West Bengal CM composes theme song for Durga Puja committee
During a meeting at the State Cabinet, the Chief Minister directed Ministers to keep a watch on their constituencies during the Durga Puja festival
West Bengal is gearing up for the 2026 assembly elections with the launch of the EMMS 2.0 portal by Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal. This new system will create a comprehensive database of polling personnel from approximately 32,000 offices.
West Bengal released 840 prisoners who completed life-term since 2011: Mamata
The prisons in West Bengal have been struggling with high occupancy inside correctional homes including the jankhalash prisoners (those who remain in prison even after completing their terms)
Heavy rain: 41 trees fall, South & West Bengaluru worst hit
BIMSTEC eyes deeper trade, energy & blue economy ties in Bay of Bengal
The Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave 2025 in Kolkata highlighted the Bay of Bengal's trade centrality and BIMSTEC's role in regional cooperation across various sectors. India's strategic vision, including SAGAR and IPOI, aims to address regional challenges and foster inclusive growth. West Bengal's MSMEs are significantly contributing to exports, reflecting the region's growing economic impact within the Indo-Pacific.
West Bengal cabinet grants industry status to logistics sector, approves 200-acre corridor project
The West Bengal government has granted industry status to the logistics sector, aiming to attract investments and create jobs. This decision, along with the earlier recognition of tourism as an industry, seeks to enhance the state's competitiveness. Additionally, the cabinet approved the transfer of 200 acres of land for the Tajpur-Dankuni-Raghunathpur economic corridor, expected to boost industrial growth and employment.
Mamata Banerjee Writes Theme Song For Kolkata's Durga Puja Committee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written the lyrics of the theme song of a Durga Puja committee in Kolkata, which was sung by a state minister.
RSS Plans Over 300 Rallies In Bengal To Mark Centenary, Usher In Durga Puja On Mahalaya
BJP leaders and workers, who are also swayamsevaks, are expected to join these programmes across different parts of West Bengal on Mahalaya
BJP launches Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat outreach for West Bengals migrant voters during Durga Puja
After targeting Bihars migrant voters, the BJP will now reach out to West Bengals 40 lakh migrants under its Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The party plans outreach across 20 states during Durga Puja, focusing on cities and districts with large Bengali populations, aiming to consolidate electoral support.
ICICI Bank receives 49 crore demand from West Bengal tax authority
ICICI Bank says it will contest the order
Missing Schoolgirl's Mutilated Body Found In Sack In Kolkata, Teacher Arrested: Cops
The mutilated body of a schoolgirl, who was missing for nearly a month, was found in a sack in West Bengal's Birbhum district, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
Today's headlines cover a range of significant events, from the IMD's heavy rain forecast for West Bengal and PM Modi's strong message to Pakistan, to international news featuring Trump's letter to new US citizens and protests during his UK visit. In sports, Varun Chakravarthy is now the No.1 T20I bowler, and the Prime Volleyball League sees a boost.
IMD forecasts heavy rain in sub-Himalayan West Bengal till Sep 19
The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of West Bengal until September 19, attributing it to upper air circulation and strong moisture incursion. South Bengal districts are also expected to experience light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning. In the last 24 hours, Cooch Behar recorded the highest rainfall at 62 mm.
ICICI Bank gets Rs 49 cr GST demand notice
NEW DELHI, Sept 17: ICICI Bank on Wednesday said tax authorities have slapped a demand notice of Rs 49.11 crore on it for alleged short payment of GST. In a regulatory filing, ICICI Bank said, on September 15, 2025, it received an order in appeal under section 107 of the West Bengal Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, from Additional Commissioner of Revenue (Appeals), West Bengal, raising a demand amounting to Rs 49.11 crore (tax Rs 23.52 crore interest [] The post ICICI Bank gets Rs 49 cr GST demand notice appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two GST Tribunal benches to start functioning in Kolkata soon: Official
Kolkata will soon have a Goods and Services Tax Tribunal. It will have two benches at Alipore. One bench will serve West Bengal. The other will serve Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An official said it will start next month. A revised GST structure may cause revenue loss for West Bengal.
NEW DELHI: In preparation for a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, election authorities in states and Union Territories have been directed to begin mapping electors from past special revisions with the current electoral list of 2025. Officials said the last date will be treated as the qualifying date for this exercise, which in Delhi has now been revised to January 2002, replacing the earlier date of March 16, 2008. Documents accessed by this newspaper confirmed the development. The Commission has ordered Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls to be undertaken in all the States and UTS. Further, it is informed the Commission has directed that mapping of electors of the electoral roll-2002 should be done vis-a-vis year 2025. This has already been communicated to all the districts with the direction to complete the exercise of mapping of electors by 26.09.2025 without fail, a letter issued to District Election Officers issued on Tuesday read. This is a very crucial exercise as a preparatory part of the SIR, another document highlighting minutes of a meeting held last week emphasised. However, officials declined to elaborate on the reasons behind the change. When asked for clarification on the date change, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi R Alice Vaz declined to comment, only stating that an official response would be issued soon. We will soon issue a statement answering your queries regarding the exercise (SIR), she said. Top officials claimed that the mapping will help ensure that names are not duplicated and that electors are accurately verified before the revision process begins. If a person with 18 years of age has a name in the roll of 2025, then we can easily match whether his fathers name was in the previous roll. This is actually for the benefit of the electors, Assam CEO Anurag Goel explained while speaking to this newspaper. However, sources indicated that the new mapping exercise is aimed at preventing controversies encountered by the election commission during the SIR exercise in Bihar, especially allegations of targeted exclusions or manipulation of the rolls. The qualifying dates differ across states. Assam has set January 2005 as the reference point, while Tamil Nadu will rely on January 2002s roll for rural areas and 2005s for urban constituencies. We will submit the mapping data soon to the ECI and wait for further instructions regarding the SIR exercise, said Tamil Nadu CEO Archana Patnaik. Sources suggest that the ECIs timing is strategic, as Assembly elections are scheduled in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in April-May next year. They also indicated that the Commission may fast-track the nationwide SIR, expected to commence by the end of the year, to ensure the rolls are airtight well before polling begins.
WB Leader of Opposition submits response in HC on BJP MLAs defection to Trinamool
Since 2011, nearly 50 Opposition MLAs have defected to the ruling party in West Bengal; none have faced disqualification under the anti-defection law
SIR in West Bengal: Training at ERO-level on September 16
Kolkata: The training programme for the forthcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, starting from the Electoral Revision Officer (ERO) level, will begin at 2 a.m. Tuesday. Sources in the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that the training process will start with a virtual meeting at 2 p.m. in the CEOs office Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
WBSSC SLST 2025 answer key: Check the expected release date
The West Bengal School Service Commission will release the answer keys for the recent teacher recruitment exams for classes 9-10 and 11-12 on the 16th and 20th of this week. A significant number of candidates, including many from outside West Bengal, participated in the exams, which were conducted after a nine-year gap.
Kolkata, Sep 16 (PTI) The Election Commission is likely to begin training poll officers in West Bengal starting Tuesday, as part of preparations for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, a senior official said. Assembly polls are due in West Bengal next year. State CEO Manoj Agarwal, along with Additional CEOs Dibyendu Das and Arindam Neogi, are expected to lead Tuesdays training session. The aim is to ensure that the trainers are well-equipped to guide booth-level officers (BLOs) on how to carry out the voter list revision process smoothly and accurately, he told PTI. Assistant
More reports migrants from West Bengal being harassed, TMC MP meets affected families
Reports of migrant worker harassment in Non-BJP ruled States like Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand prompt West Bengal Government intervention and support initiatives
Opposition fuelling demographic crisis: PM
PM launches development projects worth around Rs 40,000 cr in Bihar Purnea (Bihar), Sep 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday charged opposition parties with shielding illegal immigrants, asserting that infiltration had caused a demographic crisis in eastern states like Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, making people worried for the honour of their sisters [] The post Opposition fuelling demographic crisis: PM appeared first on Northlines .
EC To Begin Training Poll Officials In Bengal From Tuesday As Part Of Voter Roll Revision Exercise
Assembly polls are due in West Bengal next year
West Bengal CEO office begins training ahead of Special Intensive Revision
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer's office is gearing up for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) implementation, commencing trainer training on Tuesday. Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti will oversee preparations from September 18-19. The initiative includes training ADMs and EROs, who will then train Booth Level Officers, with 79,000 already appointed statewide.
Former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty appears before ED in betting app case
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday recorded statements of former TMC Lok Sabha member and Bengali film actress Mimi Chakraborty under provisions of the Prevention of Money laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with its probe into an illegal betting app named 1xBet. Officials in the agency said the actress appeared before the ED investigators in response to a summons served to her in connection with the alleged online betting app scam case. Mimi Chakraborty, who represented the West Bengal ruling TMC from Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat in south Kolkata between 2019 and 2024, was questioned for over four hours at the agencys headquarters here, the officials said. They said that the actress was questioned by the ED investigators to understand her links with the betting app, as she is linked through certain endorsements and financial transactions. On Sunday, the ED had issued a summons to actresses Urvashi Rautela and Chakraborty. While Chakraborty appeared today, Rautela was asked to depose on Tuesday. ED questions Suresh Raina; records statement on alleged links with illegal betting app 1xBet Before the Chakraborty, cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan had also appeared before the ED officials in a similar case. The officials said the agency has been probing the money trail of online betting and believed huge sums were laundered and transferred overseas. Notably, through a recent legislation, the Central government has imposed a ban on real-money online gaming and it is estimated that there are about 22 crore Indian users in various such online betting apps out of which half (about 11 crore) are regular users.
Illegal migrants hurting Bihar, West Bengal, Assam: Modi vows cleanup
PM Modi accuses Congress-RJD of 'protecting foreign infiltrators' at rally in Bihar's Purnea
PATNA: Amid the ongoing Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated the Centres resolve to drive out infiltrators from the Indian territory and contended that it was the NDA governments responsibility to complete the task. Addressing a rally in Purnea after the inauguration of a new airport terminal and laying the foundation stone of multiple projects, PM Modi accused Congress-RJD of protecting foreign infiltrators. He said that the demography of states like Bihar, West Bengal and Assam has rapidly changed due to infiltration. A huge democratic crisis has arisen due to infiltrators in Seemanchal (Bihar) and Eastern India. People of Bihar, Bengal, Assam and many other states are worried about the safety of their sisters and daughters, he said. He also explained the reason behind setting up the Demographic Mission. Taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhis 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', PM Modi said Congress-RJD and its ecosystem were taking out Yatras and raising slogans to save infiltrators. Will interfere in case of illegality: SC sets October 7 for final hearing on pleas against Bihar SIR Warning Congress-RJD, PM Modi said, RJD-Congress people, listen to me, with open ears; whoever is an infiltrator, will have to go. Attacking Congress-RJD fiercely, PM Modi said that 'these' people have not only threatened the honour of Bihar but also the identity of the State. Whenever Bihar progresses, these people get involved in insulting Bihar. You may have noticed that Congress, an ally of RJD, is comparing Bihar with Bidi on social media, he told the gathering. Referring to Union governments decision to promote Makhana production in the State, PM Modi said that a notification about the National Makhana Board has been issued by the Centre. I had promised the people for this. Now it has been fulfilled, he said, amid thunderous applause from the crowd. Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the newly built Purnea airport terminal and flagged off the first commercial flight from the airport. He also laid the foundation stone of Rs 36,000 crore projects and flagged off four new train services in Bihar. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar thanked PM Modi for his contribution to the all-around development of Bihar. He said that PM Modi has focussed his attention to the states development. We will see a new Bihar after the assembly polls, he said.
Assams heroic nurses shield newborns from earthquake, video goes viral
Amid the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck parts of the Northeast and West Bengal on Sunday, two nurses from a private hospital in Assam were captured shielding three newborn babies from the shock, ensuring their safety as tremors hit the region. The heartwarming viral video shows nurses in Aditya hospital in Assam rushing to protect Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Video Shows Moment When Earthquake Struck Assam Hospital
When a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck parts of the Northeast and adjoining West Bengal on Sunday evening, the nurses of a private hospital in Nagaon district of Assam shielded the newborns.
Viral video: How nurses in Assam hospital shield newborns during 5.8-magnitude earthquake
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Assam and northern West Bengal, causing panic and aftershocks. Two people were injured, and houses were damaged in several districts. Amidst the chaos, nurses in Assam heroically shielded newborn babies in a hospital. Prime Minister Modi assured assistance, and disaster management teams are assessing the damage.
Earthquakes strike Northeast, West Bengal; PM assures assistance
The first jolt of 5.8 magnitude was recorded at 4.41 pm, the second tremor of 3.1 magnitude was felt at 4.58 pm, followed by another tremor of 2.9 magnitude at 5.21 pm. The fourth jolt was of 2.7 magnitude and recorded at 6.11 pm, officials said
earthquake-alert-magnitude-5-9-tremors-rattle-guwahati-reach-bhutan
A massive 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit Assam's Guwahati on Sunday evening, sending shockwaves as far as Bhutan and northern parts of West Bengal. The earthquake took place at 4:41 PM, with the epicentre said to be in the Udalgiri district, at a depth of 5km, the United States Geological Survey said in an X post.This follows a 3.5-magnitude quake that struck Assam's Sonitpur on September 2. TheNational Centre for Seismology (NCS) later claimed it was a 5.8-magnitude quake. Many residents reportedly rushed out of their homes in panic, but no loss of life or property has been reported yet. It felt like it would never stop, a Guwahati resident told Hindustan Times . For a minute, I thought I was dead. I genuinely believed the roof would cave in, said another. We are actively monitoring the situation, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X. My prayers for everyone's safety and well-being, wrote former Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal in an X post. Assamassociated with the NCS''Hazard Zone V', corresponding to a 'very active' seismic statusis very sensitive to earthquakes as it is at the convergence of the Eurasian and Sunda plates in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis. #Assam, #Guwahati, and #earthquake quickly began trending on social media, with users commenting on how it affected them. That was a quake and a half, one user quipped. Just a few hours ago, Assam trembled under the force of a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. At my brothers hospitalAditya Hospital, Nagaon , Assamamidst the shaking walls and fearful cries, two young nurses stood tall like true, another user wrote, attaching a CCTV video.
Earthquake of 5.8 magnitude hits parts West Bengal, northeast
Guwahati: An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude shook parts of the northeast region and West Bengal on Sunday, officials said. There was no immediate report of any loss of life or damage to property, they said. The epicentre of the earthquake that struck at 4.41 pm, was in Udalguri district, the officials said. The depth of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 strikes Assam, jolts major parts of North Bengal
An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck near Dhekiajuli, Assam, on Sunday jolted major parts of West Bengal's northern district, especially in the Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling region, official sources said.
2.20 lakh candidates appear for teacher recruitment test for classes 11-12 in Bengal
West Bengal conducted School Service Commission exams for assistant teachers in government schools. Around 2.29 lakh candidates appeared across 478 centers. Education Minister Bratya Basu highlighted the large number of out-of-state applicants. The recruitment follows the dismissal of 26,000 teachers due to a Supreme Court ruling. Basu emphasized transparency in the process.
Temple Wedding, Abortion, Then Mystery Death: Tale Of Two Bengal Doctors
A junior doctor has been arrested in West Bengal's Malda after his girlfriend -- a 24-year-old MBBS student -- died under mysterious circumstances while she was visiting him
Mamata extends greetings to people on Hindi Diwas
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday extended her greetings to people on Hindi Diwas, and said her government respects all languages. She also highlighted several initiatives taken by her government for the welfare of Hindi-speaking people in the state, including the recognition of Hindi as an official language in areas where 10 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
West Bengal teacher recruitment test: More than two lakh candidates likely to appear
The School Level Selection Test will be conducted at 478 centres across the State, officials said
Anuparna Roy: The quiet rebel who is against mediocrity
Anuparna Roy is arguably one of the best things to happen to India, and more specifically, West Bengal. For people scarred by a plethora of scams and gradually drowning in cynicism, this slender woman takes to the podium of the oldest film festival in the world and wins the award, becoming only the second woman in the country to be crowned on such a platform. In a trembling voice, she expresses her indebtedness to the villages and soil of her beleaguered state. Roy has been a quiet rebel standing against mediocrity. She rose from a very humble background with no touch of elitism in her family, education, job or patronage. Raised in one of the chronically underdeveloped districts of West Bengal, Roy attended an obscure college, far from dwindling institutions of excellence in the state. Like thousands of others who leave Bengal in search of a career, she too moved to Mumbai to pursue her dreams. A person who excels on a global platform solely through their own merit, without the relying on family connections, earns respect in every society. This is specially true in West Bengal, which has not produced too many such faces in recent times. Anuparna Roy is, in short, a symbol of a theme that Bengalis have romanticised over the decades: struggle for existence. Anuparna is just past 30 years old. In her success, she follows giants. The first Indian to win an award at Venice was Satyajit Ray (Golden Lion for Aparajito in 1957). Her other four inspirations are Buddhadeb Dasgupta (special director award for Uttara in 2000), Mira Nair (Golden Lion for Monsoon Wedding in 2001) and Chaitanya Tamhane (Orizzonti Best Film for Court in 2014). Next film on two women's liberty in British Bengal: Anuparna Roy However, the road ahead does not seem to be smooth for her. The weight of expectations in formidable. It is not uncommon for artists and sportspersons to fade into oblivion after a spectacular start. She needs to be mindful of this. Roy is also frank, perhaps too frank at times. Her comments on the sufferings in Palestine did not go down well with a big and influential section of Indians. However, even in retrospect, she doesnt care, displaying a spirit of being true to her inner voice, somewhat like Ritwik Ghatak, who is one of her primary motivators for speaking her mind, both on and off the screen. Roy stands out in an industry where making a mark on the global stage requires some push apart from sheer merit grit is essential. In an industry where films are usually shot between 15 days and two months, she took nearly two years and a half to complete her project. Notably, Anurag Kashyap came out to support the movie after being inspired by the quality of her work. She sought advice from Kashyap, who volunteered to collaborate with her. Supremely dedicated to her art, Roy used to work for the information technology sector, which she gave up without a second thought. Giving up the security of a month-end pay cheque is not easy for a girl who has ventured away from the security of her home in search of a career. Roy is aware that her kind of films does not have a readily available audience willing to pay for theatre visits. She has expressed her desires for her film to go on a festival circuit, now and perhaps a world premiere sometime. She is not even keen for a theatre release for the Indian audience. Unfortunately, she may be correct in her assessment. Payal Kapadias All We Imagine As Light, which won the Grand Prix (second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme dOr) at Cannes last year, fared poorly at the box office in India. However, the appetite for real-life narratives might sustain filmmakers like Roy in the long run.
Major bureaucratic reshuffle at Centre
NEW DELHI, Sept 13: Senior IAS officers Pawan Kumar Sharma and V Lalithalakshmi were today appointed as Deputy Election Commissioner and Joint Secretary in the Vice Presidents Secretariat, respectively, according to an official order. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Sharma is a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and Lalithalakshmi is a 2008-batch officer of the West Bengal cadre. Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Defence Ministry, has been appointed as Deputy Election Commissioner [] The post Major bureaucratic reshuffle at Centre appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RG Kar Medical College Student Found Dead In Bengal's Malda, Mother Blames Lover
Mystery is shrouding the death of a tribal female medical student of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Malda district of West Bengal.
Pawan Kumar Sharma New Deputy Election Commissioner, V. Lalithalakshmi, Joint Secretary
Sharma is a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and Lalithalakshmi is a 2008-batch officer of the West Bengal cadre.
Supreme Courts unusual order: University VC must carry sexual harassment judgment in his resume
The Supreme Court addressed a sexual harassment case against a West Bengal NUJS vice chancellor, dismissing the faculty member's complaint due to limitation. Despite the dismissal, the court ordered the judgment detailing the harassment allegations be included in the VC's resume.
Vice-Chancellor Accused Of Sexual Harassment May Be Forgiven But...: Top Court
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a sexual harassment case against West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences Vice-Chancellor Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti but directed that the judgment, which carries details of his alleged misconduct.
PM to embark on 2-day Bengal visit on Sep 14 to inaugurate armed forces' conference next day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal on September 14, marking his second trip to Kolkata in under a month. He will inaugurate a combined commanders' conference of the armed forces on September 15, which will be attended by top military and government officials.
The Election Commission of India directs states to match old and new electoral data. This is ahead of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision. Booth Level Officers will assist District Electoral Officers in this task. The matched data will be available online for voters. A Deputy Election Commissioner will visit Kolkata to monitor preparations.
PM Modi reaffirms commitment to inclusive development in Manipur
PM Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore
Nepal Protest: Tour operators fear cancellations, and losses both to individuals and businesses
Political unrest in Nepal, resulting in casualties and injuries, is expected to severely impact tourism during the upcoming festive season. Tour operators fear cancellations from West Bengal, where thousands typically visit Nepal.
PM Modi to launch development projects in Manipur today, first visit since 2023 violence
PM Modi will visit five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar, from September 13th to 15th (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, according to the Prime Minister's Office on Friday.
Include sex harassment case against you in resume, Supreme Court tells law university VC
The Supreme Court addressed a sexual harassment complaint against the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences' VC, which was dismissed due to being filed beyond the stipulated three-month period. While the court acknowledged the limitation, it directed that the judgment detailing the alleged acts be included in the VC's resume.
PM Modi To Visit Manipur, 4 Other States From Sept 13-15
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, according to the Prime Ministers Office on Friday. Prime Minister will visit Mizoram and lay []
NEW DELHI: Amid raging controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and expected pan-India rollout, the Election Commission of India on Friday held a day-long workshop for the Commissions media and communication officers. The Commission is aimed at establishing an effective communication strategy at the grassroots level. The move also assumed significance as this was organised ahead of poll season and at a time when the communication space remains saddled with challenges of fake news, misinformation campaigns and AI-inspired videos. With Bihar elections slated towards 2025 and crucial states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam going to polls next year, the electoral arena will remain packed with a slew of activities. In an official release, the ECI said 51 Media Nodal Officers (MNOs) and Social Media Nodal Officers (SMNOs) participated in the programme, as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi addressed the participants during the inaugural session. Deliberations during the course of the day were mostly focused on the growing threat of misinformation. It was felt that it was imperative to clearly communicate that the elections in India are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution and to keep countering misleading information with facts, the ECI said in the statement. Sessions were also held to strengthen the communication ecosystem of CEO offices to disseminate timely factual information to the media and other stakeholders, it noted, adding that the workshop had dedicated sessions on the SIR of Electoral Rolls from the perspective of media and social media. An expert session on the various tools, techniques and strategies to counter misinformation was also organised, it said, adding that today's deliberations marked the third such interaction.
Six workers killed in an accident at a stone quarry in West Bengals Birbhum
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that stone quarries operating in the Birbhum and adjoining districts are already under the scanner for misuse of explosives by the NIA
Stone quarry collapse in Bengals Birbhum kills six labourers, injures many
A stone quarry collapsed in West Bengal's Birbhum district. The incident occurred in Bahadurpur village. At least six labourers died and several were injured. Workers were removing stones when the quarry collapsed. Injured workers were rushed to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital. Police are investigating the incident. Illegal mining is suspected in the region.
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected the West Bengal governments request to include Swastha Sathi and ration (PDS) cards as documents to prove eligibility to be included in the voters list during the course of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the State. Incidentally, after Bihar, the focus has now shifted to West Bengal, as the poll panel is gearing up to launch the SIR ahead of the scheduled State assembly elections in 2026. It is to be noted here that the Swastha Sathi card is given by the West Bengal government for its health insurance scheme, as the cost of the premium is borne by the state government. According to sources, earlier this month, encouraged by the direction of the apex court regarding inclusion of the Aadhaar card in the list of documentary identity evidences for the SIR, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Panthad through the States Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) forwarded a letter requesting the Commission to consider including Swastha Sathi and ration (PDS) cards as documentary identity evidences. However, in a communication to the state government, the Commission rejected the proposal, as it said that inclusion of them in the list of documentary identity proofs was not possible. A senior official said, The commission rejected the state governments argument, saying, since all information about any West Bengal resident is verified by the state authorities before issuing the Swastha Sathi cards, the same could be used as proof of citizenship while preparing the voters list. Similarly, the state government argued that the ration cards could also help identify many people. The Commission, on its part, said that a uniform rule for all Indian states for the SIR is followed and no exception could be made for West Bengal, the sources said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party TMC have been opposing the SIR in West Bengal, as she has claimed that the real intent behind the exercise was to introduce the NRC and the CAA in West Bengal through backdoors. The opposition BJP in the State, however, countered it saying that the CM and the ruling TMC were opposing the SIR over fear of losing out votes of many illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators.
BHOPAL: Villagers in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly falling prey to multi-layered rackets that misuse their identification details to source fake SIM cards, fueling inter-state and international cyber frauds run from countries like Cambodia and Thailand. Ongoing crackdown by the MP Police against rackets sourcing fake SIM cards to be used for cyber crimes across the country and abroad have stumbled upon an increasingly prevalent modus operandi of some SIM card point-of-sale (PoS) who are using identification details, particularly biometric data (especially thumb impression/fingerprint details) to issue SIM cards in bulk for use by the cyber fraud rackets. Our detailed investigations and analysis has revealed that in around 60% cases of fake SIM cards, the thumb impression/fingerprints of people aged particularly between 18 and 45 years, especially those from rural areas, have been used to supply SIM cards for use by cyber fraud rackets operating from Indian states, like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, UP and Delhi, besides international cyber crime syndicates operating from South East Asian nations, particularly Cambodia and Thailand, superintendent of police (SP-Cyber Cell Bhopal) Pranay Nagwanshi told the TNIE on Friday. As per sources connected with the ongoing crackdown against the PoS indulgent in issuing fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters, Villagers going to such PoS to get new SIM cards are often asked deliberately to give their thumb impressions on the thumb impression machines on the pretext that their thumb impressions arent getting properly scanned for verification purposes. While the impression is used just once to issue a SIM card to the concerned villager, the same impression, which was taken multiple times by the SIM card PoS, is then used to generate more SIM cards, which are handed over subsequently to local facilitators who supply them to cyber fraud rackets. The other most prevalent modus operandi is that many SIM card PoS are actually using men in rural areas, who in the lure of quick money are bringing their relatives and friends to the such PoS in the name of getting them registered for benefits under various government schemes and using their identification details, including fingerprints to generate fake SIM cards for cyber fraud syndicates. According to Nagwanshi, everyone who is giving fingerprint/thumb impressions on devices at SIM cards PoS, should be alert and question why the staff at the PoS is asking for the thumb impression/fingerprint scanning multiple times, to prevent their genuine ID details from being used to generate SIM cards for use by cyber fraudsters, including those indulging in Digital Arrests. These alarming revelations have been made during the ongoing Operation FAST (Forged-Activated-SIM-Termination) of the MP Police, which is being carried out across the state jointly by the state polices cyber cell and district police forces. The basis of Operation FAST is the detailed info provided to the MP Police by the Ministry of Home Affairs I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre). As per the data, as many as 6200 complaints from various states on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal were related to 7500 fake SIM cards issued by 3824 PoS across MP. Under the first phase of the Operation, which began 15 days back, the police have registered 50 FIRs against 94 SIM Card PoS and agents in 20 districts and 44 people have been arrested so far. As many as 100 fake SIM cards and seven thumb impression machines have also been seized. Similar operations are underway in the 35 remaining districts of the state based on the information given by the I4C. Were also working on regularly carrying out similar operations based on cyber fraud complaints being made directly to us in the state about mobile phone numbers being frequently used by cyber thugs, Nagwanshi added. In the next phase, we will probe the backward and forwards linkages of these notorious SIM card PoS, including the possibility of the cellular service providers staffs collusion with the tainted PoS and the facilitators getting bulk SIM cards for cyber fraud rackets from such point-of-sale contacts, he maintained. The hotspot districts so far The ongoing Operation FAST which, has so far covered 20 of the 55 districts in the state, has revealed that five districts, including Sidhi, Chhatarpur, Datia, Dindori and Shivpuri, have emerged as the prime hotspots of such SIM Card PoS, which are supplying fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters. In each of these districts, more than 100 such SIM cards have been issued by the dubious PoS. Sidhi, which is located in the Vindhya region and is neighboured by Eastern UP, has emerged as the biggest such hotspot, with around 1000 such SIM cards having been issued by the dubious SIM Card PoS there, Nagwanshi said. This latest revelation means that the Vindhya region (which is neighboured by UP and Chhattisgarh both) is not just a fertile land of mule accounts (bank accounts used by criminals to receive, transfer or launder illegal money with or without the knowledge/complicity of the actual account holders), but also a hub for supply of fake SIM cards to cyber fraud rackets. In the past, there have been multiple cases of suspected hawala money, money meant for suspected terrorist and spying activities and money generated from cyber fraud, having been parked in mule accounts of people living in various parts of MPs Vindhya region, particularly Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Katni and Umaria districts. The second set of fake SIM cards hotspot districts, includes Gwalior, Indore, Damoh, Morena and Jabalpur districts.
Modi To Visit Manipur, Mizoram, West Bengal, Bihar Check Schedule, Details
The prime minister will visit Manipur and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects.
PM Modi to Visit 5 States from Sept 1315, Launch Rs 71,850 Cr Projects
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-day visit from 13th to 15th September, covering Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for infrastructure and development projects exceeding Rs 71,850 crore, according to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office on Friday, as reported by multiple media []
PM Modi to visit Manipur on Saturday, his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in 2023
NEW DELHI: Putting speculations to rest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on Saturday, September 13, and will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said on Friday, in the first official confirmation of the PM's trip to the strife-torn state. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also confirmed about Modi's Manipur visit. This will be Modi's first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state two years ago. The violence had erupted between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state. The choice of Churachandpur is significant because the district was among the worst hit by the violence, which claimed at least 260 lives and left thousands displaced. While Churachandpur is Kuki-dominated, Meiteis are in a majority in Imphal, thus balancing the signals sent out in the politically significant visit, a report noted. In line with his commitment to the inclusive, sustainable, and holistic development of the state, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for several development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These include the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects valued at more than Rs 2,500 crore; the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) Project; Working Women Hostels at nine locations, among others. The projects to be inaugurated in Imphal include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; the IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata; and the Ima Markets unique all-women markets in four districts. Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency As part of his programme, Prime Minister Modi will also address a gathering in Manipur on the occasion. Thereafter, he will inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal and address a public function. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to visit Manipur. He stated that the turmoil in the state has been going for a long time. The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now, Gandhi said, according to ANI . Modi will also visit Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. In Assam, Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati where he will also address a gathering. On September 14, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over Rs 18,530 crore in Assam. He will also address a public function in Darrang. On September 15, the Prime Minister will visit West Bengal to inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference2025 in Kolkata. Thereafter, he will visit Bihar same day and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea Airport. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea and address a public gathering on the occasion. RSS tries its hand at solving Manipur stalemate, weighs in on BJP chiefs appointment Additionally, he will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. In Mizoram, the Prime Minister will also flag off three new express trains: the Sairang (Aizawl)Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, the SairangGuwahati Express, and the SairangKolkata Express. It will be the first time Aizawl is directly connected with Delhi via a Rajdhani Express, while the SairangGuwahati Express will improve connectivity between Mizoram and Assam. Notably, the SairangKolkata Express will establish direct connectivity between Mizoram and Kolkata. (With inputs from Online Desk.) Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency
New Delhi, Sept 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting five states, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar from 13th to 15th September (Saturday to Monday), to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 71,850 crore, according to the Prime Ministers Office on Friday. Prime Minister will visit Mizoram and lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 9000 crore at Aizawl, at around 10 AM. He will also address [] The post PM To Visit Manipur, Four Other States From Sept 13-15; Will Inaugurate Projects Worth Rs 71,850 Crore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a multi-state tour from September 13-15, visiting Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. He will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth 71,850 crore across these states, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, energy, and agriculture.
West Bengal: In Purulia District, Elderly Are Left to Battle Climate Stress Alone
Erratic rainfall, agricultural shocks and rising migration have emptied villages in Purulia, leaving older residents to fend for themselves.
West Bengal schools recruitment: Aspiring teachers protest outside Assembly; clash with police
Protestors claim that more than 50,000 vacant teachers posts in government schools; West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu says no such figures available
Helios eyes 39% growth in East with festive launches
Helios said the company plans to add roughly 50 stores nationally this financial year; for the festive season in West Bengal, the company has launched a line-up with 14 global brands
House politics: Women Muslim politicians scarce
NEW DELHI: Indias Muslim women politicians have been chief ministers, constituency managers, party faithfuls, party hoppers, managers of important ministries in short, capable of every quality shown by men to be go-getters and parliamentarians. Missing from the House (Juggernaut), a new book by journalists Rasheed Kidwai and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, however, has come up with a shocker. Since the first general elections of 1951-52, there have been, until 2024, only 690 women MPs. Of this only 18 have been Muslim women. Out of the 18 Lok Sabhas constituted till 2025, there were five that did not have a single Muslim woman member. Equally shocking is the fact that the number of Muslim women elected to Parliament in one tenure, never crossed a mark of four in the 543-seat Lower House of Parliament, they write in the book. Speaking at the book launch organised by Juggernaut Books and the Prabha Khaitan Foundation at Delhis India Islamic Cultural Centre on Wednesday, Iqra Hasan, Samajwadi Partys Kairana MP, spoke of having to play by the rules set, but underlined the need for reservations within the partys workforce for an organic leadership to emerge so that there are enough women around to benefit from the 33 per cent reservation in Lok Sabha that the Womens Reservation Bill 2023 promises. Reservation will most likely benefit dynastsMuslim women across most parties who have been MPs come from political families but is perhaps the first step towards empowering a minority within the minority community: women with political ambitions and the capacity to deliver on them. Such women, as the book shows, are dogged by patriarchal patronisation from the beginning to the end of their political life. They step in after the death, arrest, or absence of the familys men, are seen though behen-bahu optics and elected as such. Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah had a political career after the arrest of National Conference founder and leader Sheikh Abdullah. The wife, mother and grandmother of chief ministers, she was an MP; she played a key role in the Jammu and Kashmir Plebiscite Front; and she sided with her son Farooq, who was aligned with her husbands political legacy, over her daughter, who was orchestrating a putsch in cahoots with the Indira Gandhi-led Congress. There have been tweaks to the rule and few exceptions. Mamtaz Sanghamita, daughter of a law minister in a Left Front government in West Bengal became MP on a TMC ticket. Common to them all has been their devotion to the parliamentary process, their rooting for reform or legislation on various issuesfrom forest rights, trade and infrastructure to questions on thefts occurring within Parliament House itself. Not one out of the 18 had any major allegations of corruption, criminal charges, or hate speech, the authors say. The launch discussion, attended by politicians Salman Khurshid and Omar Abdullah, also raised the moot question of Muslim women who have tried to be political outside mainstream parties. What happened to the women leaders of Shaheen Bagh and CAA movements is a story waiting to be told.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A collective of former vice-chancellors and senior academics from the state has written to the Chief Justice of India, expressing grave concerns over search committees constituted by the Supreme Court for selection of vice-chancellors in technological and digital universities without the representative of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The 13 signatories of the letter include G Madhavan Nair, former chairman, ISRO, TP Sreenivasan, former Vice-Chairman, Kerala State Higher Education Council, and G Gopakumar, former Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kerala. The academics highlighted a perceived deviation from established principles of university governance and also previous Supreme Court rulings. In judgments such as Gambhirdan K Gadhvi vs State of Gujarat (2019) and Professor (Dr.) Sreejith P S vs Dr. Rajasree M S (2022), the Supreme Court has emphasised the mandatory inclusion of a UGC nominee in such search committees, they pointed out. The letter also raised concerns that the recent SC order, reportedly based on a precedent from a case involving universities in West Bengal, grants an all-pervasive role to the states chief minister, which is not provided for in the state act or UGC regulations. The academics pointed out that increasing litigation and political intervention in higher education were deterring eminent professionals from applying for vice-chancellor positions, which is not in the best interest of the countrys education system. The letter requested the Chief Justice of Indias intervention to ensure that judicial pronouncements on academic matters align with established academic norms.
THRISSUR: Considered the gold capital of Kerala, there was a time when Thrissur hosted hundreds of traditional gold artisan units that sold finished ornaments to major retailers in South India. Soaring gold prices saw the industry undergo a transformation, with customers opting for lightweight jewellery over relatively bulky traditional ones. Veppila usha, elakkathali, adukku thali, and kuzhal mothiram necklaces made here have for ages been among the most sought after gold ornaments. The exquisite craft of the artisans, known as thattans, made these pieces inevitable at weddings and other social and cultural gatherings. With the passage of time, tastes have changed, forcing retailers to introduce more trendy, lightweight ornaments from states like Maharashtra. This has affected the livelihoods of local artisans. To improve their lot, gold jewellery manufacturers in the state now plan to form a grouping to make common facilities available for crafting ornaments based on market demand. According to Sooraj T P, who has been an artisan for over four decades, Earlier, customers used to approach artisans like me for creating pieces of jewellery in keeping with their budgets. They would have specific designs in mind and there used to be workers who were skilled enough to carry out the work under the guidance of chief artisans. These days, we design based on the requirements of retailers. Instead of varying designs and type of ornaments, units now concentrate on single products. Those who make earrings do not work on other ornaments. This helps speed up the process and ensure perfectly finished products, Sooraj, of Chevoor, said. Earlier, only traditional artisans were able to make designs according to the prescribed weight. Nowadays, however, anybody who knows the process can churn them out. There are Italian moulds for making products. Many migrant labourers, mostly from West Bengal, have been moving to Kerala to pursue gold manufacturing for the last decade or more. It is also a fact that the younger generation of traditional artisans, who once called Thrissur home, have been seeking better options, said A K Sabu, president of the Jewellery Manufacturers Association (Kerala). With the price of gold rising continuously, people are turning to lightweight ornaments over traditional designs, he said. Sabu added that currently ornaments of 18, 14 and nine karats are in high demand in Kerala as younger customers seek out ornaments that can be worn, compared with earlier generations which saw them as an investment. We are planning the consortium to allow all manufacturers to make use of modern machinery and help sustain the industry. The project is expected to cost around `18 crore and Central government funds are assured. Once it becomes a reality, it will act as a boost to the gold-manufacturing sector in the state, Sabu said. According to a rough estimate, more than 20,000 labourers are directly involved in the sector in the state, with many more benefitting from it. While most of the units are based in Thrissur district, Kozhikode and Malappuram also enjoy a notable presence.
Sashastra Seema Bal, West Bengal Police step up vigil along border
Security has been heightened along the Nepal-India border in Panitanki, West Bengal, by the Sashastra Seema Bal and state police to prevent potential infiltration. Increased document checks and naka checking are in place for both Indian and Nepalese citizens entering the country. The Bengal governor is expected to submit a report to the Centre after visiting the border areas.
Indian Border Guards Nab 60 Nepal Jailbreak Inmates; 1 From Bangladesh
SSB troops caught them from border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal over the last two days
5 members of inter-state burglary gang held in Gaya
During the Pitripaksh Mela in Gaya, police apprehended five members of an inter-state burglary gang operating near the Vishnupad temple. The arrested individuals, one from Wardhwan and four from Purulia, West Bengal, were caught after attempting to flee from a pilgrim. Authorities recovered cash and purses, and the suspects confessed to targeting women pilgrims in crowded areas.
Indian border security arrests 60 Nepal jailbreak inmates as protests leave thousands on the run
NEW DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) that guards the India-Nepal border has caught about 60 people including a Bangladeshi national from various locations along the international front, officials said. Most of them are Nepalese who are suspected of having escaped during jailbreaks during the unrest in their country. SSB troops caught them from border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal over the last two days, the officials told PTI. They have been handed over to the respective state police forces and are being questioned, they said. A Bangladeshi national has also been apprehended from the Musharwa border post in Bihar's West Champaran district. He had managed to slip during a mob attack on the prison premises in Kathmandu. Two or three of those nabbed claim to be of Indian origin and this fact is being ascertained, the officials said. The SSB, which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), guards the 1,751-km-long unfenced India-Nepal front on India's eastern side. It has deployed about 50 battalions, translating to about 60,000 personnel, in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim that share the front with Nepal. The force has stepped up vigil in the frontier areas and enhanced surveillance along the border in the wake of the protests in Nepal. The SSB is in touch with its Nepalese counterpart APF. They have also undertaken joint patrols with them apart from independent flag marches in the border areas to send across a message that the Indian side is ready to meet any challenge emerging from the recent developments in Nepal, a senior official said. Nepal has been assured of all cooperation and genuine nationals of the two countries, carrying valid IDs, are being allowed to cross the border, he said. Three inmates were killed on Thursday during clashes with Nepalese security personnel at a jail, while more than 15,000 prisoners are stated to have escaped from more than two dozen jails since violent protests erupted in that country. With the latest deaths, the number of prisoners who died during clashes with security forces has increased to eight since the violence erupted on Tuesday. The violent agitation forced prime minister K P Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday, following which the Nepal Army imposed restrictions due to a serious law and order situation across provinces.
Politics On Field: Trinamool, BJP Organise Football Tournaments In West Bengal
With West Bengal scheduled to witness Assembly polls next year, the games being played are literally on field with the Trinamool Congress organising the Swami Vivekananda Cup and the BJP holding the Narendra Cup.
Two held for transporting 16 kg marijuana in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested two peddlers in an interstate ganja smuggling racket, seizing 16.9 kg of marijuana worth Rs 8.4 lakh on Thursday, September 11. They have been identified as 22-year-old Chandra Prakash from Delhi and 19-year-old Zamila Khatoon alias Noori from West Bengal. Also ReadPassengers caught with Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Indian border guards nab 60 inmates who escaped in Nepal jailbreak
NEW DELHI, Sept 11: The Sashastra Seema Bal that guards the India-Nepal border has caught about 60 persons from various locations along the international front, officials said. Most of them are Nepalese who are suspected to have escaped in jailbreaks during the unrest in their country. SSB troops caught them from border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal over the last two days, the officials told PTI. They have been handed over to the respective state police [] The post Indian border guards nab 60 inmates who escaped in Nepal jailbreak appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Massive Prison Break: Over 35 inmates nabbed on Nepal-India border; UP, Bihar, Bengal on high alert
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has apprehended 35 inmates who escaped from various prisons in Nepal in recent days, officials confirmed on Thursday. Of these, 22 were caught along the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Bihar, and three in West Bengal.
Following mass prison breaks in Nepal amidst violent anti-government protests, India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has apprehended 35 escapees along the Indo-Nepal border. Twenty-two were caught in Uttar Pradesh, ten in Bihar, and three in West Bengal.
Amid cross-voting reports in the vice presidential poll, Derek O'Brien criticized the government for focusing on minor vote counts instead of addressing critical issues. He highlighted the US tariff imposition, Manipur violence, MGNREGA funds blockage for West Bengal, and other significant concerns. O'Brien urged accountability on these pressing matters, deeming them more important than the vice presidential election's vote margin.
ED searches across five States in alleged fake Input Tax Credit case
Last month, the agency had searched 12 locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Maharashtra in connection with another case linked to fake GST invoices, as part of the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Truck operators report Rs 200-250 crore daily due to stranded vehicles at North Bengal-Nepal border
The Indo-Nepal border closure at Panitanki, North Bengal, due to escalating violence in Nepal, has resulted in daily losses of 200-250 crores for truckers. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in North Bengal, monitoring the situation and assuring assistance to stranded tourists. Governor CV Ananda Bose is also visiting the bordering areas.
EC to take call on pan-India SIR rollout soon; likely to be held before year-end
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission will soon decide on the date to roll out special intensive revision on a pan-India basis and the exercise to clean up the voter list across states may take place before the end of the year, officials said Wednesday. After a day-long meeting of EC's state chief electoral officers here, officials said that with as many as five assembly polls due next year, the all-India SIR could take place in the coming months in 2025. At the meeting, the CEOs suggested documents for the purpose of ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the electoral roll and no ineligible person is included in it. It was reiterated that these documents should promote ease of submission for the eligible citizens. This assumes significance as the Supreme Court has directed the EC to accept the Aadhaar card as the 12th document, besides 11 others, as proof of identity of the elector. The CEOs were told to keep the electoral rolls of their states, published after the last SIR, ready. Some state CEOs have already put the voter list published after their last SIR on their websites. The Commission has said that after Bihar, SIR will be carried out in the entire country. Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are due in 2026. In a statement, the poll authority said a presentation on the strategies, constraints and best practices adopted was made by the CEO of Bihar so that other CEOs can learn from their experiences. The CEOs gave detailed presentations on the number of electors, the qualifying date of the last SIR and the electoral roll in their state as per the last completed SIR. The CEOs also presented the status of digitisation and uploading of the Electoral Roll after the previous SIR on the State/UT CEO website. They also gave the status of mapping of current electors with the electors as per the last SIR in their state or Union Territory. In order to ensure that there is a uniform implementation of the Commission's initiative to ensure that no polling station has over 1,200 electors, the status of rationalisation of polling stations was also reviewed, it said. The primary aim of the intensive revision is to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth. The move assumes significance in the wake of a crackdown in various states on illegal foreign migrants, including from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Eventually, the poll authority will begin SIR in the entire country for the discharge of its constitutional mandate to protect the integrity of the electoral rolls. As part of the intense review, poll officials will carry out house-to-house verification to ensure an error-free voters' list. Amid allegations by opposition parties that the EC has fudged voter data to help the BJP, the poll panel has taken additional steps in the intensive revision to ensure illegal migrants do not get enrolled in the voter list. An additional 'declaration form' has been introduced for a category of applicants seeking to become electors or shifting from outside the state. They will have to give an undertaking that they were born in India before July 1, 1987 and provide any document establishing the date of birth and/or place of birth. One of the options listed in the declaration form is that they were born in India between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004. They will also have to submit documents about the date/place of birth of their parents. The SIR in poll-bound Bihar has come under attack from opposition parties, which questioned the timing of the exercise and claimed that crores of eligible citizens will be denied voting rights for want of documents. The Supreme Court has asked the EC to ensure that no eligible citizen is left behind. The website of the Delhi CEO has the 2008 voter list when the last intensive revision took place in the national capital. In Uttarakhand, the last SIR took place in 2006, and that year's electoral roll is now on the state CEO website. The last SIR in states will serve as the cut-off date, just as the 2003 voter list of Bihar is being used by the EC for intensive revision. Most of the states carried out the revision of electoral rolls between 2002 and 2004.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing concerns over potential NRC implementation, has instructed officials to facilitate Aadhaar enrollment, referencing a recent Supreme Court directive. She cautioned against exclusion from voter lists and criticized the BJP, alleging mistreatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states. Banerjee urged migrants to return to West Bengal, asserting the state's autonomy and linguistic rights.
Anglo-Indians fight for visibility and voice in 'numbers game' across the country
KOCHI: In what many describe as a perilous umbers game, India's Anglo-Indian communitydescended from European fathers and Indian mothers during colonial timesis grappling with the erosion of its political influence and cultural footprint. The 2011 census officially pegged their numbers at a mere 296, a figure hotly contested by community leaders who insist the true count exceeds 4,00,000. This statistical disparity has fuelled tangible setbacks, including the stripping away of their assured seats in legislative bodies. Compounding the issue, younger generations are increasingly emigrating or intermarrying, threatening the community's distinct identity amid India's fast-evolving society. Dr Charles Dias, a former Member of Parliament and president of the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India, outlined the historical safeguards: Articles 331 and 333 of the Constitution once permitted the nomination of two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and one to each of 12 state legislative assemblies. However, in 2020, this provision was revoked through the 104th Constitutional Amendment in a profoundly unjust manner. Dias noted, According to the Union government, the Anglo-Indian population stands at just 296 according to the 2011 census, and they are 'well off'. These claims were rigorously challenged by opposition parties, backed by data. Countering the official narrative, Dias highlighted association-collected data showing a nationwide population of nearly 4,15,000. He further estimated an additional 50,000 individuals dispersed across urban areas, unaffiliated with any associations. Echoing these concerns, Harry Maclure from Chennai, who runs the magazine Anglos in the Wind, challenged the official census figures and called for continued representation. You go to any wedding of our community and you can see 500 people. The census data is wrong. We were a big community and the maximum recorded population is around 7.5-8 lakh, he said. Maclure acknowledged the community's decline but emphasised its relative size: It is true that we are now a dwindling community but we are bigger than the Parsi community and we do need representation. He added that many from the community are marrying outside it, making the preservation of culture and heritage an ongoing struggle. Maclure remains cautiously optimistic, noting that while old settlements are disappearing, the educated youth in the community feel more comfortable in India and could carry forward the community's legacy. Charles Dias emphasised that the Anglo-Indian community's contributions to modern India far outweigh their population size. He highlighted their unparalleled role in nation-building across sectors like education, sports, railways, post and telegraph, health, and especially the armed forces, where eight Anglo-Indians have risen to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and over 25 have received top gallantry awards such as the Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. The three service chiefsAdmiral R L Pereira, Air Chief Marshal Denis Anthony La Fontaine, and Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browneexemplify the Anglo-Indian community's unwavering commitment to the nation, he said. Despite these achievements, the community faces significant hurdles. In 2013, the ministry of minority affairs formed a fact-finding team to study the problems and aspirations of the Anglo-Indian community in cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi. The team's report noted that amongst the various challenges and problems being faced by members of the Anglo-Indian community in India, the more significant ones are related to (1) identity crisis, (ii) lack of employment, (iii) educational backwardness, (iv) lack of proper facilities, and (v) cultural erosion. ANGLO-INDIAN POPULATION Assam 4,300 West Bengal 37,500 Bihar - 8,200 Chhattisgarh 7,500 Odisha 4,500 Madhya Pradesh 25,500 Jharkhand 7,500 Uttarakhand 5,500 Uttar Pradesh 18,500 Punjab 2,500 Haryana 3,800 Delhi 4,500 Maharashtra 27,500 Andhra Pradesh 15,500 Telangana 17,500 Goa 1,500 Karnataka 42,500 Tamil Nadu 42,000 Kerala 82,500 Total: 4,15,000 (Source: Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India) STATE-WISE ENUMERATION (2011 CENSUS) West Bengal -9 Odisha - 4 Chhattisgarh - 3 Maharashtra - 16 Andhra Pradesh - 62 Karnataka - 9 Kerala - 124 Tamil Nadu - 69 Total: 296
Centre approves rail, road projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar
NEW DELHI: In a major pre-poll boost ahead of Bihar assembly elections in October-November, the government on Wednesday approved two key infrastructure projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for the state. Briefing media about the decisions taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the first of the two projects is the construction of 82 Kms green field Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed National Highway corridor worth Rs 4,447 crore. The second decision has been taken for doubling of the 177 kms Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail line with an estimated cost of Rs 3,169 crore, as both of these are likely to be completed in the next three years, the Minister informed. According to an official release, the construction of the four-lane access-control highway project is estimated to generate nearly 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and another 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment, creating an opportunity to foster additional employment to boost economic activity in the state. - 4- , - https://t.co/dSxOAJAzMT Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025 It further said that the road project would support an average vehicle speed of 80 km/h, with a design speed of 100 km/h, as the aim is to reduce the overall travel time by approximately 1.5 hours. The increased economic activity in the region is expected to drive up the freight movement and the traffic on the Mokama-Munger section in the future, Vaishnaw said. Meanwhile, the 177-km Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail project will significantly improve connectivity among Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, as the multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across the Indian Railways network, the Minister said. Noting that the railway cargo had been on the decline since Independence and had hit a low of 27 percent in recent times, Vaishnaw said, with the slew of measures taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same has now risen to nearly 29 percent. He said the approval of infrastructure projects worth Rs 11 lakh crore during Prime Minister Modis third term reflects a transformational change that is boosting employment and improving the lives of people across the country. According to the government release, the new doubling of the railway line project will serve five districts covering 441 villages and about 28.72 lakh people in the three states as the national transport monolith expands its network nationwide. Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham), Tarapith (Shakti Peeth) etc., attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country, the government said in the note. This route has been termed as an essential route for the transportation of commodities like coal, cement, fertilisers, bricks and stones, it said, adding that after the completion of the project, the transportation capacity is expected to become 5 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
Govt committed to boosting pace of economic development in Bihar, says Modi
The central government approves projects to improve connectivity in Bihar. The Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur corridor will be four-laned. This project aims to reduce travel time and increase employment. The Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line will also be doubled. These projects will benefit people in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The expansion aligns with the vision of a developed India.
SC fumes over 'piecemeal' examination of rape survivor
The Supreme Court questioned a West Bengal trial court for adjourning a rape survivor's testimony for four months, expressing concern over the piecemeal examination. The court demanded explanations from both the trial court and the CBI, highlighting the risk of witness tampering.
SC Questions 4-Month Delay In Rape Survivors Testimony In West Bengal Case
Bench of Justices Pardiwala and Viswanathan seeks explanation from trial court and CBI over adjournment
Cabinet clears key road and rail projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 7,616 crore for infrastructure projects, including a four-lane highway between Mokama and Munger and the doubling of the BhagalpurDumkaRampurhat railway line. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic activity across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, generating employment and facilitating freight movement.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to visit Nepal-Bengal border in Siliguris Panitanki
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose is scheduled to visit the Indo-Nepal bordering areas of Panitanki amidst unrest in Nepal, prompting increased security measures by SSB and state police. Hundreds of trucks carrying essential supplies are stranded due to the border closure, impacting trade and transportation. Nepali citizens are crossing into India seeking refuge from the ongoing protests and disturbances.
ECI top brass brainstorms with State poll machinery on pan-India SIR preparedness
There are indications that the exercise would commence later this year, ahead of Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in 2026
EC top brass brainstorms with state poll machinery on pan-India SIR preparedness
NEW DELHI: A crucial meeting of the Election Commission with its state officials is underway to discuss preparations for a pan-India roll out of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. While senior EC officials are expected to make a presentation on the SIR policy of the Commission, the chief electoral officer of Bihar would share the state's experience in implementing SIR. This is the third meeting of CEOs after Gyanesh Kumar took over as the chief election commissioner in February. However, Wednesday's day-long meeting assumes significance as the preparedness of a pan-India SIR are being discussed, officials said. The Commission has said that after Bihar, SIR will be carried out in the entire country. There are indications that the exercise would commence later this year ahead of assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in 2026. The primary aim of the intensive revision is to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth. The move assumes significance in the wake of a crackdown in various states on illegal foreign migrants, including from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Eventually, the poll authority will begin SIR in the entire country for the discharge of its constitutional mandate to protect the integrity of the electoral rolls. As part of the intense review, poll officials will carry out house-to-house verification to ensure an error-free voters' list. Amid allegations by opposition parties that the EC has fudged voter data to help the BJP, the poll panel has taken additional steps in the intensive revision to ensure illegal migrants do not get enrolled in the voters' list. An additional 'declaration form' has been introduced for a category of applicants seeking to become electors or shifting from outside the state. They will have to undertake that they were born in India before July 1, 1987 and provide any document establishing date of birth and/or place of birth. One of the options listed in the declaration form is that they were born in India between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004. They will also have to submit documents about the date/place of birth of their parents. But Bihar voters list revision has come under attack from opposition parties claiming crores of eligible citizens will be devoid of voting rights for want of documents. The Supreme Court has asked EC to ensure that no eligible citizen is left behind. Some of the state chief electoral officers have started putting out voters' list published after the last SIR held in their states. The website of Delhi CEO has the 2008 voters' list when the last intensive revision took place in the national capital. In Uttarakhand the last SIR took place in 2006 and that year's electoral roll is now on the state CEO website. The last SIR in states will serve as cut off dates as 2003 voters' list of Bihar is being used by EC for intensive revision. Most of the states carried out revision of electoral rolls between 2002 and 2004. Bihar SIR: Supreme Court asks EC to consider Aadhaar as '12th document' for proof of identity
