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Bengaluru cylinder blast: 10 migrant workers from West Bengal injured in suspected LPG leak explosion at Bommasandra PG

The explosion is suspected to have occurred due to an LPG gas leak when the occupants were preparing breakfast.

The Hindu 23 Jul 2026 1:38 pm

Weather updates today (July 23): Check IMD's forecast for Dehradun, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Pune, Indore, Darjeeling and other regions

The India Meteorological Department issued a fresh weather alert for the nation. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in eleven states including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Coastal districts of West Bengal will receive heavy showers until June twenty-fourth. Northern districts of West Bengal could experience heavy downpour from July twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth. Light to moderate rain is forecast for sub-Himalayan districts over the next few days.

The Economic Times 23 Jul 2026 8:25 am

Bengal govt to initiate process of listing West Bengal Power Development Corporation on stock exchanges

Addressing the Assembly, Adhikari said listing of WBPDCL would strengthen it financially, improve its transparency, generate employment and enhance spending under corporate social responsibility.

The Hindu Businessline 23 Jul 2026 6:32 am

Police barricades keep BJP, Congress workers apart during face-off in Jammu

Jammu, Jul 22:Despite heavy rain, BJP and Congress workers came face-to-face at ShaheediChowk near the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) headquarters on Wednesday, prompting massive police deployment and the erection of barricades to prevent any confrontation. Police formed a security cordon and kept the rival groups apart with barbed wire as both parties raised slogans within proximity to each other. The BJP protest was led by the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, who, along with senior party leaders and workers, marched towards the JKPCC headquarters despite heavy downpour, raising slogans against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Congress workers led by JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra and working president Raman Bhalla came out of the party headquarters and staged a counter-protest, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister NarendraModi and against alleged hooliganism of the BJP. Sharma accused Gandhi of abandoning parliamentary debate and attempting to incite unrest among the youth. We are marching to the JKPCC office to convey one clear message that India believes in democracy, not in political theatrics, the BJP leader said. He claimed that Gandhi walked away from debate and left Parliament the country's highest democratic institution and the foremost forum where national policies are debated. By doing so, he committed an act that appears to be part of a larger conspiracy. He (Gandhi) is attempting to instigate the youth, who are the foundations of the vision of a developed India by 2047, trying to create an atmosphere of anarchy. The Congress seems to believe that, just as movements were launched in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal in the name of so-called public uprisings to capture power, a similar strategy can succeed here. That is their misconception, Sharma said. Stating that the people of India, especially the youth, have faith in democracy, he said. If Gandhi wants to come to power, there is a democratic process for that he should seek people's mandate through elections. After suffering electoral defeats in Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam and several other places, it appears they believe they can create unrest and build a political atmosphere through disorder. JKPCC president Karra defended the Congress protest as a democratic right, alleging that the BJP was trying to suppress dissent instead of allowing a discussion in Parliament on the students' agitation. Accusing the ruling party of using force against the protesters and targeting the Congress, Karra claimed that BJP workers had come to the party office to intimidate its members, asserting that the Congress was prepared to peacefully resist what he termed the BJP's hooliganism. A protest is undoubtedly a part of democracy there is no doubt about that. But our protest is against the BJP's hooliganism. Our protest is also against the fact that the BJP does not want to discuss such a sensitive and contentious issue in Parliament. We are protesting because students have gathered at the JantarMantar in Delhi to voice their grievances, hardships and demands, yet, instead of engaging with them, the government chose to lathi-charge them, Karra said. He alleged that the police crackdown on student protesters in Delhi on Monday indicated that the BJP and Prime Minister NarendraModi had realised that protests were spreading across the country. It is the BJP which is creating unrest and attacking people across the country. Today, BJP workers came to attack our party office. We were sitting peacefully inside, but when we learned that they had come to attack us, we could not simply remain seated we had to come outside as well, Karra said. What the BJP is doing is not protest but hooliganism. Using the government, the administration and the police, they have come here to attack us. But we are standing our ground, fully prepared to face any such attack, he added. The BJP and the Congress have been at loggerheads over the police crackdown on protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who gathered at the JantarMantar on Monday for a 'SansadChalo' march, demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak and resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, among others, despite heavy security deployment. The matter took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party's AkhileshYadav, were forcibly removed by police after they staged a dharna outside Prime Minister NarendraModi's residence in Delhi, demanding his resignation.

Greater Kashmir 23 Jul 2026 6:25 am

West Bengal Cabinet Approves Proposal for NIA Police Station

Kolkata, July 23: The West Bengal government is set to establish a police station for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This proposal received approval during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. After the meeting, the states Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Agnimitra Paul, informed the media that the construction ... Read more West Bengal Cabinet Approves Proposal for NIA Police Station

Morningstar 23 Jul 2026 1:52 am

Chaos in West Bengal Assembly, TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh marshalled out

Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh was removed from the West Bengal assembly today. He allegedly disrupted the speech of chief whip Akhruzzaman during budget discussions. Speaker Rathindra Bose cautioned Ghosh multiple times before marshals escorted him out. Ghosh claimed his name was removed from the speaker's list by the opposition. The assembly proceedings resumed after the MLA's removal from the House.

The Economic Times 22 Jul 2026 10:13 pm

Suvendu warns Mamata 'not above law', says Abhishek will lose Diamond Harbour

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned Mamata Banerjee that she is not above the law. He challenged Abhishek Banerjee, stating he will lose the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. Adhikari asserted that both police and extortion pillars supporting the government have now gone. He also mentioned that old cases will be re-investigated by a new judicial commission.

The Economic Times 22 Jul 2026 9:42 pm

Watch: TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh marshalled out, suspended after assembly ruckus

Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh faced suspension from the West Bengal Assembly. He disrupted proceedings by interrupting a fellow legislator during a budget debate. Marshals forcibly removed Ghosh after he refused to return to his seat. This incident highlighted internal rifts within the Trinamool Congress legislature party. Assembly proceedings resumed only after the legislator was escorted from the House.

The Times of India 22 Jul 2026 8:30 pm

West Bengal Government to Present CAG Report on July 25, Says Suvendu Adhikari

Kolkata, July 22: The West Bengal government will present the report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the states income and expenditure in the assembly on July 25. This date coincides with the last day of the ongoing extended budget session. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made this announcement while addressing the assembly on ... Read more West Bengal Government to Present CAG Report on July 25, Says Suvendu Adhikari

Morningstar 22 Jul 2026 7:22 pm

WB JECA 2026 OMR sheets, recorded responses released at wbjeeb.nic.in; objection window open till July 24

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board has released OMR images and recorded responses for JECA 2026. Candidates can now access their OMR sheets and recorded responses on the official website. A response review facility is open for candidates to raise objections until July 24, 2026. A non-refundable fee of 500 per response is required to challenge any recorded answer.

The Times of India 22 Jul 2026 7:17 pm

Welfare benefits cant be linked to voter list exclusion: Supreme Court | The Hindu Editorial

The Supreme Court has questioned West Bengal government orders linking welfare benefits and caste certifications to exclusions from electoral rolls. The court reiterated that removal from voter lists cannot have consequences beyond voting rights and issued notices to the state government, Election Commission, and Chief Electoral Officer.

The Hindu 22 Jul 2026 6:48 pm

DA hike: Will implement 7th pay commission, bridge dearness allowance gap with Centre this fiscal, says West Bengal CM

Dearness Allowance: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says aim to implement 7th pay commission this fiscal and bridge the salary gap between its state and central government employees with DA hike. 

Livemint 22 Jul 2026 6:34 pm

Environmental CSR in India: Rs. 17,000 Crore Deployed Over A Decade, But Climate-Vulnerable Regions Remain Underfunded

Environmental CSR in India has grown steadily over the past decade, with Corporate India investing Rs. 17,377 crore across environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources and agroforestry initiatives. However, a new report by Sattva Consulting, powered by India Data Insights (IDI), finds that while environmental CSR has expanded, funding remains concentrated among a relatively small group of companies and is not always aligned with the geographies and sectors facing the country's greatest environmental challenges.   The report, A Decade of Green Spending: What Rs. 17,000 Crores of Environmental CSR Reveals About Corporate India, lands at a moment when India, ranked the 9th most climate-vulnerable nation in the Climate Risk Index 2026, is under growing pressure to align corporate giving with climate resilience goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and its 2070 Net Zero commitment.   Environmental CSR spending fell to a post-pandemic low of 4.4% of total CSR outlay in FY2020-21, as companies redirected funds towards health and relief efforts. It has since recovered, stabilising at 8.4% of total CSR spend in FY2023-24, still well behind enduring priorities such as education and health. The report notes that with an estimated $2.5 trillion needed to meet India's Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030, and $10 trillion required to build a climate-resilient economy by 2047, CSR capital has a distinct role to play in bridging gaps where public systems face capacity or resource constraints.   While environmental CSR is growing, corporate philanthropy is not yet fully aligned with India's highest climate risks, especially sectors with the greatest environmental footprint.   A Concentrated Funding Base Just one out of five companies that report CSR spending direct any of it towards the environment. Less than a fifth of smallest CSR spenders allocate funds towards climate action. In contrast, nearly all of the companies with CSR budgets over Rs. 50 crore reserve a portion of their outlay for environment-related projects.   European-headquartered MNCs operating in India show markedly higher participation (about two-thirds) than Indian companies (54%), a gap the report links to the influence of stringent European regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).   Growth Without Scale The growth in environmental CSR is being driven almost entirely by a rising number of small and mid-sized projects rather than larger, systemic investments.   The number of environmental CSR projects grew 20% over the past three years, while aggregate spending grew only 6% in the same period, leaving the average project size flat at Rs. 45 lakh. Only 29 projects in FY2024 carried budgets of Rs. 10 crore or more, barely up from 22 such projects in FY2020-21.   Divergence In Environmental Footprint And Funding The report finds a marked disconnect between industries' environmental footprint and their environmental CSR behaviour. Sectors with some of the largest environmental footprints, including Energy, Mining, and Oil, Gas, Coal & Petroleum, show relatively low participation in environmental CSR. Even where companies in these sectors do undertake environmental initiatives, they allocate only 5-7% of their CSR budgets towards environmental causes, well below several consumer-facing industries. By contrast, consumer-facing sectors such as FMCG, Food and Beverages, and Automotive, despite a comparatively lighter environmental footprint, allocate over 10% of CSR spend to environmental causes, a pattern the report attributes to brand positioning and consumer-facing ESG commitments rather than direct impact alignment.   Climate-Vulnerable Districts Underfunded  The report's starkest finding concerns geography. Nearly 45% of environmental CSR funding is directed to pan-India or multi-state programmes, and a further 22% flows to Tier-1 cities, leaving just over a third of funding for more localised, place-based interventions.   States including Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, all classified as highly climate-vulnerable, receive less than Rs. 25 per capita in environmental CSR. The pattern sharpens at the district level: among India's 50 most climate-vulnerable districts, 30 of them received only 1% (Rs. 106 crore) of total environmental CSR spending over the past three years, with a handful of districts in Assam alone accounting for 60% of what little vulnerable-region funding exists.   Traditional Themes Dominate Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.   The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport and climate.   Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions.   The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport, climate governance and carbon MRV, and circular economy alongside nearly Rs. 500 crore embedded within Health, Livelihoods, and Education CSR programmes that integrate water, clean energy, and climate-resilience programmes.   What This Means For Corporate India "India's climate ambitions will require every form of capital to work more strategically. As climate risks increasingly affect business operations, supply chains and communities, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from project-based philanthropy into catalytic capital, supporting climate-vulnerable regions, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and complementing broader sustainability and ESG efforts," said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting .   Looking Ahead The report's authors argue that as ESG disclosure norms tighten and climate risk becomes more immediate for business operations, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from a fragmented, theme-led funding mechanism into a more targeted, catalytic lever for climate resilience. It should align more closely with industry's environmental footprint, channel funding towards India's most climate-vulnerable geographies, and complement existing project-led giving with longer-horizon, systemic interventions in areas such as air quality, circular economy, and climate governance. Realising this shift, the report notes, will require coordinated, collective action across corporates, philanthropy, and ecosystem actors, rather than standalone funding approaches.   The report is based on an analysis of CSR disclosures filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for FY2014-15 to FY2023-24, covering 17,377 crore in spending across Environmental Sustainability, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Agroforestry.   www.sattva.co.in/quick-read/environmental-csr-in-india-lessons-from-%e2%82%b917000-crore-of-investments/ .   About Sattva Consulting Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009, we have engaged with communities, business, and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business, and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory and orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms—built as public goods for the ecosystem, and collaborative solutions and partnerships. To know more, visit sattva.co.in .   About India Data Insights India Data Insights (IDI), an initiative by Sattva Consulting, aims to empower India’s development sector with actionable, ready-to-use data insights to enable sharper decisions and maximise impact. Built as a public good, IDI consolidates public data across SDG practice areas on one, unified platform, offering insightful visualisations, interactives, blogs and ready-to-use-charts and dashboards. To know more, visit indiadatainsights.com .

News Voir 22 Jul 2026 6:00 pm

Was students blood not enough?: Abhijeet Dipke slams Centre's move to deploy more CRPF troops in Delhi

The Centre is deploying twenty additional CRPF companies to Delhi. These forces are being airlifted from West Bengal to bolster security. This move comes after violent clashes during a recent protest march. The Cockroach Janta Party continues its sit-in at Jantar Mantar. Protesters demand the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

The Times of India 22 Jul 2026 3:46 pm

Bengal BJP govt to table CAG report on 28 departments, may take action against former CM if needed

West Bengal will soon convene a special assembly session to present the CAG report. This report covers twenty-eight departments, including funds allocated for Cyclone Amphan relief. Action may follow against former officials if CAG recommendations suggest it. The Chief Minister stated that Governor's permission will be sought for FIRs. This move follows a special CAG investigation into Amphan fund mismanagement.

The Economic Times 22 Jul 2026 2:39 pm

For the first time, undergraduate enrolments decline in India

AISHE reports released by the Ministry of Education after prolonged delay show a drop in students enrolled in undergrad courses, particularly in States such as West Bengal, Maharashtra and U.P.

The Hindu 22 Jul 2026 10:28 am

Shocking Double Murder in Kolkata Linked to Land Dispute

Kolkata, July 22: A tragic incident unfolded in the New Town area of Kolkata, West Bengal, on Tuesday. A father and son were brutally murdered with sharp weapons in what is suspected to be a land dispute. The mother was severely injured and is currently fighting for her life in the hospital. Initial investigations suggest ... Read more Shocking Double Murder in Kolkata Linked to Land Dispute

Morningstar 22 Jul 2026 1:42 am

Former CM Mamata Banerjee Lacks Moral Authority to Celebrate July 21: Agnimitra Paul

Kolkata, July 22: Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal regarding the events of July 21. Following Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikaris announcement to reopen files related to the incident, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She claimed that ... Read more Former CM Mamata Banerjee Lacks Moral Authority to Celebrate July 21: Agnimitra Paul

Morningstar 22 Jul 2026 1:33 am

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Central Government Over Protests in Delhi and Kolkata

Kolkata, July 22: Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, has launched a strong attack on the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding recent events in Delhi and Kolkata. This criticism comes in light of student protests in Delhi and the TMCs Martyrs ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Central Government Over Protests in Delhi and Kolkata

Morningstar 22 Jul 2026 12:32 am

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Center Over Protests in Delhi and Kolkata

Kolkata, July 21: Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, has launched a sharp attack on the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the student protests in Delhi and incidents during the TMCs Shaheed Diwas event in Kolkata. Banerjee expressed her support for ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Center Over Protests in Delhi and Kolkata

Udaipur Kiran 21 Jul 2026 11:59 pm

Mamata Banerjee says she is ready to join CJP protest in Delhi, attacks PM Modi over police action

Mamata Banerjee intensified her attack on the central government regarding student protests. She alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi drove away as protesters neared Parliament. The Former West Bengal Chief Minister also criticized the Centre's COVID-19 pandemic handling. She claimed any probe into pandemic issues would implicate the Prime Minister. Banerjee accused the Centre of discriminating in allowing religious programs.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 8:55 pm

Calcutta HC Orders Arrest Of Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel In Rape Case

The High Court directed West Bengal Police to trace and arrest the Delhi Capitals cricketer while ordering the seizure of his electronic devices as part of the investigation.

NDTV 21 Jul 2026 5:15 pm

Martyrs' Day rally: Mamata calls for INDIA unity against BJP in Bengal, rules out return of TMC rebels

Though she did not name the Congress or the CPI(M), her remarks were seen as an appeal to the TMC's INDIA bloc partners, with whom it has maintained an uneasy relationship in West Bengal despite being part of the national opposition alliance

The Hindu 21 Jul 2026 4:23 pm

TMCs Rally Vandalism Case Reaches High Court, Police Ordered to Respond

Kolkata, July 21: The faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has brought attention to the Calcutta High Court regarding the vandalism of the stage set for their Shaheed Divas Rally scheduled for today. Earlier, the TMC faction sent an email to the office of Acting Chief ... Read more TMCs Rally Vandalism Case Reaches High Court, Police Ordered to Respond

Morningstar 21 Jul 2026 3:02 pm

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting Martyrs' Day rally, urges INDIA bloc to unite

Mamata Banerjee accused BJP miscreants of vandalizing her faction's Martyrs' Day rally stage. The Trinamool Congress party has now divided into three separate segments for rallies. Mamata Banerjee urged the INDIA Bloc to unite and fight against the BJP. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari presented a commission report on past events. The report noted Mamata Banerjee did not record her statement before the commission.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 2:47 pm

Mamata for INDIA unity against BJP in Bengal, rules out return of TMC rebels

Mamata Banerjee urged INDIA bloc partners to unite against the BJP in West Bengal. She firmly rejected raitors within her own Trinamool Congress party. Rebels were challenged to directly join the BJP and fight elections. Banerjee asserted that expelled members would never be welcomed back. She also announced upcoming district tours across West Bengal.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 2:39 pm

Bengal CM blames previous TMC govt for loss of Europe air links, mounting debt on state's economy

West Bengal's Chief Minister blamed the prior administration for lost air connectivity and state debt. His government plans to rejuvenate transport infrastructure and introduce a Water Metro service. New electric and CNG buses will be introduced with central government assistance. Metro rail expansion beyond Kolkata is also a key focus for development. Plans include a new greenfield airport and improved regional air connectivity.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 2:23 pm

Karnataka: Three Arrested For Gang-Rape Of Tribal Woman From West Bengal

The 30-year-old woman was allegedly abducted and raped by the trio near the private bus stand in T Narasipura town of Mysuru district

Deccan Chronicle 21 Jul 2026 2:03 pm

2 TMC factions, Congress set for July 21 events in Kolkata

Kolkata: West Bengals politically charged July 21 Martyrs Day observance entered an unprecedented phase on Tuesday, July 21, with two TMC factions and the Congress set to hold parallel programmes within a radius of barely 2.5 km in central Kolkata, turning an annual commemoration into a contest over legacy, organisational strength and political relevance. Hours Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 21 Jul 2026 1:31 pm

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari outlines ambitious transport plans ranging from new metros & electric buses to greenfield airport

West Bengal will see visible transport changes within one year under the new government. Kolkata will receive a Water Metro and two new inter-city metro services. The state plans to introduce more electric buses and charging stations across West Bengal. New roads, metros, and waterways infrastructure will be developed simultaneously. A new greenfield airport is planned for Kalyani, and 1000 new buses will be rolled out.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 1:04 pm

West Bengal Martyrs Day 2026: What is it?

West Bengal marked Martyrs Day on July 21, 2026, with significant rallies in Central Kolkata, drawing attention from political leaders including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Hindu 21 Jul 2026 12:44 pm

Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Sabotaging Martyrs Day Rally

Kolkata, July 21: Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Mamata Banerjee, has made serious allegations against the BJP, claiming they are attempting to sabotage the upcoming Martyrs Day rally. She asserted that there was vandalism on the stage prior to the event and that efforts were made to ... Read more Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Sabotaging Martyrs Day Rally

Morningstar 21 Jul 2026 11:42 am

Bengali mandatory in West Bengal government communications from Sept 1

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bengali will become mandatory in all official government communications from September 1. The decision follows a letter from Union Home Minister Amit Shah encouraging the wider use and development of Indian languages in official administration

Mid Day 21 Jul 2026 8:57 am

Weather today, July 21: IMD issues heavy rain alert for Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam as active monsoon returns

Weather today, July 21: The India Meteorological Department forecasts a monsoon surge bringing heavy rains. Widespread rainfall is expected across north, east, and northeast India this week. Delhi, Mumbai, and several other states will witness moderate to heavy showers. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face extremely heavy rainfall, risking landslides. Residents should monitor advisories as monsoon activity intensifies.

The Economic Times 21 Jul 2026 7:47 am

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Martyrs Day in Kolkata

Kolkata, July 21: Political rhetoric has intensified ahead of Martyrs Day, celebrated on July 21 in West Bengal. Minister Dr. Indranil Khan has reopened discussions surrounding the 1993 incident, criticizing the Congress and Trinamool Congress for their political maneuvers. He accused the previous state government of failing to conduct a fair investigation into the 1993 ... Read more Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Martyrs Day in Kolkata

Morningstar 21 Jul 2026 2:53 am

West Bengal to make Bengali mandatory in all govt departments from September 1

West Bengal will mandate Bengali for all government departments starting September 1. Official communication, including citizen services and digital platforms, will use the Bengali language. This directive applies to all administrative levels across the state. Translators and necessary resources will be arranged by the government. Bengali and Hindi will be used for communication with the central government.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 11:58 pm

West Bengal Government to Limit Powers of Panchayat Heads with New Bill

Kolkata, July 20: The West Bengal Assembly is set to introduce a new bill aimed at reducing the powers of Panchayat heads as signing authorities in the state. Once passed, the bill will strip Panchayat heads of their authority to approve funds for Panchayat-related activities. These powers will instead be transferred to government officials. This ... Read more West Bengal Government to Limit Powers of Panchayat Heads with New Bill

Morningstar 20 Jul 2026 10:33 pm

Weather tomorrow, July 21, 2026: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata... Is your city on IMD's rain alert list?

Weather tomorrow, July 21, 2026: The India Meteorological Department forecasts an active monsoon phase for north, east, and northeast India. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected across several states over the next week. Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan will witness increased rainfall activity. Southern and west-central Peninsular India are likely to experience comparatively weaker monsoon conditions. This renewed rainfall phase follows a prolonged period of subdued monsoon activity.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 9:58 pm

TMC used 1993 police firing for political gains, hid inquiry report: CM after tabling panel findings

The July 21 incident was used politically; many people have built their political and personal fortunes on it, said West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026 8:03 pm

West Bengal CM to Release Report on 1993 Youth Congress Deaths

Kolkata, July 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday that he will make public the report from the Justice Sushanta Chatterjee Commission. This commission was established by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government to investigate the deaths of 13 Youth Congress workers during a police firing at a protest rally on July 21, ... Read more West Bengal CM to Release Report on 1993 Youth Congress Deaths

Morningstar 20 Jul 2026 6:13 pm

Nine newly-elected members take oath in Rajya Sabha

The members who took the oath represent the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan and West Bengal

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026 4:34 pm

9 Newly-Elected Members Take Oath In Rajya Sabha

The members who took the oath represent the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

NDTV 20 Jul 2026 4:17 pm

Polygamy banned, equal inheritance rights ensured: All you need to know about the Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code Bill

Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam have officially enacted the Uniform Civil Code whereas States like Maharashtra, West Bengal and Rajasthan formed expert committees to design their respective regulations.

OpIndia 20 Jul 2026 2:11 pm

Newly-elected members take oath in Rajya Sabha

As the Monsoon session commenced, Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan officiated the oath-taking ceremony for nine newly elected members. The representatives hailed from states including Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, with others from Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and West Bengal joining in. Notably, some members had already completed their oaths ahead of this session.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 1:21 pm

Bengali to be used in all official State communication from September 1, says CM Suvendu

The Chief Minister stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had written to him requesting that, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the use of the Bengali language in West Bengal should be promoted more extensively

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026 1:11 pm

L&T bags orders worth Rs 10,000Rs 15,000 cr in metals and minerals business

Larsen & Toubro's Metals & Minerals business secured multiple mega orders. These contracts are from leading domestic public and private sector companies. One order involves an 18-MTPA iron ore handling plant in Chhattisgarh. Another project expands a steel plant in West Bengal significantly. L&T also won an EPC order for a new zinc processing plant.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 12:12 pm

Weather tomorrow: IMD warns of heavy rain in several states; Delhi under yellow alert, Himachal Pradesh on red alert

The India Meteorological Department forecasts an active monsoon spell across northern and eastern regions. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in several states over the next week. Delhi and Mumbai will experience moderate to heavy rain, while West Bengal faces landslide warnings. Himachal Pradesh has a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in its districts. Southern and western India will see subdued monsoon activity during this period.

The Times of India 20 Jul 2026 9:52 am

Weather Today, July 20: Heavy Rain expected for Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala; active showers likely in Delhi-NCR

Weather today, July 20: Heavy rainfall is expected across many Indian regions today. The monsoon continues to bring showers and thunderstorms to various states. Several states are on alert for potential flooding and landslides due to heavy rains. Light to moderate showers are predicted for Delhi-NCR and other northern areas. Residents should exercise caution due to waterlogging and potential travel delays.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 8:26 am

Amit Shah pushes for anti-terror, anti-narcotics task forces to bolster Bengals security apparatus

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed West Bengal's law and order situation. He stressed establishing new task forces for narcotics and terror threats. The meeting also focused on enhancing women's safety and police modernization efforts. Adequate budgetary support was assured for police infrastructure improvements. Discussions included cybersecurity, drug trafficking, and flood management plans.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 1:15 am

Regime change lifts hopes of realtors in West Bengal

West Bengal's new government is expected to boost real estate activity significantly. Developers anticipate land reforms, including the repeal of a key act, to unlock development. Investment commitments exceeding 28,000 crore have already been secured by the state. Enhanced connectivity and swifter government approvals will further accelerate sector growth. The state is well-positioned to become a leading growth engine for Eastern India.

The Economic Times 20 Jul 2026 12:43 am

BJP Leaders File Complaint Against Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal

Kolkata, July 20: BJP leader Abhijit Das, also known as Bobby, lodged a complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee at the Nodalkhali police station in South 24 Parganas on Sunday. He accused Banerjee of corruption in the distribution of financial compensation following Cyclone Amphan in 2020. Das alleged that approximately 30 crore was embezzled ... Read more BJP Leaders File Complaint Against Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal

Morningstar 20 Jul 2026 12:42 am

Bengal's journey to 'Sonar Bangla' has begun: HM Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the BJP had formed a government in West Bengal after a decade-long struggle and that the journey towards building a Sonar Bangla had begun. At a high-level meeting, he called for the creation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force, an Anti-Terrorist Squad, and a Special Investigation Agency on the lines of the NIA to strengthen the state's internal security.

The Economic Times 19 Jul 2026 11:31 pm

West Bengal BJP government is implementing the promise of Sonar Bangla, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister virtually lays the foundation stone of the 700-crore Amul dairy project at Sankrail in Howrah

The Hindu 19 Jul 2026 11:25 pm

West Bengal Enhances Public Transport with Yatri Saathi and Bharat Taxi Partnership

Kolkata, July 19: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a significant advancement in the states public transport system on Sunday. The states Information Technology and Electronics Department has partnered with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (Bharat Taxi) to enhance the digital mobility platform Yatri Saathi. Suvendu Adhikari shared this update on the social media platform ... Read more West Bengal Enhances Public Transport with Yatri Saathi and Bharat Taxi Partnership

Morningstar 19 Jul 2026 11:22 pm

Martyrs Day 2026 turns out to be show of political strength for rival Trinamool factions in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who, along with 19 other party Lok Sabha MPs, has merged with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), said the faction would observe Martyrs Day at Rajghat

The Hindu 19 Jul 2026 10:36 pm

'We intend to work with PM Modi': Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announces entry into NDA with 20 Mamata rebels

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced her group's move to join the ruling NDA in Parliament. Twenty former TMC MPs are now aligning with the NCPI parliamentary group. This group intends to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They will support the government's initiatives and focus on constructive debate. The rebels' realignment follows the TMC's recent election defeat in West Bengal.

The Times of India 19 Jul 2026 9:12 pm

No state has witnessed such a political change since Independence: Amit Shah on Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called West Bengal's political change unprecedented since Independence. He criticized the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments. Shah attended the foundation stone laying for a new dairy project. This project aims to boost the state's dairy sector and farmer incomes. The minister concluded his three-day visit to West Bengal.

The Times of India 19 Jul 2026 6:30 pm

CBI Conducts Raids in Multi-State Bank Fraud Case Worth 1,109 Crore

New Delhi, July 19: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched simultaneous raids on July 18 across four statesWest Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhandin connection with a bank fraud case involving 1,109 crore. This operation targeted multiple locations linked to M/s Gupta Power Infrastructure Limited, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. According to the CBI, the ... Read more CBI Conducts Raids in Multi-State Bank Fraud Case Worth 1,109 Crore

Morningstar 19 Jul 2026 6:23 pm

IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in north Bengal, warns of possible landslides, flash floods

Northern West Bengal districts will receive heavy rainfall over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department issued warnings for landslides and flash floods in affected areas. Extremely heavy rain is forecast for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. Other sub-Himalayan districts will experience very heavy rainfall while south Bengal also sees rain. Kolkata can expect cloudy skies with light to moderate showers.

The Economic Times 19 Jul 2026 4:18 pm

20 West Bengal MPs Merge into Nationalist Citizens Party of India

Kolkata, July 19: The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has officially announced the merger of 20 Members of Parliament from West Bengal into its ranks. Following the acceptance of their merger, these MPs are now formally part of the NCPI. The party asserts that the inclusion of these leaders will strengthen its commitment to ... Read more 20 West Bengal MPs Merge into Nationalist Citizens Party of India

Morningstar 19 Jul 2026 3:33 pm

Amit Shah reviews Bengal law and order with state officials

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, July 19, chaired a meeting with West Bengal officials here to discuss the law and order situation of the state, which shares a 2,217-km border with Bangladesh and also has frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan. Chief secretary Manoj Agarwal and state police chief Siddh Nath Gupta were Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 Jul 2026 2:54 pm

West Bengal CID Arrests Woman With Huge Arms Cache

Firearms, 200 rounds of ammunition and magazines seized in North 24 Parganas; police suspect an inter-state arms smuggling racket linked to Bihar's Munger.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Jul 2026 1:57 pm

Weather today, July 19: IMD warns of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Srinagar, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Northeast India; Delhi likely to receive light rain

Weather today, July 19: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for many Indian states on Sunday, the IMD has said. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim anticipate extremely heavy rain in isolated areas. Thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning are also expected across several regions. Delhi-NCR remains under a yellow alert with light rain and humid conditions.

The Economic Times 19 Jul 2026 10:09 am

Tathagata Roy Warns BJP Against Resurgence of Communists in West Bengal

Kolkata, July 19: Tathagata Roy, former president of the West Bengal BJP and ex-governor of Meghalaya, has raised concerns regarding the internal turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following their significant defeat in the recent assembly elections. He cautioned that this situation should not allow communist parties to regain their former political strength in the ... Read more Tathagata Roy Warns BJP Against Resurgence of Communists in West Bengal

Morningstar 19 Jul 2026 1:53 am

West Bengal to unveil new industrial policy in August

West Bengal will introduce a new industrial policy in August to boost economic growth. This policy aims to streamline approvals and enhance the ease of doing business. The state is also developing a robust Global Capability Centre ecosystem. A dedicated Startup Policy is expected to be unveiled soon by the government. West Bengal seeks to become a leading industrial destination by 2027.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 11:11 pm

Amit Shah inspects indigenous border security technology in West Bengal

This three-day trip is his first visit to the State after theSuvenduAdhikari government took charge of West Bengal

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 10:44 pm

Speaker Birla approves merger of rebel SS(UBT) with Shinde-led Shiv Sena; rebel TMC MPs to sit separately

New Delhi, July 18: Ahead of the Monsoon session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and allowed separate seating for the 20 rebel TMC lawmakers, who have joined a little-known party, NCPI. Official sources said that with the merger of the six MPs, the strength of the Shiv Sena has gone up to 13. The TMC rebel groups of 20 MPs will seat separately, away from the parent party, the sources said. No final decision has been taken on the demand of the rebel TMC MPs to be recognised as part of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), and the matter is still under consideration, they said. The TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) had demanded the disqualification of the rebel MPs. The rebel TMC MPs are also likely to attend Sunday's all-party meeting. The Lok Sabha Speaker had earlier met a TMC delegation headed by its leader Abhishek Banerjee as well as the party's breakaway group. A similar exercise was also carried out with regard to the Shiv Sena (UBT). Consultations with legal and constitutional experts of Parliament were carried out and they provided their inputs to the Speaker to help him take the final decisions, sources said. The decisions came two days ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, which will begin on July 20 Past precedents, decisions taken by the former speakers of Lok Sabha and chairmen of Rajya Sabha in similar situations were also examined before taking the informed and legally sound decisions, the sources said, adding Constitutional and legal aspects were looked into. Besides the rebel groups of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK also sought a separate seating arrangement, away from the Congress, after the principal opposition party broke its decades-old alliance with the Tamil Nadu party and joined hands with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's party TVK. This demand is also likely to be accepted by the Speaker. Altogether, 29 MPs got elected to the Lok Sabha on TMC tickets in the 2024 general election. As many as 20 MPs broke away from the party and joined NCPI, a registered unrecognised political party headquartered in Howrah, West Bengal, and sought separate seating arrangement. The rebel group also expressed their allegiance to the Narendra Modi government and their desire to join the ruling NDA. One TMC MP passed away some time ago and the seat remains vacant. In case of Shiv Sena (UBT), a total of nine MPs got elected on party tickets, of which six have joined the rival Shiv Sena, headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Both the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) argued before the Speaker that their rebel MPs should be disqualified as the defections fall under the anti-defection law. The two parties argued that the anti-defection law may not be applicable only if two-thirds of the entire party walk away from its fold. TMC general secretary and its Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee demanded before Birla that the rebels should be disqualified. He also said the claims of the rebels that they 'merged' with the NCPI were not valid, and as per the law, two-thirds of the entire party must merge with another party, not just individual legislators. Banerjee had also submitted before the Speaker 20 separate petitions against the 20 rebels seeking their disqualification. Shiv Sena (UBT) had also met Birla and urged him to share the demands submitted to him by the six rebel MPs of the party who have now joined the Eknath Shinde-led party. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai had said that they conveyed to the Speaker that the Tenth Schedule is clear: Any group of a legislature party cannot merge into some other party on its own, even if they have a two-thirds majority. On July 14, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, leaders of the rebel TMC, met the Speaker and discussed with him seating arrangements for the party's 20 MPs in the Lower House. They also discussed the allotment of a party office in the new Parliament building, the sources said.

Greater Kashmir 18 Jul 2026 9:04 pm

Will resign within hour if rebelTrinamool leaders joinback Didi: Abhishek Banerjee

Since Trinamool Congress loss in the West Bengal Assembly election on May 4,Mr.Banerjee has faced criticism from several party leaders for the organisations downfall

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 7:16 pm

Evening news wrap: PM Modi hails Skyroot's historic Vikram-1 launch; bulldozer action hits TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's office

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after its historic Vikram-1 rocket launch. A Trinamool Congress office linked to Abhishek Banerjee faced demolition in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site. Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets deep inside Russia, causing casualties. Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke affecting air quality.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 5:59 pm

National Security is Paramount, Government Actively Working on Chicken Neck Corridor: Minister Tapas Roy

Kolkata, July 18: West Bengal Minister Tapas Roy made a significant statement regarding national security and industrial development in the state. He emphasized that the safety of the nation is the top priority, and there can be no compromise on this issue. He also urged industrialists to invest and establish industries in West Bengal. Tapas ... Read more National Security is Paramount, Government Actively Working on Chicken Neck Corridor: Minister Tapas Roy

Morningstar 18 Jul 2026 5:23 pm

Weather tomorrow: IMD warns of heavy rain across several regions; yellow alert for Delhi-NCR

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts widespread rainfall across India on Sunday, with extremely heavy rain over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Heavy rain is also expected in several northern, eastern, northeastern, central and southern states. Delhi-NCR remains under a yellow alert with light rain, thunderstorms, and humid conditions expected.

The Times of India 18 Jul 2026 1:59 pm

At least five injured in blast at sponge iron factory in West Bengal

Another police officer said the temperature around the furnace shot up to several degrees Celsius after the blast, making rescue operations extremely difficult

The Hindu 18 Jul 2026 11:39 am

Got AIR 35 in NEET-UG 2026 but won't become doctor: Here's why this topper chose engineering over medicine and will soon join IIT Kharagpur

Sabyasachi Laskar, West Bengal's top NEET-UG scorer, will pursue computer science engineering at IIT Kharagpur. He aims to develop energy-efficient computer hardware for global sustainability initiatives. Laskar secured All India Rank 35 in the NEET-UG examination. He had already secured admission to IIT Kharagpur before the NEET retest. His mother confirmed engineering was always his primary career aspiration.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 10:30 am

Preferring seclusion over inclusion

Despite improvement in security scenario in Kashmir, politicians continue to stay away from the common people and seem least interested in reaching out to the voters who elected them. The moot question they need to answer is, why do they prefer seclusion over inclusion? The growing perception seems that mainstream politics in Kashmir has drifted away from addressing everyday concerns of the common man and has got caught in a quagmire of issues that have little direct bearing on the lives of denizens in the Valley. Its a well-established fact that times have changed and there is no room left for emotional speeches and lip service. People want results. A common man wants to know what have the MLAs, whom he voted for in 2024, done for him. They want their elected representatives to speak up and be accountable to them. However, a large section of the people continues to feel alienatednot merely from governments, but from politics itself. Primary Responsibility The primary responsibility of any elected representative is simple: to improve the lives of the people who elected them. Employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, investment, tourism, agriculture, business opportunities and transparent governance should dominate the political discourse. Unfortunately, many believe these issues often receive less attention than they deserve. Its strange that politicians in Kashmir leave no opportunity to give their opinion on any international issue that has nothing to do with the lives of the common people living in the Valley. Politicians frequently issue statements on conflicts in distant regions, geopolitical developments or global ideological debates. They need to realize that voters reasonably expect their elected representatives to devote the bulk of their time and political capital to solving the problems faced by the people whom they represent. Stark Contrast There is a stark contrast between the leaders of other regions in the country and the politicians hailing from Kashmir. Regional leaders largely focus on their respective states. Political leaders in West Bengal primarily concentrate on Bengals economy, education, healthcare and industries. Leaders in Maharashtra debate Maharashtras infrastructure and investment. Tamil Nadus politics revolves around issues affecting Tamil Nadu. For them governance remains rooted in local priorities. However, in Kashmir local politicians believe that if they dont issue statements on international developments, they might miss the bus. It seems they are unaware about the fact that their pep talk on the international issues has no takers. They need to understand that problems in the world cannot be solved by the people of Kashmir and Kashmiris have got nothing to do with these issues. Commentators on global affairs Mainstream leaders who stand elected to represent Kashmir often sound more like commentators on global affairs than advocates for local governance. Europe, Gaza, the United States and the Middle East dominate their rhetoric, while unemployment, development and the aspirations of Kashmirs youth dont get the same sustained attention. They are worried about the world despite being elected from Kashmir. Not many opposition leaders have posed any questions to the National Conference Government after it took over the reins in 2024. It appears that none of the Kashmir based leaders want to annoy the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues by asking direct and tough questions. Anyway, its their call. They need to remember people are watching and voters cannot be misled every time. Unemployment as challenge Local leaders seem to have forgotten that the unemployment crisis remains one of Kashmirs biggest challenges. Thousands of educated young men and women complete their degrees every year with hopes of securing meaningful employment. Instead, many spend years preparing for competitive examinations, waiting for recruitment notifications or seeking opportunities outside Jammu and Kashmir. This prolonged uncertainty has left the youth exasperated, many of whom feel that political promises made during elections rarely translate into tangible outcomes. Governance is not about creating hope during election campaigns alone; it is about delivering results after assuming office. Public trust is built through execution rather than rhetoric. Eye-opener events The political developments in Bangladesh and Nepal should serve as an eye-opener for Kashmirs mainstream leadership. In both countries, widespread public frustration with the political establishment eventually erupted into mass protests, driven by perceptions of poor governance, unfulfilled promises, economic hardship and a widening disconnect between rulers and the people. These events demonstrated that public patience has limits. No political leadership can remain insulated from popular sentiment if it consistently fails to address the aspirations of its citizens. The lesson for Kashmir is clear: legitimacy is earned through performance, accountability and public trustnot through political rhetoric or past electoral victories. Responsible politics requires honesty Responsible politics requires honesty. Citizens appreciate leaders who explain constraints while offering realistic solutions more than those who repeatedly make promises that cannot be implemented. They lose faith on the leaders who just hide behind the excuses. Kashmiri leaders must recognise that todays youth are more informed than ever before. Through digital media, they compare opportunities available across India and the world. They expect performance, transparency and accountability. Emotional narratives that may have dominated previous generations are no longer sufficient for a generation seeking careers, innovation and financial stability. Politicians must focus on implementation rather than delivering sermons. Relationship between citizens and their representatives should be based on trust. Trust grows when leaders spend more time listening than lecturing, more time solving than speaking and more time delivering than promising. People of Kashmir deserve an era in which governance takes precedence over grandstanding, development over distraction and public welfare over political theatre. Sheikh Khalid Jehangir is a policy analyst, Director of the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), former Vice Chairman of JKPCC, and the BJPs 2019 Lok Sabha candidate from Srinagar.

Greater Kashmir 18 Jul 2026 5:12 am

SC seeks details of claims filed by deleted SIR voters; EC, Bengal govt asked to reply

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Election Commission, the West Bengal government and the state poll panel on a PIL seeking disclosure of assembly constituency-wise data of claims and objections filed by deleted voters during the SIR process. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and []

Kashmir Reader 18 Jul 2026 12:56 am

Amit Shah to review law & order, border security during West Bengal visit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal from July 17 to 19. He will focus on border security and governance during his three-day trip. Shah will interact with Border Security Force personnel at a border outpost. He will also chair meetings on law and order and development projects. The minister will review the implementation of new criminal laws in the state.

The Economic Times 18 Jul 2026 12:03 am

4 students among 5 dead as train hits school van

A train struck a school van and bicycle at a West Bengal level crossing. Five people, including four children and a cyclist, tragically lost their lives. The railway ministry announced 10 lakh ex-gratia, and the state government will provide 5 lakh. The railway gateman has been arrested following the incident near Karnasubarna station. Injured children and the van driver are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 11:59 pm

Adhikari attacks Trinamool, left; woos investors with 'anti-goonda' law pledge

West Bengal CM assures investors of improved law and order and government support. The proposed anti-goonda law will ensure stern action against hooliganism and extortion. Shyam Steel Group's integrated steel plant in Bankura involves a significant investment. Adani Group expressed interest in developing a seaport at Dadanpatra in East Midnapore. The government will facilitate land acquisition and create an industry-friendly environment.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 11:49 pm

Abhishek Banerjee Questions Accountability Following Murshidabad Tragedy

Kolkata, July 17: Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, has expressed his sorrow regarding the recent incident in Murshidabad, West Bengal. He raised questions about the central governments accountability on social media platform X, extending his condolences to the affected families and demanding responsibility for safety measures. In his post, Banerjee ... Read more Abhishek Banerjee Questions Accountability Following Murshidabad Tragedy

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 10:23 pm

Sajad Lone Accuses NC of Trying to Bury Articles 370, 35A

Srinagar, July 17:J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone launched a pointed attack on the National Conference on Friday, questioning both the timing and the real motive behind Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's call for a sit-in at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to press for statehood. Lone opened by noting the press conference had been delayed by a day out of respect for a bereavement in the Abdullah family and said his party's position has not shifted: the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370, Article 35A, and full statehood, remains paramount, with Article 370 the most important of the three. Lone's core argument was that major political decisions in a democracy require consensus, not unilateral calls to the street. He recalled that in early August 2019, Farooq and Omar Abdullah had traveled to Delhi without taking other parties into confidence, only for a photograph with the Prime Minister to emerge the next day along with assurances that nothing was going to change, assurances undone within forty-eight hours when Article 370 was revoked. He said that to this day, nobody knows what was actually said in that meeting, and that despite the public warmth shown toward the central leadership since then, the National Conference has never once confronted them publicly about being misled that day. He added that the media, too, has never asked the question directly. Turning to the present, Lone said the Jammu and Kashmir assembly may have lost its old powers but has not lost its representative character it remains the constitutional voice of the people. On that basis, he said it was unacceptable that no statehood resolution had been passed in nearly two years, and that his own attempts to move such a resolution had been blocked by the Speaker on grounds that the matter was sub judice. He specifically cited an amendment he moved on February 3, 2025 during the Governor's address, seeking to add a demand for the return of Article 370, 35A and statehood, which he said was rejected by voice vote with every NC member voting against it alongwith BJP leaders, a development he said went almost entirely unreported. Lone's central demand was that the government call an emergency session of the assembly, pass a resolution on statehood, and then send an all-party delegation without theatrics to meet the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Only if that route failed, he said, should Jantar Mantar even be considered, and his party would join at that stage. Bypassing the assembly and taking the issue straight to Delhi, he warned, would reduce the statehood question to a fight between the BJP and the opposition at the national level, stripping the people of Jammu and Kashmir of any real role in their own cause. He went further, suggesting the protest may not really be about statehood at all, but about quietly burying the demand for Article 370 and 35A issues that fall under Parliament's jurisdiction rather than the assembly's, and on which he said opposition parties had promised support during the election campaign that never materialized. He drew a historical parallel to 1975, when previous constitutional safeguards were similarly given up in exchange for power, calling the present moment a repeat of that pattern. Lone was equally critical of the Chief Minister's conduct in the run-up to the announced protest, noting that Omar Abdullah met the Defence Minister and several other Union ministers, and eventually the Prime Minister himself, in the days after declaring his intent to protest. He said Abdullah claimed to have raised statehood in that meeting and argued that if the Prime Minister, whom he called the final authority on statehood, had said no, the government owed the public a straight answer rather than proceeding to Jantar Mantar without clarifying what was actually said. He accused the National Conference of inconsistency, recalling how the party rushed to present shawls to central leaders even before final election results were in, and later sent flowers to the Union Home Minister after Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal, while simultaneously invoking anti-BJP rhetoric for public consumption. He also accused that non-NC MLAs from Kashmir, including himself, have faced administrative obstruction at the behest of NC leaders, while NC-aligned MLAs from Jammu face no such restrictions, a pattern he said exposed the party's selective use of power even within a diminished Union Territory framework. Lone closed by inviting the public to verify his account of the assembly amendments personally, urging people to search for his moved amendments to the Governor's address to see for themselves how the National Conference voted. He reiterated that dharnas historically produce little beyond media coverage, and suggested the protest also serves to distract from governance failures. He ended by saying that while he could not be certain of the National Conference's true motive, his assessment was that this was less a genuine campaign for statehood and more an exercise aimed at burying Article 370 and 35A for good, leaving statehood as a secondary and diminished consolation prize.

RisingKashmir 17 Jul 2026 7:06 pm

IMD forecasts extremely heavy rain in north Bengal, warns of landslides

The weather office said though a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal had gradually weakened, the conditions were expected to trigger intense rainfall in north Bengal.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 6:15 pm

Shyam Steel to invest Rs 15,000 crore in West Bengal expansion

Shyam Steel Group will invest Rs 15,000 crores in West Bengal's expansion projects. This initiative will create over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The company plans to establish a new integrated steel plant and other strategic sector investments. These developments aim to boost regional infrastructure and economic growth significantly.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 3:15 pm

West Bengal CM promises strictest action against those responsible for Murshidabad train accident

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured strict action against those responsible for the Murshidabad train accident that claimed three lives, including two school students. He said negligence in duty would not be tolerated and directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the injured and affected families. State minister Gouri Sankar Ghosh visited the hospital and is overseeing relief efforts.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 3:04 pm

Supreme Court Rules on Citizenship Rights in West Bengals SIR Controversy

New Delhi, July 17: The Supreme Court addressed the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy during a hearing on Friday, reiterating that determining citizenship is not a constitutional right of the Election Commission. The Commissions authority is limited to controlling and supervising the electoral rolls, leaving no ambiguity in the legal framework. The Supreme ... Read more Supreme Court Rules on Citizenship Rights in West Bengals SIR Controversy

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 2:23 pm

WBJEE Counselling 2026 Round 2 registration ends today: Check direct link to apply here

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) will close the WBJEE Counselling 2026 Round 2 registration and choice-filling process today, July 17. Candidates yet to secure a seat or seeking a better allotment must submit their preferences before the deadline. The Round 2 seat allotment result will be announced on July 21, followed by admission and document verification.

The Times of India 17 Jul 2026 2:23 pm

Tragic Train Accident in West Bengal Claims Four Lives, Chief Minister Expresses Condolences

Kolkata, July 17: A tragic incident occurred in the Karanasubarna area of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Friday. Initial investigations by the police and railway department revealed that negligence on the part of a gatekeeper was the primary cause of the accident. A train collided with a school van at a railway crossing, resulting in ... Read more Tragic Train Accident in West Bengal Claims Four Lives, Chief Minister Expresses Condolences

Morningstar 17 Jul 2026 2:13 pm

Five killed as train hits school van, bicycle at Murshidabad level crossing; gateman arrested

At least five people, including schoolchildren, were killed after a passenger train collided with a school van and a bicycle at a level crossing near Karnasubarna station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Several children and the van driver were injured, the railway gateman has been arrested, and authorities have ordered an inquiry while announcing compensation for the victims' families.

The Economic Times 17 Jul 2026 2:11 pm

Train hits school pool car in Murshidabad, three killed

Three people, including two school children, were killed after a train collided with a pool car at a level crossing near Karna Subarna railway station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Railway officials have launched an investigation into the incident, while train services on the Azimganj-Katwa section were disrupted.

Mid Day 17 Jul 2026 10:57 am

West Bengal Train Accident: 2 Schoolchildren Among 3 Killed as Train Hits Pool Car in Murshidabad

Three people, including two school students, died after a train collided with a school pool car at a level crossing near Karna Subarna Railway Station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.

Web Dunia 17 Jul 2026 10:56 am

Train Hits School Van in West Bengal, Three Killed

Train services in the Azimganj-Katwa section of Eastern Railway's Howrah division were affected following the accident.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Jul 2026 10:44 am