GST is always useful for a state like West Bengal, says Swapan Dasgupta
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta calls the 57th GST Council meeting very, very positive, highlighting ease of doing business and improved compliance.
From West Bengal to the Andaman Islands: How Dr. Ratan Chandra Kar Built Trust Through Healthcare
Dr. Kar spent decades providing healthcare to the Jarawas, building trust through cultural understanding, patience and respect.
School Holiday Tomorrow: October 9 will see schools across India operating as usual, with no national holiday declared. Specific state announcements affirm that areas such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will remain open for education. However, weather conditions may influence potential closures, making it essential for parents to stay informed through school communications and local advisories to ensure their childrens safety in unpredictable weather.
In the recent 57th GST Council meeting, West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta emphasized the crucial role of GST in bolstering state revenue. He noted the intended structural reforms aimed at streamlining the ease of doing business. These proposed adjustments look to enhance GST compliance and expedite refund processing. The Council is optimistic about implementing improvements to GST regulations and automating registration processes, rolling out changes progressively until 2027.
Chef Gomes has received a major honour - Lifelong Excellence in Culinary Leadership from EICA
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 8: Everything else should explain why this honour matters and why he deserves it.
Mamata likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and SIR anomalies in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.
West Bengal CM Announces Rs. 242 Cr Compensation for Malda Flood Victims
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Thursday that his government will provide Rs 1.8 lakh as financial aid to families whose houses were destroyed in recent floods across the Malda district, alongside Rs 90,000 for partially damaged homes. Speaking at a flood-relief distribution programme in Raghunathpur, Adhikari sanctioned Rs 242 crore in compensation [] The post West Bengal CM Announces Rs. 242 Cr Compensation for Malda Flood Victims appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) Apprehending tension and violence during the counting on Friday for the bypoll for Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, the district administration has imposed a host of prohibitory orders and restriction at the counting centre for a major part of the day. The counting for Rejinagar bypoll will be at Baharampur Girls College. According to the sub-divisional officer (headquarter) of, Samiran Barik, the police in its report had expressed apprehension and possibility of crowding of supporters of rival political camps around the counting centre in large numbers which might disrupt the law and order situation there on the day of counting. Therefore, he added, prohibitory orders and restrictions have been imposed in and around the counting centre on Friday. The restriction will start from 5 a.m. on Friday and will continue till the counting process is over and the results are declared officially. Under such restriction, no vehicle will be allowed to enter within 100 metres of the counting centre and gathering of five or more people will be allowed within the same area. At the same time, no loudspeakers will be allowed to be played within 100 metres of the counting centre and no one will be allowed to enter the counting centre without a valid identity card issued from the Election Commission of India. No weapons, mobiles, cordless phones, wireless sets will be allowed within 200 metres of the counting centre. However, this ban will not apply to magistrates, police personnel, election observers, district magistrates, additional district magistrates, returning officers and counting staff involved in the counting of votes. These restrictions have been imposed on Friday keeping in mind the scattered instances of violence and tension that were reported from different pockets in Rejinagar on the Tuesday when the bypolll was conducted, said a district administration official. Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder-cum-legislator, Humayun Kabir was arrested on Tuesday morning on charges of moving from one polling booth to another influencing voters, intimidating police officers and even holding an on-duty cop by his collar. Besides Rejinagar, Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district also went for bypoll on Tuesday.
CR Paatil hails PM Modi's vision on integrating water into school, college education
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Thursday highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision on integrating water into education with school curricular carrying water-specific content and higher educational institutions offering water management and governance courses. Chairing the 20th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF), Paatil emphasised that such academic initiatives can contribute to building a strong knowledge base and a cadre of professionals equipped to address the ecological, social, cultural, economic and policy dimensions of river management. He said that the courses may be promoted at the city and state levels for river professionals and students, and students undertaking these courses may be considered for river-related assignments in cities. He reiterated the Union government's commitment towards holistic river rejuvenation and reviewed the progress of the Namami Gange Programme. The Union Minister also led deliberations on key interventions aimed at accelerating river rejuvenation, including improved sewage infrastructure, scientific water management, safe reuse of treated wastewater, ecological restoration, groundwater management, nature-based solutions and enhanced coordination among stakeholders. The meeting reviewed the status of sewage infrastructure, detailed project report (DPR) preparation and appraisal, land availability, safe reuse of treated wastewater (SRTW), aquifer mapping, wetlands, City Sanitation Action Plans (CSAP), aerial drainage mapping and regular meetings of State Ganga Committees, an official statement said. It was told that the revised DPR for the Barauni Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been received and sent to IIT-BHU for appraisal, while the DPR for Shantipur STPs in West Bengal has been approved by the Executive Committee. Bihar and West Bengal have notified their policies on reuse of treated wastewater, while Jharkhand is in the process of obtaining State Cabinet approval. The meeting reviewed the overall status of projects under the Namami Gange Programme and the programme's performance during FY 2025-26. As of August 2026, 527 projects have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 43,266 crore, of which 368 projects have been completed. Under sewerage infrastructure, 219 projects have been sanctioned, creating a treatment capacity of 6,603 MLD along with a sewer network of 5,245 km. Of these, 147 projects have been completed, creating 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and completing 4,615 km of sewer network. The meeting was also joined by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary; Department of Water Resources Secretary, Archana Varma; Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Ashok K.K Meena and Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Rajeev Kumar Mital.
Congress should introspect instead of blaming EC for poll defeats: MP CM
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised the Congress for blaming the Election Commission for its electoral setbacks, saying the party should instead introspect on its organisation and leadership. Yadav's remarks came as the Madhya Pradesh Congress prepared to hold a foot march in Bhopal in support of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, amid an intensifying Opposition campaign against the Election Commission in New Delhi. The Chief Minister said the Congress had itself benefited from the electoral process that it was now questioning, pointing to its governments in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. If there is distrust in the Election Commissions process, then what is the meaning of Congress victory in Kerala? Mohan Yadav said. He is on a visit to Mumbai. Talking to the media, Yadav said Congress should examine why its political base had weakened in several states instead of holding the poll panel responsible for repeated electoral defeats. Yadav referred to Congress's prolonged absence from power in West Bengal and its weak position in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, saying these issues required introspection within the party. Congress should introspect and strengthen its organisation instead of blaming the Election Commission for every defeat, he said. He said India was the world's largest democracy and elections were conducted through a constitutional framework under the Election Commission. According to Yadav, electoral defeats should not be used as a reason to question constitutional institutions. The Chief Minister also said Rahul Gandhi should introspect on the Congress's electoral performance and leadership. The remarks came amid protests by Congress and other Opposition parties against the Election Commission over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. On October 6, Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by police during a march towards the Election Commission office in New Delhi. The Opposition leaders were protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding accountability from the poll panel. On October 7, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs were again detained during a protest in Delhi after they attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Bhopal, state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar are scheduled to lead a foot march at 5 p.m. on Thursday in solidarity with Gandhi. The state Congress had earlier staged a protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Bhopal following Gandhi's detention in Delhi on October 6.
West Bengal To Abolish Madrasah Service Commission, Merge It With School Service Commission
Bengal govt restores rights of DMS, DMHS doctors to issue birth and death certificates
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 8 (IANS) West Bengal's Health Department has restored the authority of Diploma in Medicine and Surgery (DMS) and Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS) practitioners to issue birth and death certificates following widespread protests by members of the two medical streams. The state health department has already issued a notification in this regard. The notification was issued after hundreds of DMS and DHMS doctors, under different associations, staged protests in front of Swasthya Bhaban, the state health department headquarters, at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday. They also submitted a memorandum in support of their demands to the officials of the state health department. According to sources, DMS doctors were first granted the authority to issue birth and death certificates in 1964. Although the right was withdrawn following the introduction of the DHMS course, it was restored in 1999 after a prolonged movement by DMS and DHMS practitioners. However, a gazette notification issued by the state health department on July 9 this year again revoked these powers, triggering strong protests across the state. The protesting doctors argued that practitioners holding DMS and DHMS qualifications had been included in the Second Schedule after years of agitation and were legally entitled to issue such certificates. They termed the July notification unfair, unreasonable and undemocratic. Currently there are 34,000 DMS and DHMS doctors in West Bengal. The July notification from the state health department pushed their future into grave uncertainty. People started doubting our professional credibility. In fact, residents of remote areas, where DMS and DHMS practitioners play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, faced difficulties following the withdrawal of these rights. Now, as the state government has restored these rights, this development has come as a victory for us, said an office bearer of the Medical Service Centre, the association leading the movement.
INDIA Bloc leaders detained during Save Democracy protest in Hyderabad
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Leaders of Congress and other constituents of the INDIA Bloc were detained in Hyderabad on Thursday as they tried to march towards Lok Bhavan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Telangana Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, MLC Kodandaram, CPI MLA and partys state Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CPI-M state Secretary John Wesley, were among those detained by police as they tried to break the police cordon and proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor. Several Telangana ministers and leaders and workers of the ruling Congress, CPI, CPI-M and other parties participated in the Save Democracy march. Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Sridhar Babu, Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Srihari, and Mohammed Azharuddin participated in the protest. The protestors gathered at the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road and marched to Lok Bhavan. They were holding flags of their respective parties and raising slogans against the CEC and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of the banners carried by the participants read 'Desh Drohi', 'Gyanesh, Its done Bro', 'Vote Chor Gyanesh Kumar', and 'Impeach Gyanesh Kumar'. The rally was stopped at Khairatabad crossroads as police erected a barricade to block the Lok Bhavan Road. A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. As the protestors tried to remove barricades to proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the police detained them. Goud was among those whisked away in police vehicles. He told media that they were condemning the manner in which Narendra Modi government was acting against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and others protesting in Delhi. He alleged that the Modi government was indulging in Vote Chori and undermining the Constitutional bodies. This is a fascist approach. People will continue their protest to remove such fascist leaders from power, he said. He alleged that after Bihar and West Bengal, Telangana is the next target of BJPs Vote Chori. He claimed that attempts are being made to delete 93 lakh out of 3.5 crore voters in Telangana. Goud also alleged that BJP was resorting to Vote Chori in Telangana in collusion with the BRS.
NH-10, Sikkim's Lifeline To Get Rs 993-Crore Upgrade
A crucial stretch of NH-10 connecting land-locked Sikkim with West Bengal reopened in August this year after remaining closed for more than a month.
ECI West Bengal Data: TMC Won Top 5 Seats Affected by SIR Deletions
Official data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed that the five West Bengal assembly constituencies that experienced the highest number of voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections were all won by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The figures come amidst sustained protests by Opposition parties [] The post ECI West Bengal Data: TMC Won Top 5 Seats Affected by SIR Deletions appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Delhi to remain warm today; heavy rain likely in parts of South, East India
Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Kerala and Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal and Sikkim on Thursday
63-Year-Old Man Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Online Minority Scholarship Fraud
Ajmer, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Clock Tower Police have arrested a 63-year-old man from West Bengal for allegedly obtaining minority scholarship funds through fraudulent online applications submitted through private institutions. The accused has been identified as Mohammed Alauddin, son of Shaharuddin, a resident of Nayabari under Chopra police station in Uttar Dinajpur district of West ... Read more 63-Year-Old Man Arrested in West Bengal for Alleged Online Minority Scholarship Fraud
PM, HMlikely to skip West Bengal govts mega Mahalaya event
The West Bengal government is holding the grand Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens cricket stadium and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to attend the grand event.
5 underpass plan on NH-327 between Bagdogra and Panitanki for safe elephant crossing
West Bengal to be renamed as 'Paschim Banga': State BJP Chief Samik Bhattacharya
West Bengal will be renamed as 'Paschim Banga' following a proposal from the BJP party. The proposal will first undergo approval in the assembly before moving to the Centre. BJP president Samik Bhattacharya stated that this new name preserves the state's historical identity. This follows the previous government's attempt to change the name to 'Bangla', which was rejected.
Kolkata: WB CEO Uploads SIR-Axed Voters List, Urges Eligible Voters to Enrol
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal has released the list of voters whose names featured in the Absentee, Shifted, Dead, Deleted category during the SIR and urged left out eligible voters to submit Form 6 for enrolment.
40k at Eden, 10k on Red Road: WC security model for Mahalaya show
Eveready enters liquid vaporiser market, eyes 2-4% share
ER to run 51 puja special trains in Sealdah division
Bengal chief secretary weighs defamation case against Mahua Moitra over vote chor remark
West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal is seeking legal advice and considering defamation proceedings against TMC MP Mahua Moitra over her remarks accusing him of being among the key architects of Bengals SIR and calling him a vote chor. Former special observer Subrata Gupta is also exploring legal options.
Legs tied, blood stains on face: Man found dead in locked cab
Flexi-timing for autos during Durga Puja
Lalbazar calling: Woman loses Rs 1.2L in digi-arrest scam
EMI pinch for homebuyers, developers bank on market resilience
Calcutta High Court refuses relief to man over Bangladeshi wifes entry
State declares college governing bodies
Airport mosque: State opposes plea for Friday prayers interim order
NCERT teaches students how to click with caution, navigate e-threats
No Form 6 relief for those whose appeals are pending before tribunal, clarifies Bengal CEO
Trial judges interaction with child must before custody decision, orders Cal HC
State approves merger of Madrasah Commission with WBSSC
Server yet to come back to life, KMC extends property tax rebate deadline
Sewer line revamped to keep Bowbazar dry
WBPSC announces clerkship exam
Chancellors nominees asked to safeguard university autonomy
Hotel worker abducted and assaulted near New Market
WBHIDCO to appoint sculptor for 125-ft Syama Prasad Mookerjee statue
Young aquatics prodigy sets two national records at CISCE championship
State approves Rs 23.4 crore for BMC road, drain projects
Cops want bus drivers to be liable for traffic violations
Indian Museum exhibition to trace evolution of Durga worship
Bengal CM promises BJP win on all 42 LS seats in 2029
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, while speaking at Vadnagar in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the people of West Bengal would gift PM Modi victories for BJP candidates from all 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. He made the statement while speaking at an event in Vadnagar marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public administrative journey, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister. In West Bengal, I am trying to replicate the kind of development work that has been achieved in Gujarat, Adhikari said. He added that PM Modi had taught 1.4 billion people the mantra of Nation above all, and claimed that welfare of the poor and the curbing of terrorism had been achieved under PM Modi's leadership. Speaking on the occasion, Adhikari also launched sharp attacks on both the former Left Front government and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. First the Left Front and then the Trinamool Congress were in power in West Bengal, Adhikari said. He alleged that the two political formations together had created a threat to the country's security and claimed that more than three lakh Bangladeshis had been expelled from Gujarat after entering India through the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. According to Adhikari, during the Trinamool regime in West Bengal, around 600 km of the international border with Bangladesh effectively remained open. He further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised in an election manifesto that land would be provided to the Border Security Force within 45 days of the BJP coming to power in West Bengal. Adhikari claimed that the commitment had been fulfilled and asserted that PM Modi had guaranteed the development of West Bengal. He also claimed that, after 50 years, a nationalist government had finally been formed in West Bengal.
Bengal: Mithun Chakraborty appointed advisor to Information & Cultural Affairs Dept
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty was officially appointed on Wednesday as Advisor to the West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs Department. The state government issued an official notification on Wednesday announcing the appointment. The notification also clarified that the post carries a status equivalent to that of a state Cabinet Minister. An indication in this regard was given by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari last month while addressing a programme marking the birth centenary of Bengali screen legend Uttam Kumar. An official notification on the matter was issued by the state government on Wednesday evening. The notification stated that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. The notification, signed by the state's Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agrawal, said that Chakraborty was appointed by order of the Governor and with the approval of the competent authorities. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is himself in charge of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. However, from the notification issued on Wednesday evening, it is not clear what responsibilities Chakraborty will perform as Advisor to the department. Chakraborty, a former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, had severed all ties with Trinamool and also resigned from the Rajya Sabha after several leaders of the party were named in the multi-crore Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund controversies. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has since played an important role in campaigning for BJP candidates in various elections, especially the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year.
Bengal: Roadshow for Extended Port Gate System held at Balagarh
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 7 (IANS) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPA) formerly Kolkata Port Trust together with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), hosted the Balagarh Road Show for Development of Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, West Bengal, at The Bengal Club in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Extended Port Gate System is being considered one of eastern Indias most significant port opportunities. Subrata Gupta, advisor to West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, was the chief guest at the occasion, which was attended by Rathendra Raman, chairman, SMPA. The programme was attended by major trade partners including Adani, JSW Infrastructure, IWAI and leading logistics companies. The deputy chairman and other senior officers of SMPA were also present. Balagarh is a unique example of centre-state coordination, Gupta said. He said that rail, road and waterways connectivity is being provided by the central government, while industrial land is being made available by the state. Environmental clearances have already been obtained, he mentioned, saying that the project will be a big boost for trade and industry in West Bengal. Through a coordinated effort by the central and state governments, Raman, Chairman, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently laid the foundation stone for the IWT Terminal and Road Over Bridge at Balagarh. The project will decongest the Kolkata Dock System (KDS), he said. Being waterways-based, it will be environment-friendly and sustainable, he added. Balagarh is located 85 km upstream of KDS on the River Hooghly. SMPA is using a natural island on the river to create a loading and unloading hub for both incoming and outgoing cargo. It will have jetties for barges and storage facilities. There will also be road and rail connectivity. The idea is to use barges to move cargo arriving at the Netaji Subhas Dock or Kidderpore Dock under KDS to the island. The cargo can then move further north by road or rail. Outgoing cargo, loaded on trucks or trains, can also be unloaded at Balagarh and taken to the facility, from where barges would be used to take it directly to the port. In this way, trucks will no longer have to enter the city limits. As it is, there are restrictions on the movement of trucks to prevent traffic jams during office and school hours. The Balagarh project would allow movement of cargo at all times. It will also provide direct and indirect employment in the region. The cost of the project is Rs 538.20 crore, and it will have a capacity of 2.7 MTPA.
We will do it: CM Patel urges Gujarat youth to carry forward PM Modis development vision
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Oct 7 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday called upon the youth to take forward Prime Minister Narendra Modis message of We will do it and contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047, as a Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra marking PM Modis 25 years in public service concluded in Vadnagar. Patel was addressing the concluding ceremony of the yatra, organised under the nationwide Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma were among those present. Welcoming bikers and Seva Yatris who had travelled from different parts of the country, Patel said PM Modi began his public service journey as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and had completed 25 years of public service and good governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always viewed power as a means to serve the people, rather than as a position, Patel said. He said PM Modis approach had focused on the welfare of the poor, middle class, farmers, women and youth while encouraging citizens to participate in the countrys development. Referring to Gujarats development trajectory, Patel said: Challenges, including the earthquake, had been converted into opportunities, while initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit had helped position the state as a 'Global Gateway to the Future'. He cited the Statue of Unity, Bullet Train, GIFT City and the semiconductor hub as examples of projects reflecting PM Modis vision for Gujarat. Patel also referred to claims that 25 crore people had come out of poverty and that India had emerged among the worlds top-five economies. India has demonstrated its capabilities globally through vaccine assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting COP-21 green-energy targets, the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts towards self-reliance in space and defence, he added. The Chief Minister congratulated PM Modi on completing 25 years in public service and said youth had a role in taking the development agenda forward. Gujarats youth power will lead the way with the resolute commitment of We Will Do It to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, Patel said. The yatra saw 500 bikers and other young participants travel through hundreds of villages and cities across 10 states, undertaking activities including cleanliness drives, tree plantation, de-addiction campaigns and public interactions.
Mithun Chakraborty appointed as advisor to West Bengal Government, gets Cabinet rank
West Bengal CEO seeks clarity on re-enrolment of voters stuck in tribunal cases
At a meeting with the CEOs recently, the ECI asked them to proceed with the special enrolment drive on a war footing by holding camps and followed by door-to-door visits by Booth Level Officers
Actor Mithun Chakraborty appointed Bengal govt cultural advisor with cabinet minister rank
Mithun Chakraborty has officially joined the West Bengal government as a cultural advisor, acquiring a rank equivalent to a cabinet minister. This position falls under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and was recently unveiled by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This appointment signifies a significant milestone in Chakraborty's journey as an acclaimed actor and BJP leader, with plans to harness his cultural influence to enrich the state's artistic heritage.
Mithun Chakraborty Appointed Cultural Advisor in West Bengal Government
Actor Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed as an advisor to West Bengals Information and Cultural Affairs Department with cabinet minister status. Mithun Chakraborty Appointed Cultural Advisor in West Bengal Government
Haryana's U-11 Table Tennis Talent Advances To Semifinals
Haryana's Under-11 table tennis players showcased a strong performance at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula, with Sreeja Aggarwal, Mahi Kumari, and Phalgun Gupta securing spots in the girls' semifinals. The tournament also saw competitive matches in the boys' U-11 category, with players from Maharashtra and West Bengal advancing.
GST Council may clarify tax treatment of e-commerce logistics system
While the West Bengal Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (WBAAAR) denied the exemption to Flipkarts logistics model, the Tamil Nadu AAR has ruled in favour of exemption.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The Seva Sankalp Yatra, from Vadnagar to Varanasi and Varanasi to Vadnagar, which began on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and also the completion of his 25 years as head of government, culminated on Wednesday, with grand closing ceremonies held at both places - Varanasi and Vadnagar. The culmination ceremony in Varanasi was addressed by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM national president Hemang Joshi. The Seva Yatris who travelled from Vadnagar to Varanasi, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Gujarat, offered Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and sought blessings of Lord Vishwanath. The 21-day Yatra, organised with the spirit of Seva, traversed 20 routes across the country, carrying the message of service, social responsibility and nation-building. On October 7, all 20 Yatra routes successfully reached their respective destinations, marking the completion of the nationwide campaign. The closing ceremony at Vadnagar, PM Modis birthplace, was attended and addressed by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi and BJP National office-bearer V.D. Sharma. The Seva Yatris, who embarked on a journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, offered it at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Vadnagar, completing the spiritual connection between the two sacred destinations. BJYM national president Hemang Joshi said, The Seva Sankalp Yatra has given powerful expression to the spirit of Seva that Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated throughout his 25 years of public life. For every BJYM Karyakarta, Seva must remain the core sentiment of life, serving society, respecting our cultural heritage and contributing to the building of a Viksit Bharat. During the month-long programme, the yatris also participated in extensive social service activities including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, Gau Seva, service at old-age homes, beneficiary interactions and organ donation pledges. These initiatives ensured that the Yatra was not merely a journey across geographical distances, but a movement that touched communities and translated the spirit of Seva into meaningful action. The Seva Sankalp Yatra concluded with a message that continues beyond the Yatra itself: Seva is not a one-time campaign, but a lifelong commitment.
Nothing concrete found in extensive CBI search, claims Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 7 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the 12-hour Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, asserting that the agency's teams returned empty-handed and that nothing was found despite an extensive search in the state. He said the outcome was a clear reflection of the state government's integrity and accused the BJP of using central agencies to intimidate and tarnish the image of an elected Chief Minister ahead of elections. He affirmed neither he nor the Punjab government would be cowed down by such tactics, asserting that they had entered public life to serve Punjab, not to make money. Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of an event in Sangrur town, Chief Minister Mann said neither he nor the state government would be intimidated by such tactics. We are not going anywhere. We will face the central agencies and answer every question. The BJP should understand that Punjabis are not going to be frightened by threats or arm-twisting tactics, he added. The Chief Minister said the timing of the CBI raids was significant and showed that the BJP had started preparing for the upcoming state Assembly elections. Whenever elections approach, a familiar pattern emerges in states where the BJP faces a political challenge. In Delhi they arrested Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain before the elections. In Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana and other states, whenever elections approach, central agencies suddenly become active, he added. The Chief Minister said that Punjab would not fall prey to this politics of intimidation. The teams that came to raid Punjab have already returned empty-handed. They came with a purpose, but what did they find? Nothing. They went back empty-handed, he said, adding when there was no wrongdoing, such raids became nothing more than an attempt to create fear and tarnish reputations. Chief Minister Mann said the attempt was not confined to targeting him politically, but was also aimed at tarnishing the image of his family and the work being done by the Punjab government. This is an attempt to defame me, my family and the work being done by our (AAP) government. But such conspiracies will not stop us from serving the people of Punjab. The BJP is making futile and desperate attempts to harass us, he added.
School holiday news: On October 8, 2026, most schools across India are set to operate normally and hold classes. Local disruptions, particularly due to weather, may lead to specific closures in certain areas. Parents are encouraged to verify school schedules and follow district notifications closely. Schools in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are expected to remain operational.
Mithun Chakraborty appointed advisor to West Bengal government, gets Cabinet Minister rank
Veteran actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed as an Advisor to the Government of West Bengal in the rank of Cabinet Minister. According to the appointment order, Chakraborty will serve as an Advisor to the government in the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. His appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
Reviving History or Political Posturing? BJP Pushes for
West Bengal could soon undergo an official name change to Paschim Banga if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the state, according to BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bhattacharya asserted that the proposed name change is designed to preserve the states historical identity, stating that a formal [] The post Reviving History or Political Posturing? BJP Pushes for Paschim Banga Rename Amid Years of Debate appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Repo rate hike may raise borrowing costs, but real estate demand likely to be resilient: Realtors
The Reserve Bank of India increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent. Real estate companies in West Bengal anticipate a slight rise in borrowing costs for home loans. Developers believe that genuine homebuyers will remain undeterred in the long term. Concerns about affordability for first-time buyers may arise during the festive season. Developers are introducing flexible payment plans to sustain demand despite these pressures.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Courts interim bail order for Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan, allowing him to campaign and participate in vote counting. The court said the West Bengal government can raise its objections before the high court if Pradhan seeks an extension.
Controversial 2021 Photo Resurfaces Amid Political Tensions in West Bengal
A 2021 photo of Mamata Banerjee in a wheelchair reignites political debate and raises questions about medical ethics and privacy. Controversial 2021 Photo Resurfaces Amid Political Tensions in West Bengal
Indias green economy could support 1.3 crore jobs by 2035: iFOREST
2,454 Rapes, 600 Murders in Five Months Under BJP Rule in West Bengal
According to the SCRB data, the number of rape cases stood at 349 in May, 389 in June, 786 in July, 459 in August and 471 in September while the number of murder cases were 125 in May, 134 in June, 133 in July, 111 in August and 97 in September.
'West Bengal' may soon become 'Paschim Banga'; state BJP chief says Bill coming
West Bengal likely to be renamed Paschim Banga, says state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed that the state's name will soon change to 'Paschim Banga'. He emphasized the significance of this change for preserving the state's historical identity. Bhattacharya stated that a legislative bill will be introduced in the upcoming session. Additionally, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address commemorating his 25 years in leadership. He also supported the Assam government's education policies aimed at inclusivity.
Repo rate hike may raise costs, but real estate demand to stay resilient
Real estate companies in West Bengal on Wednesday said the RBI's 25-basis point repo rate hike could increase borrowing costs for homebuyers and developers, but maintained that the rise is unlikely to impact demand in the long term. The Reserve Bank of India raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent on Wednesday, its first increase in nearly four years. The RBI has increased the repo rate after three years As a result, interest rates of banks and financial institutions on housing and construction loans will increase. This will have some adverse impact on real estate, CREDAI West Bengal president Sushil Mohta said. Primarc Projects MD Siddharth Pansari said the hike may make home loans marginally more expensive, but is unlikely to have a major impact on genuine homebuyers. In Kolkata, people are buying homes with a long-term view, and their decisions are increasingly driven by the right location, better quality and the lifestyle a home offers. There m
West Bengal NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment Result on October 8
West Bengal NEET UG 2026 Round 3 Seat Allotment result is scheduled to be released on October 8, 2026 after 4 PM. Candidates allotted MBBS or BDS seats are required to complete reporting and admission between October 12 and 14, 2026.
Centre extends West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta's tenure by 6 months
West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta received a six-month extension in service approved by the Cabinet. He was originally set to retire on October 31 after previous extensions. The Appointments Committee made this decision based on public interest reasons. Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was appointed police chief by the Election Commission earlier this year. This extension relaxes rules governing retirement benefits for All India Services.
'They will improve' after Uruguay thrashing: AIFF boss
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan offered their perspectives on the Indian football team's 6-1 defeat against Uruguay. Chaubey highlighted the team's strong start and confidence, suggesting rain disrupted momentum, and stressed the importance of playing top-level opposition. Khan called the match a landmark moment for Indian football exposure but also criticised political interference in West Bengal's football ecosystem.
West Bengal poll office says eligible deleted voters can apply through Form 6 to restore name in rolls
West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Receives Six-Month Extension in Tenure
The Indian government extends Siddh Nath Guptas tenure as West Bengal DGP for six months, marking his second service extension. West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta Receives Six-Month Extension in Tenure
SOS to PMO after 'orders from above' hold up 300 raw petroleum coke trucks at Assam-Bengal border
Weather today October 7: Delhi, Haryana receive thunderstorms warning; check latest IMD update
Weather today October 7: India Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm and lightning warnings for several states today, October 7. Delhi-NCR stays partly cloudy with temperatures between 22C and 34C. Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are all on alert for thunderstorms, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could see rain turning into snowfall. Rajasthan is the only state with no warning, staying completely dry today.
IMD weather alert: Rain, thunderstorms likely in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern UP and West Bengal
Several parts of the country are likely to see unsettled weather on Wednesday, October 7, with thunderstorms, strong winds and rain expected in multiple states. Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh may see thunderstorms, while...
Rigorous verifications lead to identification of Bangladeshis in Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 6:Months-long verification drive by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, targeting migrant workers at orchards, brick kilns and construction sites, has led to the identification of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Kashmir, officials said. The exercise, which has been underway for nearly seven months, involved calling migrant workers to police stations and verifying their identities and documents, including Aadhaar cards. A senior J&K Police officer said discrepancies found during the registration process prompted further scrutiny of some workers. The workers were asked to produce their Aadhaar cards during a registration exercise and discrepancies in the information provided by them led to further verification, the officer said. The official said fresh data was being collected on migrant workers across Kashmir following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of foreign nationals. Following their initial identification, the suspected foreign nationals were placed in a designated camp while authorities began the process of establishing their nationality. The details of these nationals were shared with authorities in Bangladesh. Once their nationality was confirmed, we initiated the process to deport them under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the officer said. The development comes a day after the Jammu and Kashmir administration deported the first batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals from the Union Territory. The group was flown from Srinagar to Bagdogra in West Bengal in an Indian Air Force aircraft and subsequently handed over to the Border Security Force for further movement towards the international border. Another batch of 150 Bangladeshi nationals is scheduled to be deported on October 7, officials said. According to the Police, around 600 Bangladeshi nationals are currently believed to be living in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority residing in Kashmir and a smaller number in the Jammu region. A majority of them are putting up illegally in Kashmir and a very small number in Jammu. We have flown the first batch of 150 to Bagdogra from Srinagar. We will be flying another batch tomorrow, the officer said. The deportation process is being carried out in coordination with the central agencies and authorities in Bangladesh. The BSF is expected to escort the deportees to designated transit points in West Bengal before they are taken across the international border. The action against Bangladeshi nationals comes amid a separate eviction drive targeting Rohingya settlements in Jammu. Landlords have been served notices to clear plots occupied by Rohingya settlements, following which settlements in areas including Narwal, Karyani Talab and Sunjawan have been evicted, leaving several families displaced. The developments also come months after a Centre-appointed High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes, headed by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navalkar, began examining demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee was constituted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a High-powered Demography Mission during his Independence Day address last year. The committee subsequently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in July before undertaking a field visit to Jammu and Kashmir. It toured parts of the Jammu region from August 10 to 12 and also visited the Rohingya settlement at Karyani Talab in Narwal.
80% vote in West Bengal bypolls amid rigging, intimidation charges
Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.
Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
The Kolkata High Court has ruled that animal sales in West Bengal require proper licensing, ensuring compliance with wildlife protection laws. Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal
In Rejinagar, police detain last times winner hours after by-election starts
Ease of voting becomes a divide between 2 Nandigram blocks
KMC procures 28 bio-toilets ahead of Puja
Kolkata gets 4th CNG station for buses
Hand towels, bed sheets, blankets among most stolen items from Eastern Rly AC coaches
Cancer care in state set for infrastructure boost with 750 more beds in 2 years
City students chart their future at career meet
State sub-assistant engineer arrested for Rs 20,000 bribe
