Centre launches 9th tranche of e-auction for critical mineral blocks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Union Mines Ministry on Thursday launched the ninth tranche of e-auction for critical and strategic mineral blocks, together with the third tranche of the auction for Grant of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks. The launch was officiated by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest. A total of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks are being put up for auction in the ninth tranche. Five critical mineral blocks are located in Chhattisgarh, while Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal account for three each. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra each have two blocks, followed by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh with one each. The blocks contain critical minerals such as graphite, vanadium, gallium, titanium, tungsten, and scandium. These are used as critical elements in clean energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, fertilisers, defence, aerospace, electronics, and other strategic industries, thereby strengthening India's mineral security and supporting the country's energy transition, an official statement said. In the previous eight tranches, 100 unique critical and strategic mineral blocks were offered, of which 64 have been successfully auctioned. Alongside the ninth tranche, the Ministry of Mines also launched the third tranche of the auction of exploration licences. Exploration Licences, introduced through Section 10BA of the MMDR Act, enable private investment in the exploration of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Act, opening up exploration to private industry even before mining begins. So far, 11 EL blocks have been successfully auctioned in two tranches. The government has notified the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026 on October 16, reducing the minimum number of Technically Qualified Bidders required for the second round from three to two for Part D minerals. The change, built into the tender documents for both tranches, addresses a key reason blocks have gone unsold. Letters of Intent will now be issued automatically through the Unified Mining Portal. These build on earlier reforms, including the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 and Insurance Surety Bonds, aimed at improving ease of doing business and investor confidence. The sale of tender documents for both auction processes commenced on Thursday. The last date for purchase of the tender document is January 1, 2027 (by 5 p.m. IST), and the last date for submission of bids (Technical Bid and Initial Price Offer) is January 7, 2027. Critical Mineral Blocks (Composite Licence and Mining Lease) will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction, where the bidder quoting the highest percentage of revenue share wins. Exploration Licence Blocks will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage descending reverse auction, where the bidder quoting the lowest percentage share of the revenue share of the future lessee wins. Details are available on the MSTC e-auction platform at: https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/
Bengal govt unveils new industrial policy; incentives for industrialists announced
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday unveiled the states new industrial policy and announced a host of incentives for attracting new investments in various schemes ranging from power tariff to employers contribution in Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and from stamp duty exemption to state government assistance in human resource development (HRD). As per the new industrial policy, electricity tariff exemption will be provided for new investments in both the manufacturing and services sector for up to five years. The state government will also provide financial assistance for rent on leased premises for setting up new units. In the micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) segment, the state government will provide loans at affordable interest rates and also help in the implementation of new technologies. The financial assistance will be more in the case of new investment proposals in the industrially backward sub-divisions in the state. In case of mega projects, where 50 jobs will be created per acre, the state government will provide assistance in the construction of roads and ensuring water and electricity connections at the earliest. The state government also proposed stamp-duty exemptions on land for industrial projects and assistance in human resource development. The new industrial policy also proposes 100 per cent duty-free for educational institutions or hospitals run from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) corpus, provided the industry house concerned invests at least Rs 100 crore behind that education and medical project. The most attractive of the different incentive proposals was as regards to the state government assistance in employers contribution in EPF, with a focus on generating employment for people from the transgender community. In the MSMEs segment, the state government will bear the entire employers contribution to EPF for women and transgender employees for up to 10 years. In case of male employees in the MSME segment, the state government will bear 50 per cent of the employers contribution for the same period. In cases of units with more than 200 employees, the state government will bear 75 per cent of the employer's contribution for female and transgender employees and 50 per cent for male employees. In large units and mega projects with at least 200 employees in priority areas and at least 400 employees elsewhere, 50 per cent of the employers contribution in EPF will be borne by the state for up to five years. Employment will have to be created in the case of expansion of old industrial units. In case of investment in plant and machinery, the total assistance limit for general units will be 100 per cent. In thrust sector units, it will be 110 per cent, and in priority sectors, it will be 120 per cent. However, assistance will be provided gradually after the beginning of production. The new industrial policy has also fixed the deadlines for clearances for new industrial units. According to it, all applications should be made through a single-window portal, where the certificate of intent will be granted within 30 days, and the certificate of eligibility will be granted within 45 days from the beginning of production.
'Johnny Johnny..': Sambit Patra Uses Nursery Rhymes to Mock INDIA Bloc, dares Rahul to debate Mamata
BJP MP Sambit Patra has launched a sharp attack on the INDIA bloc, targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Patra mocked the opposition leaders with nursery-rhyme references, saying Johnny Johnny Yes Papa and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as he questioned their political positions. He challenged Rahul Gandhi to debate with Banerjee over his earlier allegations of corruption against her, and also questioned whether the Congress and its INDIA bloc partners were united. Patra accused Rahul of avoiding parliamentary debate and criticised the oppositions campaign against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He also defended the ongoing SIR process and the removal of names from voter lists.
BJP Dares Rahul to Debate INDIA Bloc, Karnataka Leaders on SIR, Not PM Modi
Patra said Gandhi should debate with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, instead of challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
West Bengal investment policy puts jobs first, offers up to 120% assistance to industries
West Bengal has launched a new investment promotion policy aimed at encouraging industrial growth and job creation. The policy includes substantial incentives for businesses, especially those focused on employing women and transgender workers. It offers streamlined processes for approvals and payments, enhancing efficiency for investors. Priority areas will receive higher assistance levels and a framework for regular review every three years.
Comparing Total Cost of Ownership: Goa Villa vs. Apartment in a Metro City
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investments worth 50,000 crore across power, steel, cement, ports and related sectors.
NDA holds Save Democracy march in Darbhanga; Bhupender Yadav defends electoral roll revision
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 5 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday organised a 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' (Save Democracy, End Anarchy) march in Bihar's Darbhanga district, with Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as essential for strengthening democracy. Addressing a gathering at the Polo Ground protest site in Laheriasarai, Yadav said the electoral roll revision exercise was neither new nor unprecedented in the country. He claimed that such exercises had been conducted eight times since 1950, making the current exercise the ninth. He described the revision as being in the national interest and important for ensuring the credibility of the country's democratic system. Recalling the Emergency, Yadav said NDA leaders had fought to protect democracy during that period and asserted that the alliance remained committed to safeguarding democratic values. He urged people to remain vigilant against any threat to democratic institutions. Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the Mithila region, he said it was the land of Mother Janaki (Sita) and that Bihar had played a significant role in the development of democracy. He said a strong message in favour of democratic values should emerge from this historic land. Explaining the purpose of the electoral roll revision, Yadav said it was intended to remove the names of deceased persons and those who had shifted from their previous places of residence. It would also help eliminate duplicate entries where the same person's name appeared in electoral rolls at different locations. He alleged that those opposing the revision were indirectly supporting the inclusion of infiltrators in electoral rolls and undermining the interests of genuine Indian voters. The Union Minister maintained that no eligible voter's name could be arbitrarily deleted during the exercise, as political parties had their own Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to monitor the process. He claimed that during the previous election, political parties had deployed around 1.7 lakh BLAs, but only two objections were raised before the Supreme Court. He said the court subsequently examined the matter and upheld the validity of the process. Yadav further claimed that the Congress-led government had provided four documentary options for voter registration, while the present government had expanded the list to 11 documents. He said voters could submit any one of the prescribed documents to establish their eligibility and get their names included in the electoral rolls. Taking a political swipe at the Opposition, he alleged that the SIR exercise was being criticised mainly because of electoral defeats in Bihar and West Bengal. He pointed out that the process was not facing similar opposition in states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The march was attended by several prominent NDA leaders, including JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi and Darbhanga MP Gopalji Thakur. A large number of workers from various NDA constituencies also participated in the march, raising slogans under the campaign's central message, 'Save Democracy, End Anarchy'.
Explosives Seized, Two Arrested In Birbhum STF Raid
West Bengal's Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids in Birbhum district, seizing a large quantity of explosives and illegal firearms. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the operation, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the materials, including potential links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Bengals shifting alliances expose limits of 'united opposition' politics
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The latest signs of discord within the INDIA bloc in West Bengal have once again highlighted the enduring fragility of Opposition unity in a state where shifting political alignments have frequently been driven by electoral compulsions rather than ideological convergence. The debate resurfaced after senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury reportedly refused to moderate his criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, despite indications of improving ties among Opposition parties at the national level. Chowdhury, recalling what he described as years of political poaching and intimidation by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), maintained that his political experience left little room for reconciliation. The statement has once again exposed one of the deepest contradictions in West Bengal politics, a deeply fractured opposition where the three main constituents have been bitter rivals at one point or another. Yet, the states electoral history has witnessed ideological and political rivalry often yielding to political interests and electoral arithmetic. Parties that once fought bitter battles have joined hands when they thought appropriate. Before 1977, the Congress was the principal political force in West Bengal, with the occasional opposition alliance gaining power in between periods of Presidents Rule till it returned in 1972 for an uninterrupted five-year run. The rise of the Left Front, led by the CPI(M), culminated in its historic victory in 1977, beginning a rule that would last for about 34 years. During this period, Congress became the principal opposition, and the relationship between the two camps was marked by intense confrontation. Senior Congress leaders still complain of alleged atrocities, especially during the Emergency. But while rising through the ranks of the Congress, Mamata Banerjee increasingly became frustrated with what she perceived as the party's inability to effectively challenge the Left Front. In 1998, she broke away to form the Trinamool Congress. One of her principal allegations was that sections of the Congress leadership had developed a covert understanding with the CPI(M), allowing Left dominance to continue. Mamatas politics was built around uncompromising opposition to both the Left and, frequently, the Congress state leadership. The split redefined state politics, with the anti-Left vote, once largely going to the Congress, now had a new and more aggressive challenger. Initially, it was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that she embraced as a strategic partner. At a time when the BJP was a relatively minor force in Bengal, she described it as a natural ally in the struggle against communist rule. However, as political circumstances changed, she distanced herself from the BJP and gradually moved closer to the Congress; the common enemy remained the Left Front. By the late 2000s, the Congress and the TMC had entered into an electoral understanding that proved decisive, benefiting from public anger over Singur and Nandigram. Once in power, several Congress leaders and workers crossed over to the Trinamool, weakening the alma mater considerably. It is this period that Chowdhury referred to, accusing Mamata of breaking the Congresss organisational structure in the state. Even the communists made similar allegations, and political compulsions produced what was once unthinkable: the Congress and the Left joined hands. The partnership was built on shared weakness and a common objective to resist both the Trinamools dominance and the BJPs expansion. As the BJP behemoth spread East amidst a groundswell even in states controlled by regional satraps, the political equation in West Bengal changed once again, leading to Mamata spreading her arms to embrace her rivals. Some analysts attribute Chowdhurys Wednesday remarks to personal grievance, being replaced as West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) President soon after his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Chowdhurys leadership had been marked by a confrontational stance towards the Trinamool government, especially for Mamata, and his resignation was seen as a move to re-organise the Congress party. Subhankar Sarkar, the new WBPCC chief, was reportedly more inclusive and pliant in terms of the Congress seeking partners in challenging the BJP. Others point to tension between political memory being compromised at the altar of political necessity amidst shifting interests being shaped by changing electoral realities. The shifting sands of politics in West Bengal thus depict the fragility of a united Opposition in several chapters of the countrys political history.
Behrampore Elderly Couple Lose Rs 46 Lakh In Fake NIA Officer Digital Arrest Scam
Behrampore: An elderly couple in West Bengals Behrampore allegedly lost Rs 46 lakh after falling victim to a digital arrest scam involving a fraudster impersonating a senior National Investigation Agency (NIA) official. The victims, identified as 70-year-old Mukul Dutta and his wife Chanchala Dutta, were contacted by the fraudster on September 22. The caller allegedly []
Six years on, Bengal police arrest Abhishek Banerjee aide in 2020 Nadda convoy attack
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) The West Bengal Police arrested a youth Trinamool Congress leader in connection with the attack on the convoy of then Bharatiya Janata Party national president J.P. Nadda in South 24 Parganas district on December 10, 2020, the police said on Thursday. The arrested man, identified as Imran Hasan, was the Youth Trinamool Congress president of the Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituency. He is said to be a close aide of the Trinamool Congress (Mamata Banerjee faction) general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. Hasan was arrested by personnel of Usti police station, under the Diamond Harbour Police District, from the Deula area on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, a district police official said. He will be produced before a district court later on Thursday. The prosecution is expected to seek his police custody for further interrogation. Apart from the attack on Naddas convoy, Hasan is facing allegations of threatening voters ahead of the 2021 and 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, torturing BJP leaders and workers in Magrahat (Paschim), and vandalising the houses of leaders and workers associated with the BJP, the official said. Hasan is the seventh person arrested in connection with the attack, which took place nearly six years ago. The police had earlier arrested six people: Tausif Ahmed Mollah alias Bachchu, Arif Hossain, Anisur Rahman, Sanjeev Mondal, Ripon Sheikh and Jahangir Khan. Investigators are examining whether more people were involved in the incident, the district police official said. Nadda, who was then the BJPs national president, had visited Diamond Harbour in December 2020 as part of the partys campaign ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections. The then West Bengal BJP president, Dilip Ghosh, was travelling in the same vehicle as Nadda. The convoy came under attack twice while proceeding towards Diamond Harbour, first near Sarisha and then at Falta. The BJP had alleged that Trinamool Congress activists were behind the attacks. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, whose vehicle was part of the convoy, was injured in the incident. The attack had triggered a political confrontation between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The BJP had accused the state government of failing to ensure security for its leaders, while the Trinamool Congress had rejected the allegations.
IST 1947 sells 2 crore of watches in its first month, with 1 crore in week one
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investments worth 50,000 crore across power, steel, cement, ports and related sectors.
OIEquestra: Bringing Young AI Innovators and Enterprise Technology Together
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investments worth 50,000 crore across power, steel, cement, ports and related sectors.
SC asks TMC leader Chattopadhyay to approach Calcutta HC over rebel MLAs' disqualification
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea filed by senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay seeking disqualification of 10 rebel party MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, under the anti-defection law, and asked him to approach the Calcutta High Court. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the appropriate remedy at this stage would be to approach the Calcutta High Court and granted liberty to the petitioner to file an appropriate petition before it. The apex court also requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to place the matter before a Division Bench for expeditious consideration. During the hearing, counsel appearing for Chattopadhyay submitted that the disqualification petitions had been filed on July 8 and that nearly five months had elapsed without a decision. The counsel argued that the issue was covered by the Supreme Court's earlier directions and sought an early hearing by a Division Bench of the High Court to avoid further rounds of intra-court appeals. Dictating the order, the CJI Kant-led Bench observed that the petitioner should take recourse to the Calcutta High Court and accordingly disposed of the petition at this stage, granting liberty to file an appropriate petition before the High Court. The writ petition, filed by veteran TMC legislator Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, had sought directions for the disqualification of 10 rebel MLAs, including Ritabrata Banerjee and former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor Firhad Hakim, under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. It had also sought directions against the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Rathindra Bose, for failing to decide the disqualification petitions within the timeframe indicated by the Supreme Court. This was the second time Chattopadhyay had approached the apex court over the issue. In September, he moved the Supreme Court seeking the disqualification of the 10 MLAs after the Speaker failed to take a decision on the petitions submitted by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. On September 28, a Bench of CJI Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana had disposed of the earlier petition, expressing the hope that the Speaker would decide the disqualification proceedings within three months. The apex court had observed that the three-month period was due to expire on October 8, and expressed confidence that the Speaker would take an appropriate decision within the stipulated timeframe. However, with no decision communicated on the disqualification petitions, Chattopadhyay approached the Supreme Court again. Apart from Ritabrata Banerjee and Firhad Hakim, the other MLAs against whom disqualification was sought include Sandipan Saha, Arup Roy, Seuli Saha, Akhruzzaman, Sabina Yeasmin, Rathin Ghosh, Biplab Mitra and Javed Ahmed Khan. The disqualification proceedings stem from an internal party dispute in the Trinamool Congress, with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction seeking action against the 10 legislators under the anti-defection provisions.
West Bengal Police's Pet-Friendly Diwali Tweet Falls On Deaf Ears; Internet Reacts With Memes
Christian representatives meet West Bengal RSS leader over mob attacks on congregations and churches
Senior RSS functionary from West Bengal Jishnu Basu, the Saha Khetra Prachar Pramukh of South Bengal, said that dialogue will continue with the representatives of Christian organisations but there are genuine concerns about forced conversion
Bengals new industrial policy to be announced today, focus on ease of doing business
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will announce the state government's new industrial policy on Thursday, with a focus on 'ease of doing business' by removing unnecessary government regulations for investment proposals and ensuring quick approvals. At the same time, state secretariat insiders aware of the contents of the new industrial policy said there will be proposals to resurrect the states incentive policy for investors, which was done away with during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime, in a more structured and comprehensive manner. The draft industrial policy had been designed as per the policies adopted by industrially developed states, a state secretariat insider said. The state cabinet cleared the draft industrial policy on October 28. Now the final industrial policy will be announced on Thursday afternoon after an administrative review meeting at the state Secretariat 'Nabanna'. The new industrial policy has been drafted by a group of ministers, and industrialists, industry associations, and economic experts were also consulted. Since the state government wanted the new industrial policy to be more structured and comprehensive, making a balance between various factors like investors interest, employment generation possibilities and the interest of the other stakeholders like landowners whose land will be acquired for industrial projects, the deadline for announcing the same was postponed again and again, said sources in the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC). Initially, it was announced that the new industrial policy would be announced on August 15 on the occasion of Independence Day. However, that did not happen, and the deadline was postponed repeatedly. Finally, on October 28, the draft industrial policy received the state cabinet nod, and it was announced that the policy would be formally announced on Thursday. As regards the proposed incentives to be announced for investors in the new industrial policy, state secretariat insiders said the focus would be on attracting investment to backward areas so that industrial projects developed there can be linked to socio-economic development in the area. The incentives can be in the form of waiver of electricity tariff for the initial years of project implementation and operations, state government bearing a certain percentage of interest on loans taken by the entrepreneur concerned, and reimbursement of the companys contribution in employees' provident fund, among others, a state government official said. After taking charge as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal in May this year, Suvendu Adhikari announced that a comprehensive new industrial policy will be formulated and announced within the current year to facilitate big-ticket investment in the state. Accordingly, a group of ministers was entrusted with the task of drawing up the new policy in June, Before the announcement of the new industrial policy, the Chief Minister had claimed that the policy had been prepared with a focus on creating an ideal investment ambience in the state, removing red-tapism in approvals, and ensuring massive employment generation.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) The cash worth Rs 1,02,79,000, which was recovered by the police from a party office of the Trinamool Congress at Sarisha under Diamond Harbour Police district in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, was actually planted by the police administration, alleged the party's general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee. The Diamond Harbour Police had claimed that they got information about the huge cash at the Sarisha party office during the interrogation of Abhishek Banerjees aide, Sumit Roy, who is currently in police custody in relation to a multi-crore soil-theft case registered at Kalitala-Ashuti Police Station under the jurisdiction of the same police district. However, rubbishing the police's claims, Banerjee issued a social media post late Wednesday night claiming that the cash was planted deliberately at the said party office, which was allegedly vandalised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed goons six months back. The deliberate planting of fake and fabricated evidence at a property vandalised six months ago by BJP goons, which subsequently became a scene of crime under police investigation, is a brazen attempt to subvert justice, manipulate the investigation and misuse the machinery of law, claimed the Diamond Harbour MP in his social media post. In his social media post, Abhishek Banerjee cautioned that those responsible for this alleged conspiracy of planting the cash at the property will ultimately be held accountable. Let this be an unequivocal warning to those orchestrating this sinister conspiracy and those acting at their behest: You will be held personally accountable for every act of fabrication, manipulation and abuse of authority, said Banerjee. He also warned the police administration not to mistake political patronage, official position or the misuse of police powers for immunity from prosecution. The law will catch up with every individual involved, regardless of rank, position or political affiliation. Prepare yourselves to face the full force of the law. There will be no compromise, no retreat and no escape from legal accountability, Banerjee added. On Monday, although the Diamond Harbour Police District confirmed that the party office -- where the cash was recovered -- belonged to the Trinamool Congress, it did not clarify who was actually responsible for running the office. It is still unclear why this huge amount of cash was kept in the Trinamool Congress party office and where it came from. The police are trying to gather more information about the source of this money. However, the police's initial probe has found that it is related to the case of soil theft registered at Kalitala-Ashuti police station.
Bengal govt to include Syama Prasad Mookerjee in school curriculum, drop Singur chapter
West Bengal's government plans to introduce lessons on Syama Prasad Mookerjee in the school curriculum. The chapter discussing the Singur anti-land acquisition movement will be removed from Class 8 textbooks. Information and Communication Technology will also be added as a subject for students in Classes 5 to 8. The government is currently considering rescheduling upcoming Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations to avoid conflicts.
All revenue courts in J&K now computerised
Srinagar, Nov 04: Making a significant stride under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 100 per cent completion with 882 Computerised/Online Revenue Courts, while the computerisation of Records of Rights (RoR) has reached 99.93 per cent. According to the DILRMP MIS 4.0 dashboard, the Physical Components Progress Report for Jammu and Kashmir revealed that digitisation of Mapsheets/FMBs/Tippans has reached 94.74 per cent, indicating substantial progress in the modernisation and digitisation of land records across the Union Territory. However, the report reveals that three important components MRR Completed (Out of Sanctioned), Survey/Resurvey Completed and Aadhaar Linked With RoR have recorded zero progress. The national comparison chart on Computerisation of Land Records (CLR) shows that several states and Union Territories have achieved 100 per cent completion of villages, while Jammu and Kashmir is placed at 70.54 per cent. The chart also shows Mizoram at 71.27 per cent, Nagaland at 62.54 per cent, Ladakh at 52.21 per cent and Delhi at 27.31 per cent. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have recorded zero percent completion. Among the states and Union Territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have achieved 100 per cent completion. Odisha has recorded 99.91 per cent, Karnataka 99.74 per cent, Chhattisgarh 99.36 per cent, Punjab 99.36 per cent, Jharkhand 96.36 per cent, Rajasthan 92.40 per cent, Telangana 83.25 per cent and Uttarakhand 71.27 per cent. The component-wise figures for Jammu and Kashmir indicate that while computerisation of revenue courts and digitisation of existing land records have reached advanced stages, survey and resurvey, completion of MRR and Aadhaar linking with Records of Rights remain pending. The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), a Central Sector Scheme funded 100 per cent by the central government, aims to modernise the country's land records system through computerisation of land records, digitisation of maps, survey and resurvey activities and integration of land-related information.
Eleven tribals arrested for seeking rehabilitation for a proposed land port project in West Bengal
Construction at the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) site in Gotabari, Torsa Tea Garden, had been going on for nearly five months and during the period, the locals maintained a peaceful, indefinite dharna beside the project site for over 100 days
Snatchers attack morning walkers, help burgles home
Kolkata woman loses 1.2 crore to cyber fraud
JSW Group's Sajjan Jindal meets Bengal CM, 50,000 crore plan in focus
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investments worth 50,000 crore across power, steel, cement, ports and related sectors.
Doctor halts op for lunch, 50-yr-old dies at Howrah hosp
240 deaths till Sept due to extreme weather events in Bengal, finds study
4 call centres busted, 37 held
Patients forced out in New Town nursing homes landlord-tenant dispute
Cops dig up decomposed body of newborn
Police quiz MLA Kunal Ghosh for 90 minutes in Chorbagan row
IIT Kharagpur launches helpline to tackle cyberbullying
Cloud cover pushes max temp to 28.6C
Physicist Ashoke Sen delivers 1st lecture in hometown after Oskar Klein Medal
Beleghata MLA Kunal Ghosh meets transport minister Arjun Singh
Bengal: SIT arrests second accused in UNESCO-tagged fake Durga Puja pass scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police on Wednesday night arrested a senior corporate official in connection with the multi-crore fake Durga Puja pass scam involving UNESCO-tagged festival tours. The arrested individual, identified as Dhrubojyoti Basu, is a top executive of Mass Art, the corporate entity through which the fraudulent passes were allegedly marketed and sold. Basu was named in the initial First Information Report (FIR) and had been absconding since last week following the arrest of former West Bengal Tourism Minister Indranil Sen. Basus arrest marks the second major action by law enforcement in the ongoing probe, following the detention of Sen, a singer-turned-politician. According to police sources, while Mass Art was officially headed by Sens wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, the entity operated as the brainchild of the former minister and Basu. Investigators allege that the duo established a complex corruption network through the organisation to monetise unauthorised passes under the guise of UNESCO festival access. Madhuchhanda Sen has also been named in the FIR. However, she secured anticipatory bail from the Calcutta High Court and remains out of custody despite undergoing two rounds of interrogation. Authorities confirmed that the couple's daughter, Averi Sen, along with corporate entities linked to her, remain under active financial and administrative scrutiny. Indranil Sen, currently in police custody, is undergoing daily marathon interrogations by the SIT. Investigators have questioned nine other individuals in connection with the case, including Madhuchhanda Sen. Sen is scheduled to be produced before a lower court in Kolkata on November 10. Police officials stated that the SIT is actively gathering forensic and document-based evidence to counter potential bail applications during the upcoming court hearing. The case is being investigated through parallel probes by the Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). City police sleuths originally took Sen into custody outside the EDs Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata last week.
KMC set to rope in pvt agencies to digitise birth certificates
Season of fear, uncertainty returns for Rabindra Sarobar birds
Blue cheer: Democratic sweep crucial for H-1B workers, green card aspirants
Class 58 students to learn coding, robotics in state-run schools
Education minister confirms delayed 2027 Madhyamik, HS exams
NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts sensitised about Ex Sea Vigil 2026
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) As part of the biennial national-level coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil 2026, the Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC), West Bengal, conducted a sensitisation campaign and familiarisation visit for NCC cadets and Bharat Scouts at INS Netaji Subhas in Kolkata on Wednesday. The cadets were briefed on the core roles of the Indian Navy, Examination Services and War Watching Organisation (WWO); reinforcing youth engagement is a KRA of Sea Vigil 2026. The visit included operational exposure to Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) deployed for riverine patrolling across West Bengal waterways, alongside on-site handling and familiarisation with small arms used in maritime defence. The high-intensity coastal security exercise is scheduled to be held on November 18-19, 2026. This will be the fifth edition of the exercise. It was last held in November 2024. The nationwide exercise, spanning the entire 11,098 km coastline of India, had then involved six central ministries, 21 central and state agencies, and key stakeholders from across the maritime security apparatus. Even the Army and the Air Force had participated in the exercise. They are expected to do the same this year. Exercise Sea Vigil is as close to the real thing as it can get. Agencies entrusted with guarding vital assets are tested on their preparedness to tackle emergencies. During the 2024 edition, dud Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were planted within the Victoria Memorial campus in Kolkata and armed infiltrators had entered the port facility. A waterborne strike was also attempted on defence shipbuilders Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. Security agencies are divided between Red and Blue teams. While the Red teams are the attackers, vital assets have to be protected by the others. Exercise Sea Vigil is designed to bolster the security of Indias coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, vulnerable areas (VAs), vulnerable points (VPs), and cable landing stations. The focus is on Indias expansive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), covering 2.4 million square kilometres; the exercise engages all levels of government and security forces, keeping in mind emerging threats. The Indian Navy has been tasked as the lead agency for maritime security since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Ex Sea Vigil serves as a vital step in ensuring coordination across central and state security agencies for effective coastal defence. In addition to military and security forces, the exercise actively involves local communities, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and fishermen to raise awareness about the importance of maritime security. This public engagement is key to creating a widespread sense of vigilance along Indias coastline. West Bengal is of particular importance for the security agencies, given the vast expanse of the Sundarbans - the world's largest mangrove forest and delta - that is difficult to monitor by security forces. Ex Sea Vigil validates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and processes adopted by various agencies and the coordination between them in areas like intelligence sharing while safeguarding the country's maritime boundaries.
JSW Group's Sajjan Jindal meets Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investment plans
Sajjan Jindal's JSW Group had signed a historic agreement during the Left Front regime in 2007 to set up a mega integrated steel, power, and cement complex in West Midnapore's Salboni, which was around Rs 35,000 crore, it was the single largest private investment ever pledged to West Bengal at the time.
NIA raids eight locations across three states in fake currency case
The searches were carried out at two locations in Aurangabad and three in Gaya district of Bihar, two locations in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, and one location in Malda district of West Bengal
NIA Raids 8 Sites in 3 States: Fake Note Case
Searches across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal lead to the seizure of digital devices, documents and Bangladeshi currency.
NIA conducts raids at eight locations in Bihar, Jharkhand and Bengal in fake currency case
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 4 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous searches at eight locations across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with a fake Indian currency notes (FICN) smuggling case involving counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 2.48 lakh. The searches were carried out at two locations in Aurangabad and three in Gaya district of Bihar, two locations in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand and one location in Malda district of West Bengal. During the operations, NIA teams seized digital devices, incriminating documents, Bangladeshi currency and other materials suspected to be relevant to the investigation. The case relates to the recovery of fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 2,48,500 within the jurisdiction of Madanpur police station in Aurangabad district of Bihar. Following the recovery, a case was registered at the Madanpur Police Station on August 15 against four accused persons identified as Surendra Kumar, Vijay Yadav, Ranjan, and Pradeep Saw, alias Pradeep Kumar Saw. The NIA subsequently re-registered the case on October 18 and took over the investigation following an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the agency, the investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused were allegedly involved in the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes. The latest searches were conducted to gather further evidence and establish the wider network involved in the alleged counterfeit currency operation. The NIA is examining the seized digital devices, documents and other materials to identify possible links and determine the extent of the smuggling network. Further investigation into the case is underway. Earlier, on October 30, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against two accused persons in connection with the seizure of FICN worth Rs 50,150 in Madhubani district of Bihar. The charge sheet has been filed against Bharat Mahaseth and Shiv Kumar Raut alias Mehman under Sections 61(2), 179, 180 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case relates to the seizure of 281 counterfeit currency notes with a total face value of Rs 50,150 from Duhabi Bazar in the Basopatti area of Madhubani on August 2.
Sunday PropTech acquires 89-room hotel in Kolkata, marks entry into city
Sunday PropTech Ltd marks a significant milestone with its inaugural acquisition of an 89-room hotel in Rajarhat. This venue will be included in its emerging mid-premium Clubhouse brand, bolstering its footprint in eastern India. Given its advantageous proximity to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, it appeals to business travelers. The company plans to revamp and reposition the hotel, while also identifying additional investment prospects in West Bengal.
Calcutta HC bars Bengal SEC from announcing KMC poll schedule till ward delimitation case verdict
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court said on Wednesday barred the West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC) for announcing the schedule for the forthcoming polls for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) till the time the court pronounces the judgment in the case, challenging the delimitation of wards in Kolkata civic body is announced. The polling for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal, including KMC and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), is likely to take place in the last week of December, and the results are expected to be announced in the first week of January next year. Before that the delimitation of the wards in KMC had been announced, increasing the number of wards to 209 from the previous figure of 144. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the delimitation process. In the petition filed by CPI-M leader and former party Councillor Dipu Das, she claimed that despite some serious objections to the new ward delimitation being raised and a proposal was mooted for a 'spot visit' and a public hearing in the area to get the opinions of the citizens, no importance was given to those objections and proposals. The petitioner also claimed that several aspects, including the population and geographical location of the wards, were not properly considered in the delimitation exercise. She even claimed that this move was made to give benefits to a specific party. Initially, the matter was heard at the Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya. However, instead of passing any specific order in the matter, Justice Bhattacharya directed all parties concerned to file affidavits in the matter. Thereafter, the petitioner approached the division bench of Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya and Justice Arjun Roy challenging the order of the single-judge bench. The petitioner contended that if the WBSEC would announce the schedule of the KMC before a clear judgment in the matter, her petition would not have any relevance. The matter came up for hearing at the division bench on Wednesday. At the end of the hearing, that division bench said that the WBSEC should not announce the schedule of the KMC polls till the court pronounced its verdict in the matter.
Gujarat: Bharat Parv draws over 25,000 visitors to Ekta Nagar in first three days
Digital Desk | Ekta Nagar, Nov 4 (IANS) More than 25,000 people visited 'Bharat Parv 2026' at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity, between November 1 and 3, as the 15-day event brings together the traditional crafts, regional cuisines and cultural performances of states and Union Territories from across the country. Organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Gujarat Tourism, the festival will continue until November 15, showcasing India's cultural diversity under the theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Tourism pavilions set up by various states and Union Territories are displaying popular destinations, traditional art forms, handicrafts and handloom products. The exhibits include Sambalpuri sarees, Pattachitra paintings, applique work and silver filigree from Odisha; Muga silk and Mekhela-Chadar from Assam; Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpur silk and Sikki grass craft from Bihar; and Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees and Gond art from Madhya Pradesh. Other highlights include Pashmina and Kani shawls from Jammu and Kashmir, Pochampally Ikat sarees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat's Patola, Pithora art and Ajrakh printing. Bamboo crafts from Chhattisgarh and shell art products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also on display. Artisans are conducting live demonstrations to familiarise visitors with traditional craft-making techniques. The pavilions also allow visitors to purchase handicrafts and handloom products directly from participating artisans and exhibitors. Food is another major attraction, with 25 stalls representing states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Sikkim, Assam, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat. The stalls offer regional specialities such as Litti Chokha and Thekua from Bihar, Dal Baati and Pyaz Kachori from Rajasthan, Gajak and Ratlam Sev from Madhya Pradesh, Jhalmuri and Patisapta Pitha from West Bengal, Veg Momo and Sel Roti from Sikkim, and Nadru Yakhni and Zafrani Kahwa from Kashmir. Studio Kitchens operated by IIHM Shimla and IIHM Gandhinagar are also holding daily live demonstrations of Indian cuisines, giving visitors an opportunity to watch the preparation of regional dishes and learn about the country's culinary traditions. The festival also features cultural performances every evening by artists from different states, presenting folk music, traditional dances and other regional art forms. Meanwhile, the Statue of Unity will remain open on Monday, November 9, in view of Bharat Parv and the Diwali vacation. However, the viewing gallery will remain closed on the day. The additional opening is intended to provide tourists and families with another opportunity to visit the monument during the holiday period. Bharat Parv 2026 will continue at Ekta Nagar until November 15, with tourism exhibitions, handicraft displays, food stalls, culinary demonstrations and cultural performances.
Bengal: Rs 1.40 crore recovered from Kharagpur station; one arrested
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) Rs 1.40 crore was recovered from Kharagpur station in West Midnapore district on Wednesday, an official said. The money was being brought from Tatanagar in Jharkhand to Howrah in West Bengal. Before it reached its destination, it was caught by the Government Railway Police (GRP). A passenger has also been arrested in connection with the incident. According to a Kharagpur GRP official, the incident took place in the morning. Rahul Soni was travelling from Tatanagar to Howrah by taking the Jan Shatabdi Express. When the train stopped at Kharagpur station, the GRP personnel on duty became suspicious after seeing his movements. He was standing on platform number seven in Kharagpur with one bag on his back and two bags in his hand. According to the official, Rahul tried to escape as the GRP personnel advanced towards him. However, he was finally caught. As the GRP personnel started questioning him, Rahul started giving incoherent answers. This further increased their suspicions. Finally, as soon as they started searching his bag, the GRP personnel on duty found bundles of Rs 500 notes in the bag. A total of 280 bundles of notes were recovered from him. Rahul could not give a satisfactory answer about where this huge amount of cash came from. Therefore, the Kharagpur GRP detained him and informed the Income Tax Department. Later, he was also formally arrested. Superintendent of Railway Police (Kharagpur) Jayanta Mukherjee said that the passenger is being interrogated to find out the source of this huge amount of money. According to the GRP official, the arrested person's house is in Howrah. During interrogation, he admitted that he was bringing the money from Tatanagar to Howrah. However, it is still not clear from whom in Tatanagar he was bringing the money and for what purpose. There are reports of such cash being recovered from the Howrah station premises from time to time. Many people are also caught for not being able to show the source of the cash. This time, more than one crore rupees in cash was recovered from Kharagpur station. Incidentally, shortly before this news came to light, Diamond Harbour Police had also recovered more than one crore rupees from a Trinamool Congress party office in Sarisha of South 24 Parganas district.
Rs 1 Crore Cash Seized From Rebel TMC MLA's Office
Police seized over Rs 1 crore in cash from the office of rebel TMC MLA Shamim Ahmed in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, following the interrogation of an arrested aide of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The seizure is linked to alleged financial irregularities.
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 4 (IANS) More than 70 trips of special trains are being operated by Western Railway to accommodate the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja, with additional security personnel, holding areas and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance arranged at Ahmedabad, Sabarmati and Asarva stations to manage passenger movement. The special train services, primarily connecting destinations in northern and eastern India, are aimed at facilitating passengers travelling to Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Additional coaches have also been attached to several regular trains to increase passenger capacity. Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash said the arrangements had been made keeping in mind the expected increase in passenger numbers during the festive period. The railway administration had also accounted for passengers travelling on around 20 to 25 through-passing trains arriving from Rajkot and Bhuj and passing through Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations, he said. The special trains operating in November include services between Sabarmati and Lalkuan, Asarva and Kanpur Central, Asarva and Agra Cantt, Bhuj and Bandra Terminus, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru Junction, Sabarmati and Haridwar, Ahmedabad and Darbhanga, Gandhidham and Bhagalpur, Sabarmati and Prayagraj, Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Malda Town, Asarva and Prayagraj, and Ahmedabad and Rajgir. The railway administration, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and traffic police have jointly drawn up a plan to regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding at the three stations. Separate arrangements have been made for unreserved passengers and those holding reserved tickets. The movement of reserved passengers, from entering the station and reaching the platform to waiting and boarding their trains, has been eased to avoid congestion. A total of 110 additional RPF personnel have been deployed at the three stations, including 55 at Ahmedabad, 40 at Sabarmati and 15 at Asarva. .An additional company of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) has also been deployed at Ahmedabad station. The railway administration has assigned officers and staff to round-the-clock duties at all three stations. Holding areas have been arranged to accommodate passengers in an orderly manner before they are taken to platforms in queues at the scheduled time for boarding. Women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and passengers travelling with children are being given priority. Ahmedabad station has 119 CCTV cameras, while Sabarmati station has 121. A proposal has also been submitted to install 60 additional cameras to strengthen surveillance. Staff have been deployed in the CCTV control rooms round the clock to monitor station premises and passenger movement. RPF personnel in plain clothes have also been deployed to prevent crimes against passengers. At Sabarmati station, queue management arrangements cover the entire process, from ticket counters and holding areas to platforms and train boarding. Passengers are directed to the holding area after purchasing tickets and subsequently taken to the platform in an orderly manner at the designated time. Announcements through public address systems and loudhailers are being used to advise passengers against pushing or jostling, travelling while standing on train footboards and accepting food or beverages from strangers. They are also being alerted about the safety of women and children during the journey.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday chaired a review meeting at the Panchayat and Rural Development Department to assess the progress of the VB-G RAM-G and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana schemes. The meeting focused on rural employment generation, infrastructure development and the implementation of various government programmes across the state. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the schemes and said the state was on track to achieve its target of generating 22 crore person-days of employment. He highlighted the employment opportunities being generated through the programme and expressed confidence in the department's ability to meet its targets. Adhikari said, There was a review meeting regarding VB-G RAM-G and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme today. The progress is very good. We are on track to meet both targets: the creation of 22 crore person-days of employment. As of today, a significa...
Watch: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari urges migrant workers to return, cites 125-day job scheme
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has urged migrant workers to return to the State, highlighting the 125-day job guarantee scheme. He said the government would launch a village-to-village campaign using folk artists to encourage workers to come home and work with their families. Adhikari also cited opportunities in sectors such as fish farming, agriculture, betel leaf cultivation and pineapple farming. He said workers could receive 34,500 under the scheme and that the government would seek higher wages for unskilled labourers and support for construction workers.
Assam CM targets Rahul Gandhi at Bihar rally, sparks row with Bangladesh remark
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the BJP's Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao campaign in Bihar's Purnea district on Wednesday, triggering political debate with his controversial remarks linking the Congress leader to Bangladesh. Defending the revision of electoral rolls and the removal of names such as Babar and Aurangzeb from voter lists, Sarma said there was nothing objectionable about the exercise and accused Rahul Gandhi of raising unwarranted concerns over the issue. Taking a dig at the Congress leader, Sarma said that he, along with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, would send Rahul Gandhi to Bangladesh, where he could perhaps win an election. He remarked that since Rahul Gandhi was unable to win elections in Bihar, West Bengal or Assam, Bangladesh could be a suitable destination for him. Sarma also targeted Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of 'vote theft', saying that the issue was not about stealing votes but about 'stealing hearts'. Referring to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, he said a grand temple now stands at the site where the Babri Masjid had existed for nearly 500 years. He questioned whether this development could also be described as 'stealing hearts'. Speaking about the Seemanchal region of Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, the Assam Chief Minister said the situation in these areas was well known and demanded that the Election Commission undertake a fresh Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He reiterated that names such as Babar and Aurangzeb should be removed from voter lists, arguing that such action represented a 'theft of hearts' rather than a 'theft of votes'. His remarks have sparked political discussion, particularly over references to Bangladesh and the linkage of electoral roll revision with historical and religious figures. The BJP's Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao campaign was launched in Bhagalpur earlier this week and is being carried forward across several regions as part of the party's outreach programme.
Bodies of 2 more trekkers found after Kedartal avalanche
Bodies of two more trekkers, part of a group of eight missing on the Kedartal route, were recovered on Wednesday, bringing the total to four fatalities from the group. The trekkers went missing six days ago after an avalanche. Rescue operations are hampered by heavy snow, while families of the missing, including those from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, await news.
Industry leaders want West Bengals proposed new industrial policy to deliver faster clearances, transparent land allocation, reliable infrastructure and incentives tied to job creation. Here's all we know:
Cyclone Murasu weakens into depression; dry weather likely across West Bengal
Cyclone Murasu has weakened into a depression, with dry weather expected across West Bengal from Thursday until Kali Puja. The Met office has also indicated the possibility of light rain from November 9 and a gradual dip in temperatures
West Bengal Class 10 Board Exam 2027 To Be Held In March? Here's All We Know So Far
The WBBSE Class 10 examinations are proposed to be held from 10:45 am to 2 pm, with 15 minutes allotted for reading the question paper.
West Bengal Forms SIT to Investigate Controversial Encounter in Samserganj
A five-member SIT has been established in Kolkata to investigate the police encounter of murder suspect Samiul Sheikh in Samserganj. West Bengal Forms SIT to Investigate Controversial Encounter in Samserganj
IIHM Scot Malt Tour 2026: Taking Hospitality Education Beyond Borders
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 4: Hospitality education in India is evolving beyond conventional classroom learning, and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Asia's largest chain of hotel schools, is taking this transformation across international borders. Through experiential learning in hospitality and strong industry partnerships, IIHM continues to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. Reflecting its philosophy of High Tech, Higher Touch, the institution is redefining hospitality education by creating opportunities for students to learn directly from global industries and explore career possibilities beyond traditional hotel operations.
Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam
Indranil Sen, ex-tourism minister of West Bengal, arrested in a scandal involving fake Durga Puja passes linked to UNESCO tours. Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested in Fake Durga Puja Pass Scam
Dilip Ghosh Urges Caution in Language from Religious Leaders Amid Political Commentary
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh advises religious figures to choose words carefully in light of recent political statements. Dilip Ghosh Urges Caution in Language from Religious Leaders Amid Political Commentary
5-member SIT formed to probe October 27 encounter killing in Bengals Samserganj
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) West Bengal Police have formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the encounter killing of Samiul Sheikh, a murder accused, at Samserganj in Murshidabad on the afternoon of October 27. As per the police version, Sheikh, one of the three accused in the murder of a local BJP leader, Sujit Mondal, was taken to the scene of the crime for recreation of the crime scene, when he tried to escape after snatching the firearm of an escorting police officer. The police claimed that as he fired a few rounds of bullets towards the escorting cops, an inspector present at the spot resorted to counter-firing, in which Sheikh was killed. Now, a five-member SIT has been constituted to probe the encounter matter on the state government's direction, as confirmed by the Deputy Inspector General (Murshidabad Range), Ajeet Singh Yadav, to the media persons. First, an official notification on the formation of the SIT was announced, and subsequently, the five-member SIT was constituted. The SIT will be headed by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Deibyendu Tamang. The other four members of the SIT are Swarup Biswas, Abhijit Sarkar, Nilesh Chandra Sarkar and Mithun Halder. While Biswas is an inspector-rank officer, the other three are in the ranks of sub-inspectors. To recall, Sujit Mondal, a local BJP leader and a resident of the Old Dakbanglo area of Samserganj, mysteriously disappeared on August 28. His dismembered body was later recovered. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had then said that Mondal was killed with a meat-cutting knife. The police later arrested the three accused, namely Samiul Sheikh, Tajkira Bibi and Johnny Sheikh. Of the three, Sheikh was killed in the police encounter on October 27. The murder case also sparked allegations of police negligence. Mondal's wife, Sumana Mondal, alleged that despite repeatedly approaching the local police station after her husband's disappearance, she received no assistance. The incident led to disciplinary action against several police officials, including suspensions, transfers and departmental inquiries. The Chief Minister then termed it a 'major blunder'.
SIT probing ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen case expanded, four more officers included
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) Additional officers have been included in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police probing Indranil Sen, former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs, in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-crore fake Durga Puja pass case linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours. An insider from the city police said that when the SIT was initially constituted, it had five members, and the number has now been increased to nine. The four new officers from the city police are experts in anti-forgery operations. It is learnt that, in addition to the main fake Durga Puja pass case linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, the investigating officers have found specific clues about Sen's involvement in tendering irregularities in both the state tourism and information and cultural affairs departments, which has widened the scope of the investigation. That is why, the city police insider said, the number of investigating officers in the SIT has been increased. The SIT members are already in touch with the two state government departments to procure the necessary documents required to carry forward the investigation against Sen, a singer-turned-politician. Sen, who is currently in police custody, is being questioned by the investigating officers for marathon hours daily. Apart from that, the SIT members have questioned nine other people in the matter, the most important of which is his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, the owner of Mass Art, the entity through which the fake Durga Puja passes were allegedly sold. Sen is supposed to be presented at a lower court in Kolkata on November 10. The city police insider said that before the court visit, the investigating officers are trying to gather as much evidence-based information as possible to prevent the former minister from getting bail in the case. The Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged scam involving passes for UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja tours. The Kolkata police arrested Sen after he came out of the ED's Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata last week.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin to lead Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao march in UP's Gorakhpur today
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 4 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin will undertake a two-day organisational visit to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh starting Wednesday, during which he will lead the party's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' march and hold a series of meetings with senior party functionaries to fine-tune preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. Nabin will reach Gorakhpur on Wednesday morning and lead the padyatra in the afternoon. According to the programme schedule shared on the X handle of the BJP National President's Office, the march will begin at 12.10 p.m. from Maharana Pratap Inter College and conclude at Mata Kali Temple near the Sardar Patel statue. Following the march, Nabin will attend a meeting with members of the intellectual community at 3.30 p.m. at Annexy Bhawan, Taramandal. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with public representatives at the same venue at 5 p.m. On the second day of his visit, Thursday, the BJP chief will offer prayers at the Baba Gorakhnath Temple in the morning. Later, he will hold a meeting with former party office-bearers, including former state and regional office-bearers who served during the last three terms, former district in-charges and former district presidents. He will subsequently interact with former public representatives, including former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, former MLAs, Legislative Council members, former Zila Panchayat presidents, and former Nagar Palika and Nagar Panchayat presidents. Nabin is also scheduled to hold a detailed meeting with the party's state-level organisational leadership, including the State President, state office-bearers, regional office-bearers and other key functionaries. The meeting will focus on finalising the roadmap for upcoming organisational campaigns and electoral strategy ahead of the Assembly elections. Earlier, Nabin had led the 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' campaign in Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal. The campaign has been launched by the BJP to counter the INDIA bloc's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
BJP leaders criticise Mamata-Congress bonhomie
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee of allying with anarchists in Delhi
Buxa tigress captured in Assam after crossing into Raimona reserve for habitat exploration
BuxaRani, a tigress relocated from Buxa Tiger Reserve, was tranquilized and captured in Assam's Kokrajhar. After crossing the Sankosh river, the tigress entered Raimona National Park in search of suitable territory. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed coordination efforts with Assam's officials to ensure her return.
Womens self-help groups shine at SARAS Mela
Srinagar, Nov 03: The 10-day SARAS Mela 2025 concluded on Tuesday here at Poloview Park celebrating Indias unity in diversity and promoting women entrepreneurship nationwide. The Mela which began here at the poloview park Srinagar on 25th October continued till today, offering the visitors a myriad collection of hand made products and cuisines from across the country. More than 200 women artisans from different parts of rural India participated and showcased their products on 80 stalls provided by the JKRLM for exhibition and sale. Women from self-help groups from 17 states /UTs displayed handicraft, handloom and natural food items from different rural areas in the vibrant stalls handled and managed by Women SHG members. Some of the prominent items displayed at the stalls were the handmade cloth from Jammu-Kashmir with sozni and ariwork, Kutchi handloom from Gujurat ,Phulkari suits from Punjab ,Pickles from Lakshwadeep, Pochampalli Ikkat from Telengana, Sambhalpuri from odisha, Kantha from West Bengal and many more . Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, Mission Director JKRLM, Dr Shubhra Sharma, expressed satisfaction over the successful culmination of the Mela, highlighting the encouraging sales, participation of women entrepreneurs from different States/UTs and the overall coordination of the event. She remarked, This year's SARAS Mela has recorded encouraging sales, while the participation of different States and UTs has made it a truly enriching experience. She added,the very purpose of organising the SARAS Mela has been fulfilled. Beyond business and the showcasing of products, the Mela has provided a shared platform where SHG members from across the country have come together, built bonds of friendship, shared experiences and explored opportunities for mutual learning and economic gains. Dr Shubhra Sharma also expressed her gratitude to the line departments for their active participation and support throughout the Mela. She particularly acknowledged the media for its coverage and for helping bring the stories, products and entrepreneurial efforts of rural women to a wider audience. The Mela concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where SHG members were awarded certificates for their outstanding contributions. In the awards category, Rajashtan secured first position for best sales, while Srinagar district bagged the top honour in the best food category. The closing ceremony was attended by Additional Mission Director JKRLM Syed Naseer Ahmad, State project Managers JKRLM besides other staff members of the Mission
Defeated netas have come together, conspiring to spread anarchy: Suvendu
Sharadwat seeks independent agency probe into Swasthya Sathi scam
BJP netas union rift brings cargo ops to a halt at Petrapole
Birth registers at police stations delay birth cert clearance
Garia burglars audacity captured in CCTV footage sends shockwaves among locals
After pushback, CISCE asks schools, students to get ready for SHINE, PISA
Venice winner Anuparna Roy seeks resignation of SRFTI VC and revocation of students rustication
Cannes winner Anuparna Roy seeks resignation of SRFTI VC and revocation of students rustication
Calcutta High Court on Free School Street fire
50 offices stay shut in fire-hit building behind Writers, officers suspect short circuit
Dip in gold, silver prices adds glitz to jewellery mkt in festive season
Kolkata advocate attacked after refusing puja subscription demand
In a first, KMC engineers join cops to inspect stability of Kali Puja pandals
Met predicts dry Diwali and cooler nights ahead
