. Rejinagar is witnessing a seven-cornered contest involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two Trinamool Congress factions, Congress, CPI-M, Revolutionary Party and AJUP. Around 65 per cent of voters in the constituency belong to the minority community. The bypoll has assumed added significance amid the closely watched contest.
Mamata Banerjee seeks urgent Supreme Court hearing against ECI freeze on TMC name, flowers
Trinamool Congress founder and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday sought urgent listing before the Supreme Court of her challenge to the Election Commission of Indias interim decision to freeze the partys name and its reserved Flowers & Grass election symbol. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter before a Bench headed [] The post Mamata Banerjee seeks urgent Supreme Court hearing against ECI freeze on TMC name, flowers & grass symbol appeared first on India Legal .
WB Class 12 Semester 3 Board Exams 2027 From September 21: Check Complete Subject-Wise Timetable
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has released the timetable for the Class 12 Semester 3 Higher Secondary Examination 2027. According to the Council's official routine, the examinations will begin on September 21, 2026, and continue until October
West Bengal Class 12 Semester 3 Exams 2027 begin today: Check guidelines
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has released the Class 12 Semester 3 board exam timetable for 2027. The exams begin today and will continue until October 14
Migrant Farm Labourer from Banga Wins Rs 3 Crore Sikkim Lottery Jackpot
PHAGWARA: In a stroke of luck, Madhu, a migrant farm labourer living in the Banga area, has won the 3-crore bumper prize in the Sikkim Government Ganesh Chaturthi Bumper Lottery. Madhu, originally from West Bengal, had come to the Banga area in search of work and had been earning his livelihood as an agricultural labourer. []
WB HS Semester 3 Exam 2027 Admit Card - Direct Link to Download Notice Online @ wbchse.wb.gov.in
WBCHSE HS Semester 3 Exam 2027 is being held from September 21 to October 14, 2026. Check the full revised Date Sheet, admit card download process, exam pattern, and important exam-day instructions issued by the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education.
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla to meet West Bengal CM Adhikari soon
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla will soon meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. They will discuss industrial development and fresh investments planned for the state. The BJP state president urged the group to expand its business presence and industrial footprint. The meeting follows the state government's work on a new comprehensive industrial policy. The group has a longstanding association and expressed optimism about new investments.
Pujo shopping, but make it chill: Shop a little, sip a little and have some cake
Heavy rains, squally wind likely in West Bengal from September 22
West Bengal Chief Minister Promises to Withdraw Cases Linked to Kurmi Movement
West Bengals CM announced the withdrawal of cases against Kurmi protesters and plans to include Kurmali in the constitutions eighth schedule. West Bengal Chief Minister Promises to Withdraw Cases Linked to Kurmi Movement
COUNT THE DAYS FIRST :The paradox behind J&Ks five-day week debate
Srinagar, Sep 20: The school bell in Jammu and Kashmir may ring as late as 4:30 pm, but the school year itself is considerably shorter than in several other parts of the country. That contrast sits at the centre of a debate now reaching the J&K Legislative Assembly: if children are already under academic pressure, should they spend one less day a week in school? National Conference (NC) MLA Hasnain Masoodi has proposed a five-day working week for schools, with Saturdays and Sundays as holidays, saying students are burdened by studies and need time for rest and recreation. Education Minister Sakina Itoo has said the proposal will be examined by the concerned education authorities. A report titled Working Hours Parity Report: An Objective Audit of the Jammu & Kashmir Academic Calendar, records 181 working days for J&K. Its comparison gives Delhi 243 working days, the South India category 236 and West Bengal 217. In other words, the difference between J&K and the three comparison regions is not measured in a handful of days. It is 36 days against West Bengal, 55 against the South India comparison and 62 against Delhi. The report points to one conspicuous reason: the winter break. It records a 76-day winter vacation in J&K, against 13 days in each of the three comparison regions. Overall, it records 184 holiday days in J&K, including 17 national holidays and 26 state holidays, leaving 181 working days. And yet, on a day-to-day basis, J&K can appear to have a demanding school schedule. The report notes the extension of the school day to 4:30 pm and calls the resulting perception the 4:30 PM illusion, the sense that a late closing bell necessarily means a longer academic year. The report puts annual working hours for J&K at 1,086, against 1,458 in Delhi, 1,463.2 in the South India comparison and 1,519 in West Bengal. It calculates the gap between 25.5 per cent and 28.5 per cent, averaging 26.6 per cent across the three comparisons. There is a qualification that matters: these are working-hour figures for teaching staff and the academic calendar, not a direct measure of the hours individual students spend learning. The report therefore cannot establish that a J&K student receives only 1,086 hours of classroom instruction in a year. But it does establish something relevant to the present debate: J&Ks formal school calendar has fewer working days than the three regions against which the report compares it. The report offers another way of looking at the issue. It applies a common 7.5-hour working day to J&K and West Bengal, removing the difference in daily schedules from the calculation. J&K would still have 1,357.5 annual hours against West Bengals 1,627.5, a 270-hour difference, because the number of working days is different. The comparison becomes even more striking against private-school benchmarks cited in the report. It puts annual hours at 1,498 for private schools in Delhi, 1,536 in West Bengal and 1,711 in its South India comparison, against 1,086 for J&K, with reported gaps ranging from 27.5 per cent to 36.5 per cent. None of these figures, however, answers Masoodis central contention that children are burnt out by academic pressure. That is a different proposition, and it requires different evidence. Nor does the report establish that J&K should have more working days. Its purpose is comparative: to show how the distribution of the academic year differs across the regions examined. Its own figures show that the 76-day winter closure is doing much of the work in producing the annual gap. The calendar data also needs to be read against J&Ks existing academic schedule. The JKBOSE 2024-25 academic calendar separately provided roughly 185 working days for the Kashmir division and winter-zone Jammu. That figure comes from a different academic year and calendar dataset from the 181 working days cited in the institutional audit. J&Ks academic calendar has also changed over time. An earlier DSEK academic planner for 2017-18 prescribed 200 instructional days and 800 effective school hours for primary classes, while upper-primary classes were prescribed 220 instructional days and 1,000 effective school hours. The report also examines the effect of the daily timetable across seasons. It puts peak daylight at roughly 13-14 hours between April and July, when the school day may run to 4:30 pm. For September and October, it puts daylight at about 11-12 hours, while during November and December the school day ends at 3 pm. The report describes these as approximate seasonal daylight figures. Itoo has said the proposal will be taken up with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, Directorate of School Education Jammu and the Director of Colleges for examination.
AJUP chief Kabir to stay away from Rejinagar bypoll campaign, candidate son follows suit
Clubs bat for senior citizens, launch year-round events to keep them active
Neurologists raise caution about early onset of Alzheimers
Choose Howrah Bridge colours, music and voice message 10 days a year
Lower maintenance cost pushes e-auto shift in city
US visa delay: France and Germany Are Emerging as Preferred Choices for Indian Students
Min Agnimitra Paul rescues bikers injured by manja on Maa
Ex-VC, Emeritus Profs Write To Guv Over Transfer Bill
Soon, Kolkata Key App For Tourists To Feature Spots, Hotels & Transport
First conviction in child pregnancy case after CM prod
Bangiya Christiya Parisheba alleges mob attacks on Christians in Bengal
Ananda Marga holds cultural competition on Prabhat Samgiita Divas anniv
After Court Ends Deadlock Over Panel Vote, Bagbazar Club Holds Khuti Puja
Pol row erupts as Mamata TMC neta dies after assault
Alfred Cooke's Final Interview: The Dogfight That Defined A Legend
The air battle fought by Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke over West Bengal's Kalaikunda during the 1965 India-Pakistan war is regarded as one of the most remarkable fighter engagements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Flight Lt Cooke recorded what became his final interview three days before he died at a hospital in Delhi. In a conversation with NDTV's Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor in their podcast 'Ctrl+Alt+Defence', he gave a detailed account of the September 7, 1965 battle when he took on Pakistani Sabre jets attacking Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal. The podcast gives an unprecedented and detailed look at the events of the day. Flight Lt Cooke shot down at least one Sabre and was officially credited with a second. He engaged a third aircraft before running out of ammunition, according to his account.
Bengal's industry push needs clear intent
Under BJP, West Bengal is once again debating how to put land together for industry. The debate has now acquired a distinctly technical vocabulary: acquisition, negotiated purchase and land pooling.The three mechanisms are not interchangeable. Acquisition involves compulsory purchase under a statutory framework. Negotiated purchase relies on agreement between landowner and purchaser. Land pooling allows owners to contribute land to a development scheme and receive a smaller, but serviced, and potentially more valuable plot in return. The choice, as recent policy discussions suggest, should depend on the nature of the project.Also Read: Picasso, Omega, Prithvi and Cats: A Mumbai journey through books, unexpected encounters and theatreFor Bengal, the question of land has always been inseparable from the question of industrialisation. So, the new discussion raises a more fundamental question: even if Bengal succeeds in solving the problem of industrial land, will it succeed in attracting capital? Land can be assembled through legislation, negotiation or planning. But capital can only be attracted through confidence.Excitement surrounding political change is understandable. Bengal has always regarded politics not merely as a mechanism of governance but also as a form of public entertainment. Movement of legislators from one camp to another has become a spectator sport.Also Read: Pass the buck to RBI, banks: Let the savings from digital payments fund UPI costs, not consumersCapital, however, follows a different script. It's largely indifferent to the daily theatre of politics, and far more concerned with the stability of institutions. Consider an entrepreneur planning a large investment. The questions are surprisingly simple. Not whether the government is Left, Right or Centre. Not whether ministers speak Bengali, Hindi or English. Not whether people will eat veg or non-veg food. Not whether one political camp will replace another in controlling campuses, institutions or public spaces. The real question is: will rules that exist today survive tomorrow? That confidence in the durability of institutions is what economists and investors describe as institutional credibility.It is in this context that the new government's willingness to reconsider how industrial land is assembled becomes significant. Bengal has already begun examining land pooling, industrial parks, and changes to landholding and land-utilisation rules. The government is also considering ways of making large contiguous parcels available without directly acquiring individual agricultural plots.This is important because Bengal's problem is not simply a shortage of land. It's a shortage of large, contiguous and legally usable parcels of land. Fragmented holdings, overlapping claims and restrictions on land use can make an apparently simple industrial project extraordinarily complicated.134372690Earlier attempts to create land banks from idle public sector land ran into precisely this problem: available parcels were often too small or too fragmented for large investors. Indeed, there are now signs of movement from policy to implementation. The government has cleared land for 33 industries, and that the land will be handed over before Durga Puja. This is significant. But the real test will be whether these allocations translate into timely project execution, employment and sustained private investment.Land pooling could be a useful solution. But it's not a magic wand. Bengal has laws that allow land to be reorganised for development. What matters now is whether these provisions can be implemented effectively, with clear rules on ownership, compensation, infrastructure and land use. Land pooling may bring plots together. But it cannot make ownership disputes disappear.And this is where the land question meets the question of capital. Corruption is costly. But uncertainty can be even more so. Investors can price an unofficial cost. It's much harder to price changing rules, administrative discretion and unpredictable policy.There's also a geographical reality. Large, contiguous parcels are rarely available near Bengal's major cities. So, industry may have to move farther out, where land disputes and infrastructure gaps can be greater. Industrialists, therefore, need to look beyond quick returns and become partners in building these new industrial regions with the government. Given Bengal's political history, industrialisation cannot be reduced to capitalist extraction alone. It must also create a stake for local communities.Capital has no ideology. But it has an excellent memory. Two decades ago, large sections of Bengal's political class mobilised against industrial projects in Singur and Nandigram. Today, many of those political actors either constitute an important part of the new political establishment, or have moved into entirely different political formations.One may celebrate or criticise this phenomenon. But it deserves analysis rather than outrage. The human mind, after all, is a time-variant function. Mathematics teaches us that important variables seldom remain constant. Political preferences are no exception. The objective function of a leader in opposition differs from that of the same leader in government. In electoral democracy, opposition rewards agitation, while government rewards investment; employment and revenue suddenly become governing responsibilities rather than campaign slogans.Consequently, it may be unnecessary to ask whether politicians have become different human beings. The more relevant question is whether the institutional incentives under which they operate have changed.Many of the legal instruments required for assembling industrial land already exist. Creating another set of laws, by itself, will not rebuild West Bengal's industrial land bank. What is required is an unambiguous intention to build industry rather than perform shallow politics. The Left Front came to power in 1977 with a clear intention to pursue land reform for the landless. Today, the era, ideology and people are different. Will the new industrial agenda reflect genuine intent? Or will it be merely political rhetoric?
Mamata Trinamool, CPM offices face attacks across 7 S Kol wards for 4 hrs
Meat of the matter: BJP's imprint on Durga Puja in West Bengal
With the state govt issuing new guidelines for Bengal's biggest festival, conversations around traditions are intensifying
Kurmis to be kept out of UCC, says West Bengal CM; promises to withdraw old cases
Suvendu Adhikari says government will fulfil promises made to community ahead of Assembly polls
Police, Customs crack down on illegal trade at Galiff Street pet market
West Bengal: Ex-Jadavpur MLA's Home, Office Attacked
Mr Majumdar took out a protest rally with his aides in the area: Reports
Another warrant against Milan, Cong to move HC
Mob vandalises Mankar health centre after patient death
Oppn missing in action, lone horse BJP setting the tone in Nandigram bypoll campaign
Lake sr citizen loses Rs 29L to digi arrest fraudsters posing as Del cops
28-yr-old abducted, tortured in Entally; Kin forced to pay Rs 5L ransom
CPI(M) Launches Online Fundraising for Upcoming By-Elections in West Bengal
The CPI(M) seeks online donations for by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, facing internal challenges amid political competition. CPI(M) Launches Online Fundraising for Upcoming By-Elections in West Bengal
Suvendu to drop cases against Kurmis filed under TMC rule
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the withdrawal of all cases against the Kurmi community filed by the previous TMC government. He also pledged to include Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and reactivate the Kurmi Development Board, allocating Rs 50 crore for community development.
Mamata-Cong bypoll tie-up: A new Bengal Oppn equation?
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
Suvendu Adhikari Sings Devotional Songs At Gaudiya Math On Radha Ashtami
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari participated in Radha Ashtami celebrations at Sri Gaudiya Math in Kolkatas Bagbazar, where he sang devotional songs and joined devotees in kirtan. He also offered prayers and participated in the religious celebrations.
Finance Ministry calls meeting with banks ahead of 3-day nationwide strike
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Finance Ministry has convened a meeting of chief executives of public sector banks (PSBs), regional rural banks (RRBs), the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and NABARD on Monday to review preparedness and contingency plans ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike beginning September 28. The meeting, which will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), is expected to focus on measures to ensure continuity of banking operations and the availability of essential customer services during the strike period. Officials are likely to discuss contingency arrangements to minimise disruptions, particularly as the proposed industrial action coincides with the half-yearly closing period for banks. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing seven bank employee and officer unions. The unions have raised several demands, with the implementation of a five-day banking week emerging as a key issue. UFBU had earlier organised a nationwide strike on September 11 over the same demand. The previous strike affected over-the-counter banking services, cash transactions and cheque clearances in several parts of the country. While banking operations remained largely normal in Mumbai, disruptions were reported in states including Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Apart from a five-day work week, the unions are seeking improvements in pension benefits, implementation of a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme. UFBU has claimed that it represents nearly 90 per cent of the country's banking workforce. The proposed strike could have a wider impact on customers because September 26 and 27 fall on a weekend. As a result, normal branch operations could remain affected for up to five consecutive days, from September 26 to 30, increasing concerns about cheque processing, cash transactions and other branch-dependent services. The unions had served a strike notice on August 26, following which conciliation meetings were held involving union representatives, the IBA and government officials. However, discussions failed to produce a breakthrough on the demand for a five-day banking week.
