Bhubaneswar: Two Arrested in Nayapalli for Brandishing Sword and Extortion
Nayapalli Police in Bhubaneswar arrested two men from West Bengal on Sunday for brandishing a 32-inch iron sword in public, terrorizing commuters, and attempting extortion near ID Market. According to police, a patrolling team near Ekamra Park was alerted by a passerby around 9 AM regarding two Hindi-speaking youths creating panic with a sword on [] The post Bhubaneswar: Two Arrested in Nayapalli for Brandishing Sword and Extortion appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Uttarakhand college students meet Bengal Governor under Yuva Sangam initiative
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 11 (IANS) A delegation of college students from Uttarakhand interacted with West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi on issues like learning and cultural exchange as part of the Union Education Ministry's Yuva Sangam initiative, an official said on Sunday. The interaction on October 8 provided the students and faculty members of the Uttarakhand delegation with an opportunity to experience West Bengals cultural identity and traditions, the official said in a statement. The students engaged in a discussion on the importance of strengthening connections among young people from different parts of the country, it said. The visit was organised by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, as part of Yuva Sangam Phase VII under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, it said. The objective of the programme is to foster national integration and strengthen people-to-people connections among the youth of the country, it said. The interaction provided the students and faculty members of the Uttarakhand delegation with an opportunity to gain valuable perspectives while experiencing West Bengals distinctive cultural identity and traditions. The programme provides participants from 20 paired States and Union Territories with opportunities to engage with Indias diverse cultural traditions, educational institutions, innovation ecosystems and developmental initiatives, thereby deepening their appreciation of the nations unity amidst diversity. The visit of the Uttarakhand delegation, with Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University as its nodal institute, to West Bengal commenced with a warm welcome on October 7. The delegation is being hosted by IIT Kharagpur, which is facilitating opportunities for the young participants to explore the States rich cultural and spiritual heritage, vibrant traditions and educational landscape, said the statement. The visit reflects the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by encouraging young people to explore new places, interact with diverse communities and build lasting friendships beyond geographical boundaries, said the statement. Through such immersive experiences, Yuva Sangam Phase VII continues to promote national integration, cultural understanding and appreciation of Indias rich diversity, it said.
Uttarakhand Students Explore the Cultural Richness of West Bengal
A group of students from Uttarakhand is discovering West Bengals culture and heritage through the Youth Sangam initiative. Uttarakhand Students Explore the Cultural Richness of West Bengal
Puja Vacation 2026: Is Your School Closing on October 16? Check Latest Reopening Dates
Planning for the Puja break? West Bengal schools are closing from October 16, 2026, with most reopening on October 27. Check your specific school's closure dates, exam shifts, and traffic advisories to avoid last-minute travel issues.
DRI Busts Indo-Bangladesh Gold Smuggling Racket: 6 Arrested
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has disrupted a major cross-border syndicate, seizing approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs 11.50 crore in intelligence-led operations across West Bengal. The two-day crackdown on Oct 89 targeted illicit road and rail corridors connecting border zones in Bangladesh and Tripura to commercial hubs in Kolkata, [] The post DRI Busts Indo-Bangladesh Gold Smuggling Racket: 6 Arrested appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Mamata AITC alleges 'Hindi imposition', distortion of Bengali over KMC poster campaign
Mamata All India Trinamool Congress accused the West Bengal BJP government of distorting the Bengali language. They cited a cleanliness campaign poster that mixed Hindi and Bengali phrases, which sparked controversy. Party leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction, urging corrections to be made to preserve the integrity of Bengali language. No response has been provided yet from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regarding the allegations.
Child marriage in India declines, but millions of girls remain at risk
With the 2030 target to end child marriage approaching, India still accounts for one in three child brides across the world, while one in every five Indian young women was married before turning 18. While the prevalence of child marriages has come down sharply from over 50 per cent in 1996 to little over 20 per cent now, experts, on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, have warned not to get swayed by the national average, emphasising that the problem is a lot more acute in some states. Five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh -- account for more than half of the total child marriages in the country, according to UNICEF and government data. States and union territories that are doing well include Kerala and Lakshadweep. This year's International Day of the Girl Child theme, End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights, calls for sustained investments throughout adolescence so that girls stay in school, remain healthy and
Rejected by people in Bengal, Mamata Banerjee in Delhi to keep herself relevant: Dilip Ghosh
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 11 (IANS) After being rejected by the people of West Bengal, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently in New Delhi with a herculean attempt to keep herself relevant in national politics, said state Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister and BJPs former national vice-president, Dilip Ghosh, on Sunday. Ghosh, also the BJPs former state president, ridiculed her, claiming she would now go to neighbouring Bangladesh and join any movement there to keep herself more relevant. She and her party, Trinamool Congress, have been completely rejected by the people of West Bengal. The combined vote share of the two factions of Trinamool Congress in the recently concluded bypolls to two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal has been less than three per cent. Trinamool Congress is non-existent in West Bengal. So, she has gone to New Delhi to keep herself relevant in the media. She should now go to neighbouring Bangladesh and join any movement there to keep herself more relevant. But still her party will never benefit, said Ghosh while speaking to the media persons. Ghosh also launched a scathing attack against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)s ongoing protest in New Delhi over the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, which Mamata Banerjee has been supporting. There is foreign funding behind this movement. A conspiracy by the anti-national forces is behind this movement. The government has done the right thing in taking action in the larger interest of the country and its people, said Ghosh. Ghosh is not the first state BJP leader from West Bengal to ridicule Mamata Banerjee over her eagerness to be a part of the CJP movement. On Saturday, BJPs current state president in West Bengal and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, without directly naming Congress and the Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee, said that a half-dead political force had joined hands with a dead force to stay relevant over the CJP movement. On the occasion of Mahalaya today, the former West Bengal Chief Minister has gone to New Delhi instead of staying in the state. We want her to stay here during this festivity time and visit various puja pandals. We want to see her doing that. Where have all the big Trinamool Congress leaders gone? Bhattacharya asked on Saturday.
'Good behaviour', 'maintaining peace' placed as conditions for CJP leaders' release: Delhi Police
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in New Delhi on Sunday placed 'maintaining peace and good behaviour' as a condition for releasing the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders, police said. CJP's legal affairs head Ratna Singh earlier confirmed that the outfit's leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released by the SEM court after they were placed under preventive arrest by the Delhi Police. In a post on X, Delhi Police said: Preventive arrest u/s 126/170 BNSS of Sh. Abhijeet Dipke, Sh. Ashutosh Ranka and Sh. Saurav Das was done on 10.10.2026. All due legal procedures were followed and they were produced before the SEM Court, Delhi Cantt on 11.10.2026. A bail bond as Surety Bond of Rs 50,000/- was filled for maintaining peace and good behaviour, for a period of one year, and they were released by the SEM Court, it added. The three CJP leaders were detained on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as they arrived in the national capital to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI). This came against the backdrop of the CJP's planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have registered over 20 FIRs in connection with attempts to forcibly stage protests, officials said on Sunday. The FIRs were filed for offences including taking the law into one's own hands, obstructing official duties, and assaulting police personnel, as the protesters gathered around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. On Saturday, over 3,000 anti-CEC protesters, including opposition leaders like former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, were detained in Delhi as law enforcers threw an unprecedented security ring around the national capital to prevent chaos at Jantar Mantar, forcing the proposed agitation to break into several small gatherings across the city. The authorities had earlier denied permission for the demonstration, warning against unauthorised gatherings, imposing internet restrictions, roadblocks and traffic diversions to prevent a repeat of the CJPs July protest at Jantar Mantar that turned violent. The detained protesters were taken to different destinations, including Chhatrasal Stadium and various police stations, the police said. Most of them, including the opposition leaders, were released later in the evening.
Bengal to soon have 375 fair price medicine shops for pet animals, birds
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 11 (IANS) West Bengal will soon have 375 fair price medicine shops for pet animals and birds to be run by the Directorate of Animal Resources and Animal Health under the state Animal Resources Development Department. The department has issued a notification, saying that these fair price medicine shops for pet animals and birds, popularly known as Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras (PAVKs), will be part of the Union Governments Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme. A department insider said that these PAVKs will not only cater to home pet owners but also to those who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. Of the 375 PAVKs, the main one will be at the state level, which will be at the state capital of Kolkata. Similarly, there will be 30 district-level PAVKs and 344 block-level PAVKs, said the department official. At the PAVKs, medicines and vaccines for pet animals, including dogs, will be available at much cheaper rates compared to those sold in private pet shops or pet clinics. It is often alleged, which to an extent is true, that a major scam has been going on for quite some time with animal medicines and vaccines involving a section of the veterinary doctors and representatives of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing veterinary medicines and vaccines, the state government official said. Explaining the nature of the scam, he said that a section of veterinary doctors is often accused of prescribing medicines and vaccines from particular brands instead of generic medicines in return for hefty commissions and other benefits in kind from the representatives of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing veterinary medicines and vaccines. Once these fair price medicine shops are operative, such alleged scams will automatically get restricted, and pet owners will benefit as they will be relieved of purchasing branded medicines at exorbitant prices, the department official said. He also said that these PAVKs will address another major problem faced by people residing in remote areas, and dependent on livestock for their livelihoods. That is exactly why as many as 344 PAVKs will be opened at the block-levels, keeping in mind the requirements of such people, the department official said. The information has brought cheer to the pet lovers. Often, we have to purchase medicines and vaccines for our pets, especially rabies vaccines for our puppies, at exorbitant prices since the veterinary doctors only prescribe branded medicines at premium prices. Now this initiative by the state government will solve that problem to a great extent, said Jayita Srakr, a city-based pet lover.
Delhi Police register over 20 FIRs in CJP Jantar Mantar stir case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The Delhi Police have registered over 20 FIRs in connection with attempts to forcibly stage protests in the national capital, officials said on Sunday. The FIRs were filed for offences including taking the law into one's own hands, obstructing official duties, and assaulting police personnel, as the protestors gathered around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the Executive Magistrate on Sunday ordered the release of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after the three were placed under preventive arrest by Delhi Police, according to CJP's legal affairs head, Ratna Singh. Singh had earlier said that the three were scheduled to appear before the Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station after being placed under preventive arrest. Abhijeet, Ashutosh and Saurav will be produced before the Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station at 9 AM today. A Delhi police official informed me about this in the morning. As CJP's Legal Head, I will be at the police station along with other advocates representing us, Singh had said in a post on X, earlier on Sunday. The three were detained earlier on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as they arrived in the national capital to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI). This came against the backdrop of the CJP's planned demonstration against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. On Saturday, over 3,000 anti-CEC protesters, including opposition leaders like former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, were detained in Delhi as law enforcers threw an unprecedented security ring around the national capital to prevent chaos at Jantar Mantar, forcing the proposed agitation to break into several small gatherings across the city. The authorities had earlier denied permission for the demonstration and warned against unauthorised gatherings, imposing internet restrictions, roadblocks and traffic diversions to prevent a repeat of the CJPs July protest at Jantar Mantar that turned violent. The detained protesters were taken to different destinations, including Chhatrasal Stadium and various police stations, the police said. Most of them, including the opposition leaders, were released later in the evening. Social media influencer Dhruv Rathee was also detained at his residence in Gurugram on Saturday and released early on Sunday. Meanwhile, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde announced that the protesters will once again march towards Jantar Mantar on Sunday and will rest only after the resignation of the CEC.
Mehboobas condemnation without PDPs participation under scrutiny
Srinagar, Oct 10:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday drew parallels between restrictions imposed in New Delhi during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the communication blackout and security clampdown in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. However, the absence of PDP leaders from the oppositions street mobilisation in Delhi has raised questions about the partys political positioning and its willingness to participate in a coordinated opposition campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Criticising the restriction on X, Mehbooba posted: Todays Delhi is a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. People were locked in their homes, the internet was shut down, and an entire region was placed under siege. The BJP then brazenly claimed that nobody had protested. Today, with Delhi under siege, trains halted, and roads to Jantar Mantar sealed, they may repeat the same lie, claiming that nobody protested against Gyanesh Kumar. First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened. This is how enforced silence is passed off as consent. While her words echoed the concerns articulated by most opposition leaders, the partys visible participation in the protests has remained conspicuously limited. The political messaging has raised a question that the PDP has yet to answer publicly. If the restrictions in Delhi evoke such strong comparisons with Kashmir, why has that outrage not translated into PDP leaders visible presence at the protests? Talking to Greater Kashmir, PDP chief spokesperson Mehbooba Beg said, In principle, every sensible citizen protests this naked onslaught of democracy. The institution of the Election Commission of India has got into disrepute. Registering protest is important, whether one does it through tweets, statements, or hits the streets. He said that the Delhi protests are genuine as the vote theft affects the 13.5 crore people including the women of West Bengal, the minorities, and the citizens of the entire country. The senior PDP leader said that the CEC Gyanesh Kumar should tender his resignation as he headed an institution that was once led by an honest person like T N Seshan. CEC Gyanesh Kumar brought such an institution into disrepute and for that history will not judge him kindly, he said. The Indian Express investigation illustrated that anti-BJP voters had been deleted across the country and the protest is important as there was a small winning margin on many seats. Furthermore, the stand taken by the other two Election Commissioners has also made the issue of vote theft clear. Beg said that PDPs stand against New Delhi had been clear after August 2019. It was for the consistent stand taken by the PDP that the PDP chief Mehbooba Muftis mother (Gulshan Nazir) had been grilled by the Enforcement Directorate, he said. While Mehbooba took to microblogging site X on Saturday, all senior PDP leaders and legislators Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, Muhammad Fayaz Mir, and Rafiq Ahmad Naik - as well as Mehboobas daughter, Iltija Mufti, were conspicuous by their absence from the Delhi mobilisation. Talking to Greater Kashmir, MLA Kupwara Muhammad Fayaz Mir and MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik said that no directions had been issued to them for participating in the Delhi protests. Im in Kupwara and, so far, I havent received any such direction, Mir said. Naik said that he was the partys foot soldier and would do whatever was asked of him by the party high command. Their participation could have lent greater weight to the PDPs condemnation of the restrictions and demonstrated that its opposition extended beyond statements and social media posts. PDPs non-participation in Delhi mobilisation leaves the party open to questions about the consistency of its opposition and the extent to which it is prepared to join a campaign beyond its own political platforms. PDP has continued to criticise the BJP-led Centre over the loss of J&Ks special status, restrictions on political activity, and other questions of civil liberties. While Mehboobas latest remarks reinforce the PDPs confrontational public posture towards the Centre, the partys absence from the Delhi protests raises questions about whether it is seeking to avoid antagonising Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government while keeping its options open with the Congress and the wider INDIA bloc. The political metaphor of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds captures the suspicion surrounding this approach, as it has been denouncing the Centres actions but is avoiding an unambiguous demonstration of solidarity with those challenging it on the streets. PDP cannot entirely avoid scrutiny by invoking those complexities. If it believes the restrictions represent an assault on democratic freedoms, PDP leaders must explain whether they consider participation in a common opposition campaign necessary, and if not, why. Silence on that question risks allowing its opponents to portray the partys position as selective. For Mehbooba, the immediate challenge is to reconcile the force of her public condemnation with the absence of her partys prominent faces from the streets. The PDPs statement may have strengthened the oppositions argument about the curtailment of dissent. However, its absence has opened a different debate one about whether the PDP is prepared to match its rhetoric with participation. Until the party clarifies that position, the contrast between Mehboobas words and her partys political presence is likely to remain a source of scrutiny for the PDP.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari praises zero incidents during Tarpan rituals in Kolkata
The News Mill
West Bengal Congress Invites Applications for Urban Body Elections
The West Bengal Congress is inviting applications from party workers for upcoming urban body elections, aiming for a democratic candidate selection process. West Bengal Congress Invites Applications for Urban Body Elections
24-day drive to boost flyer services ends
Cop-Railways Meet On Puja Traffic, Security Management
Burglars Loot Rs 7.4 Lakh, Gold From Kolkata Flat
13k ball pens create Durga installation at south Kol puja
Kol to remain dry for next few days: Met
Trial run: Finally, a metro rake bridges Chingrighata gap
10,000-dhak drumroll, 1,000 shankha, 3,000 drones welcome Durga to her earthly abode
Flyover road surfaces get festive coat of paint
Adani soft-power push: From sponsor to culture investor
Civic bodies shift gear as Kol, Salt Lake pre-puja road repair drive enters last leg
RTO, Tout Held For Rs 90k Bribe Get Jail Custody Till Oct 12 In Kolkata
West Bengal: Governor RN Ravi says state is determined to create a golden Bengal
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi emphasized the state's commitment to creating a golden Bengal and improving Durga Puja celebrations. The Chief Minister announced financial assistance for puja committees while encouraging larger ones to forgo the funds for rural celebrations. A record number of new pujas are being organized this year, reflecting cultural heritage and community spirit. Events will take place across the state, boosting local traditions.
West Bengals BJP government kicks off first Durga Puja celebration with mega event at Eden Gardens
Chief Minister says Durga Pujas will now follow proper religious traditions, adding that 12,400 more community Durga Pujas are being organised in the State this year
Bengal permits 12,400 new Durga Pujas; 1 lakh grants to be disbursed soon
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said his government had granted permission for 12,400 new Durga Pujas this year and all of them had received financial assistance from the state. Speaking at a special programme marking the beginning of 'Debipaksha' at the Eden Gardens here, Adhikari said around 45,000 Durga Pujas were held in the state last year. Earlier, (during the previous government) to hold Durga Pujas, one had to approach the Calcutta High Court to get requisite permission. It was sad. I do not think there is a single such case this time. Compared to the number of Durga Pujas held in 2025, this year we have 12,400 new pujas, he said. In our Cabinet meeting, we decided that Durga Pujas will not commence during Pitripakkha, which is why we inaugurated it today during Debipokkho. We had decided that this year, besides the cultural aspects of the puja, we will also follow the customary rituals as per the traditional Hindu astrological almanac, Adhikari .
Optimistic about anti-goonda bill getting Centres nod soon: CM
Kolkata bars set to pass on Scotch price saving to you
SDF Building awaits fire and lift safety clearances since 2012
Rare Four-Graft Minimally Invasive CABG At Kolkata Hospital
Practically kidnapped: Mamata, TMC MPs detained in Delhi for nearly 4 hours
Tripura plans Rs 100 cr revival of Dumboor hydel plant
RPF rescues nine-year-old runaway boy from West Bengal at Mangaluru Central station
RPF rescues nine-year-old runaway boy from West Bengal at Mangaluru Central station
BJPs Samik Bhattacharya Claims CJP Movement is Anti-National
West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya accuses the CJP movement of being anti-national and backed by hostile forces. BJPs Samik Bhattacharya Claims CJP Movement is Anti-National
Police complaint filed against Abhishek Banerjee over 'misleading' Rejinagar bypoll post
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) A Returning Officer (RO), acting on behalf of the Election Commission of India (ECI), has lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee over allegedly misleading information shared on social media regarding the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll results. On Friday, while the counting was underway, Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claimed in a social media post that in a particular booth for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll, the winning BJP candidate, Sakharav Sarkar, received more votes than the total number of registered voters at that particular booth. In the post, the Diamond Harbour MP claimed that at Booth No. 109 in Rejinagar, the BJP candidate secured 909 votes even though the total number of registered voters was 772. The district electoral officer (DEO) & district magistrate (DM) promptly issued a counter statement, rejecting the claims by Abhishek, and said that, as per the electoral roll for that polling station, the total number of registered electors was 1,109, of which 972 votes were polled across all candidates contesting in the Rejinagar bypoll. On Saturday, the concerned RO, on behalf of the ECI, registered a police complaint against Abhishek Banerjee at the Rejinagar Police Station. Both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee are currently in New Delhi to participate in the movement by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Diamond Harbour MP would be summoned to the Rejinagar Police Station for questioning in this matter. The bypolls for Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies in East Midnapore district of West Bengal were conducted on October 6, and the results were declared on October 9. The BJP candidates got elected from both constituencies with massive margins. The party increased its tally in the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly to 209.
27 watershed projects in Bengal benefit 2.2 lakh farmers
9 months on, Sunalis son Apon still has no birth certificate
National Ranking TT: Mondal, Kalbhairav Emerge U-15 Champs
Himon Kumar Mondal from West Bengal and Tanishka Kalbhairav from Karnataka secured victories in the U-15 boys' and girls' categories, respectively, at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships held in Panchkula on Saturday. Mondal won a thrilling final against Rishaan Chattopadhyay, while Kalbhairav defeated Aarya Redkar.
Mamata Banerjee alleges Delhi Police 'kidnapped' her, holds protest at Dwarka North Police Station
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that Delhi Police detained her and five Trinamool Congress MPs and drove them around in a prison van for two hours amid protests in the capital. She began a dharna at Dwarka North Police Station, vowed to stay in Delhi and join the INDIA bloc's march on Monday.
Gurugram Encounter: Police Arrest Three, Seize Drugs
Gurugram police arrested three alleged criminals following an encounter in Sector 62 on Friday night. A police official and two accused sustained gunshot injuries during the shootout. The arrested individuals, identified as Marfat alias Maru, Phool Babu Sheikh, and Srikul Sheikh, all from West Bengal, had MDMA and firearms in their possession.
Tribal Affairs Ministry says 25 lakh titles distributed under Forest Rights Act
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) As many as 25 lakh titles have been distributed out of the 54 lakh claims received till August 31 under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), an official said on Saturday. Speaking at the Second Regional Review Conference on implementation of FRA in Kolkata, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), said on Friday that out of over 54 lakh claims received nationally, about 11 lakh claims still remain pending at different stages. The official said over 18 lakh claims have been rejected, noting that Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Assam account for substantial pendency concentrated in particular districts, according to a statement. He highlighted that the Regional Conference focuses on the following key priorities such as timely disposal of pending claims and review of rejected claims in accordance with the Act and Rules, reconciliation of FRA data, digitisation of FRA case records, incorporation of recognised rights into revenue and forest records, acceleration of recognition of Community Forest Resource Rights and Habitat Rights recognition for PVTGs. The Conference brought together senior functionaries of the Tribal Welfare, Revenue and Forest Departments and Tribal Research Institutes of eight States, namely West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, said the statement. Additionally, senior officials of Andhra Pradesh were invited to share the best practices the State has undertaken on digitisation, integration of FRA titles into government records, taking up proactive measures on convergence of livelihood schemes with FRA titleholders and providing credit facilities to the right holders, said the statement. District officials- Collectors, Sub-Collectors and ITDP/ITDA Project Officers- from districts having a large pendency of FRA claims also attended to review the status of implementation and deliberate on a coordinated way forward. The Conference follows the First Regional Review Conference held in Bengaluru on September 10 for the Southern States. Secretary, MoTA, said that the FRA places the rights, dignity and aspirations of forest-dwelling communities at the heart of inclusive and sustainable development. She emphasised that recognised rights must be incorporated into Revenue and Forest records with accurate maps and that convergence with programmes for productive land use, housing and livelihoods must become a regular part of implementation. The Director, FRA, MoTA, presented the national scenario, including pendency in high-pendency States and priority districts. Her presentation also covered the importance of incorporating the Record of Forest Rights into revenue and forest records in line with the Ministrys advisory of June 24, 2026 and Habitat Rights under the Ministrys guidelines of January 5, 2026.
BJPs Bengal chief calls CJP stir anti-national, alleges backing by hostile forces
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya alleged that the ongoing movement by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, was anti-national in nature and backed by anti-national forces. Every citizen in a democratic country has the right to protest. However, irrelevant forces are trying to become relevant using the present movement. Today's protest is out of frustration. The government is keeping an eye on the issue. Anti-national forces are working in masks. We also have definite information in this regard. Remember, CJP withdrew the previous protest, which was on the NEET paper leak issues, happily, Bhattacharya, who is also BJPs Rajya Sabha member, told newspersons on Saturday. Without directly naming Congress and the Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee, the BJP leader said that a half-dead political force had joined hands with a dead force to stay relevant over the movement. On the occasion of Mahalaya today, the former West Bengal Chief Minister has gone to New Delhi instead of staying in the state. We want her to stay here during this time of festivity and visit various puja pandals. We want to see her doing that. Where have all the big Trinamool Congress leaders gone? Bhattacharya asked. Meanwhile, Mamata, in a video message on social media, alleged that she was prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and kept confined to her residence in the national capital along with other Trinamool Congress leaders. In the social media video message, she also claimed that as she began staging a sit-in protest at South Avenue, Delhi Police personnel detained the Trinamool Congress leaders and bundled them into a prison van. I wanted to join the movement of the youths at Jantar Mantar. But we were not allowed. Then we started a peaceful sit-in-demonstration in front of our house. But the police detained us and pushed us into a police van, which is now moving around Delhi. The BJP is going all-out to end democracy in India. But they will not ultimately be successful, said Mamata in her social media live message from the police van.
SEPC inks 854 cr-order with SAIL in West Bengal
The contract covers the pellet plant BOP, including civil & structural works, at the SAIL-IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur, West Bengal
'Conspiring With Foreign Powers': Shivraj Chouhan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Oppn Amid CJP Protest
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan reacts to the recent bypoll results, hailing the BJP-NDAs performance in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry. He said the results reflect public faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-NDA leadership and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.Chouhan also targeted the opposition, accusing it of attempting to create chaos through protests and undermine constitutional institutions. He further alleged that the opposition was acting with support from foreign forces.Watch Shivraj Singh Chouhans full statement on the bypoll results, the Modi governments development agenda and his allegations against the opposition.
Mamata Banerjee Recites Satirical Poem Targeting CEC, BJP
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recites a satirical poem targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the BJP government.
Will replace health secy if he had ordered repair work at RG Kar: Suvendu
Mamata Banerjee Detained Near South Avenue As Delhi Police Crack Down On CJP Protest 2.0
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was detained by Delhi Police on Saturday while staging a sit-in protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar near the South Avenue bus stand in New Delhi. Her detention came amid heightened security
Oppn trying to pressure ECI through CJP; agitation won't have any impact, says BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) of staging a protest against the interests of the people, alleging that Opposition parties were attempting to put pressure on the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the agitation. The BJP's remarks came amid the CJP's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was also aimed at raising allegations of voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged vote theft. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya criticised the agitation, accusing the protesters of disrespecting the public and undermining the people's mandate. They are insulting the people. The movement taking place today is against the people, and the public is being humiliated. This is a betrayal of the people's mandate, and this cannot be allowed to continue, he said. Speaking to IANS, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also alleged that the Congress and other Opposition parties were attempting to influence the Election Commission through the CJP's protest. He said the public was closely watching the developments and claimed that the party's intentions had become clear. The Congress and Opposition parties are trying to pressure the Election Commission through the Cockroach Janata Party's agitation. The country is watching. When the party first launched its agitation, students thought it was raising issues concerning their interests, but its true intentions have now been exposed before the people. The protest will have no impact. Security has been tightened in Delhi to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of ordinary citizens, Saraogi said. Bihar Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, recalling the Supreme Court's remarks concerning the CJP protest, said the administration was taking the necessary precautions in accordance with the observations made by the Chief Justice of India. The Chief Justice of India has given a clear indication to our administration, and officials are taking precautions accordingly. Every word of the Chief Justice is valuable to our government and its officials. So, do not worry. The government is handling every situation with great sensitivity, he said. Tiwari also apologised to passengers affected by the cancellation of trains heading towards Delhi in view of the CJP's proposed agitation. He described the situation as an internal security issue and alleged that some people were attempting to undermine the Modi government's achievements. Some people are jealous of the Modi government's success and are changing their identities. I am saying that the Cockroach Janta Party is none other than a new avatar of the Congress Party operating under a different identity, the minister claimed. These cockroaches could use any child in our country as a weapon, which is why our government is on alert. The people of the country have understood their objective. Everyone knows they are working for the RJD and Congress by changing their identity, and that is why people are no longer with them, he alleged.
Dengue surge in Bengal hotspots raises concern ahead of Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) A sudden rise in dengue cases in pockets of rural and urban West Bengal over the past month has raised concern in the administration ahead of the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. A state health department official said 14 gram panchayats and eight urban civic bodies, including three municipal corporations and five municipalities, had been identified as dengue hotspots following a sharp increase in cases in specific areas over the past month. Most of the 14 gram panchayats identified as dengue hotspots are in Murshidabad district. The others are in South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Jalpaiguri, Birbhum and Hooghly districts, the official said. The three municipal corporations reporting a similar trend in certain wards are the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in North 24 Parganas district and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) in Howrah district, adjoining Kolkata. According to the official, six wards in the KMC, three in the HMC and four in the BMC have been identified as pockets witnessing a sudden rise in new dengue cases over the past month. Among the municipalities identified as sensitive zones are Chakdaha in Nadia district and Dumdum, South Dumdum, Kamarhati and Baranagar in North 24 Parganas district. During the current calendar year, the highest numbers of dengue cases have been reported from nine districts, namely Murshidabad, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Malda and East Burdwan. However, state health department figures show that the overall number of dengue cases reported so far in 2026 remains marginally lower than the corresponding figure for 2025. Till October 7, 2025, West Bengal had recorded 12,652 dengue cases, compared with 10,177 cases during the same period in 2026. Despite the lower cumulative tally, the recent rise in infections has emerged as a cause for concern. The health department official said 3,948 new cases were reported during September, while nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone. Despite the lower overall number of cases this year, the worrying aspect is the recent rise in infections. While 3,948 new dengue cases were reported in September, nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone, the official said.
Suvendu Adhikari Sets Five-Year Target To Bring Gujarat Model Of Development To West Bengal
Dilip Ghosh Criticizes CJP Protests in Delhi, Targets Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh responds to CJP protests in Delhi, emphasizing democracy while condemning disruption. Dilip Ghosh Criticizes CJP Protests in Delhi, Targets Mamata Banerjee
On October 10, 2026, banking services will be suspended due to the second Saturday of the month coinciding with Mahalaya Amavasye celebrated in Karnataka and West Bengal. Following the Reserve Bank of Indias directives, banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays. With various festivals and holidays marked in October, it's essential for customers to plan their banking transactions wisely ahead of this date.
Pesticides in breast milk? The unasked question in Kashmirs orchards
Srinagar, Oct 09: As chemical pesticides remain part of crop protection in Kashmirs apple-growing belt, an important environmental health question remains unanswered: are women who work in or live near orchards exposed to pesticides that can be detected in their breast milk? Research conducted in other parts of India has found pesticide residues in breast-milk samples collected from nursing mothers. However, comparable published evidence establishing the presence and concentrations of such residues among lactating women in Jammu and Kashmir was not identified in the literature reviewed for this report. The gap is significant for a region where horticulture supports thousands of farming households and women participate in a range of agricultural activities, including pruning, picking, sorting and handling harvested produce. Although these activities do not necessarily involve direct pesticide application, exposure may occur through contact with recently treated plants, contaminated surfaces or soil, spray drift and other environmental pathways. The extent of such exposure depends on the chemicals used, application practices, protective measures and the time elapsed since spraying. The absence of local breast-milk data means that the nature and extent of this potential exposure remain uncertain. Studies elsewhere in India detect pesticide residues Several peer-reviewed studies have investigated pesticide residues in human breast milk across India. A study published in Environmental Pollution in 2021 analysed 81 breast-milk samples collected from Kolkata and Nadia in West Bengal. Researchers detected organochlorine pesticides and selected newer compounds, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. Most of the substances investigated showed higher average concentrations in samples from Kolkata than in those from Nadia. In Assam, a study published in Science of the Total Environment in 2011 reported residues of DDT and HCH in breast milk collected from Dibrugarh and Nagaon. Another study, published in the same journal in 2013, analysed 53 breast-milk samples from Punjab and reported several pesticide compounds, including DDT and its metabolites, HCH isomers, endrin, endosulfan, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos. Research published in Environmental Pollution in 2009 also documented persistent organochlorine compounds in breast milk collected from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The findings establish that selected pesticide compounds and their metabolites can be detected in human milk. However, the studies examined different populations under different conditions and cannot be used to estimate the prevalence of pesticide residues among mothers in Jammu and Kashmir. Nor do they establish that the same compounds or concentrations occur in Kashmiri women. Kashmirs horticultural sector warrants investigation The question assumes particular relevance in Kashmir, where apple cultivation is an important source of income and agricultural chemicals are used to protect crops against pests and fungal diseases. A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology in 2010 cited estimates of approximately 7,750 metric tonnes of fungicides and 3,186 metric tonnes of insecticides used annually in Kashmirs orchards. These are historical estimates and should not be treated as current consumption figures without verification against more recent official records. Pesticide-use figures alone cannot establish the level of exposure experienced by farmers or their families. The risks associated with individual chemicals differ, as do the ways in which they enter the environment and human body. For orchard workers, relevant exposure factors include pesticide handling, the use of protective equipment, the interval between spraying and returning to treated areas, and contact with treated crops. Residential proximity to orchards, dietary sources and drinking water may also be relevant. A local investigation would need to account for these factors rather than assume that orchard work is the sole source of exposure. Why breast-milk monitoring matters Certain persistent pesticides, including some organochlorine compounds, can remain in the environment for long periods and accumulate in fatty tissues. Some may subsequently be detected in human breast milk. Other pesticides have different chemical properties and may break down more rapidly. Their presence in breast milk cannot be assumed simply because they are used in agriculture. Scientists would therefore need to identify the chemicals currently used in Kashmirs horticulture and select a suitable laboratory testing panel. Samples would need to be analysed using validated methods, with results reported alongside laboratory detection limits and appropriate quality controls. A study could compare samples from lactating women directly involved in orchard work with those from women who live near orchards but do not handle pesticides, as well as women from areas with less direct horticultural exposure. Researchers could collect information on agricultural activities, pesticide-handling practices, protective equipment, residential location, diet and drinking-water sources. This would help examine whether detected residues are associated with particular exposure patterns. The findings would establish a baseline for the study population, although a cross-sectional study alone could not prove that orchard work caused a particular residue concentration. Detection does not automatically mean harm The detection of pesticide residues in breast milk does not, by itself, establish that a concentration is harmful to an infant. Health risks depend on the chemical, the concentration, the duration and route of exposure, and the available toxicological evidence. Public-health communication must therefore avoid equating the presence of a residue with a confirmed health effect. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued solely because of general reports about environmental pesticide contamination. Women concerned about a specific or substantial exposure should seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals. The more immediate priority is to reduce avoidable exposure among agricultural workers through appropriate protective equipment, adherence to product-specific safety instructions, observance of re-entry intervals and improved pesticide management. Integrated pest management, which combines pest monitoring, preventive measures and targeted chemical treatment, could also help reduce unnecessary pesticide applications. A research gap that needs attention For Jammu and Kashmir, the central question remains unresolved. The studies reviewed for this report do not establish whether pesticide residues are present in the breast milk of women working in the regions orchards, how frequently they might occur or which compounds warrant particular attention. Addressing the gap would require collaboration among agricultural scientists, public-health researchers, environmental laboratories and relevant government departments. Any study involving lactating women would also require ethics approval, informed consent, reliable laboratory procedures and safeguards for participants privacy. Alongside biological monitoring, authorities could improve records of pesticide use and strengthen environmental monitoring to help researchers identify locally relevant exposure pathways. For a region whose agricultural economy depends heavily on horticulture, measuring potential exposure is an important step towards understanding the wider environmental implications of pesticide use. Studies from other Indian states provide a basis for asking the question. Only systematic testing in Jammu and Kashmir can establish what, if anything, is present in the breast milk of women living and working around its orchards.
ED Conducts Major Raids in Odisha Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam
The Enforcement Directorate has launched extensive raids in Odisha and West Bengal linked to a sub-inspector recruitment paper leak. ED Conducts Major Raids in Odisha Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed gratitude to the people for blessing the BJP-NDA in the Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry byelections and said the victory reflects yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of the alliance. Gratitude to the people for their continuous blessings! [] The post Bypoll wins reflect Peoples connect with BJP-NDA: Modi appeared first on Northlines .
Suvendu retains backyard, party makes dent in minority zone
West Bengal Chief Secretary Sends Legal Notice to MP Mahua Moitra Over Vote Thief Comments
West Bengals Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal has issued a legal notice to MP Mahua Moitra for alleging he is a vote thief on social media. West Bengal Chief Secretary Sends Legal Notice to MP Mahua Moitra Over Vote Thief Comments
Kolkata Durga Puja: Pandal-Hopping Focus On Lebutala & Deshapriya Park
28 Out Of Over 60 Eateries Reopen Ahead Of Durga Puja
West Bengal Unveils Major Urban Development Plans Ahead of Durga Puja
West Bengal is set to enhance urban development with 37 projects aimed at beautification and sanitation before Durga Puja. West Bengal Unveils Major Urban Development Plans Ahead of Durga Puja
Vehicle battery gone from Park Street senior cops office complex
Serial killer whiff in murders of app-cab drivers
Man kills brother at Jatin Das Park
Kishan Reddy Slams Congress After Bypoll Losses
Kishan Reddy said the Congress had failed to win a single seat in Delhi in three consecutive Assembly elections, winning only six of 61 seats in Bihar despite a yatra covering 23 districts, and two of 294 seats in West Bengal.
Bypoll results in 5 seats boost ruling parties; BJP posts big wins in Bengal
Bypoll results from five assembly seats and a Lok Sabha seat show victories for ruling parties. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling TVK gained seats from AIADMK, boosting its assembly presence. The BJP in West Bengal won significantly in Nandigram and Rejinagar with large margins. In Puducherry, AINRC candidate won Thattanchavady seat, defeating Congress. BJP was set to secure Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam, leading ahead of AIUDF and Congress.
Lost in 2014, rediscovered Parama statue to return as part of Bhowanipore puja theme
Naihati man leads Ind-Arg Army team to Mount Kamet
From wetlands to eatery? Heat on TMC ex-councillors EMB dhaba
Rs 1,700 cr in dues, state plans 40% waiver on unpaid vehicle taxes
Tarpaulin sheets, raised platforms: Organisers add rain-protection in final days of puja prep
Sound of dhaks & conch shells will set a record today: CM
Ruling parties sweep bypolls in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry
The BJP won two West Bengal Assembly seats and led in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, while TVK and AINRC recorded wins in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Opposition urges President to sack CEC, suspend SIR and restore '13.30 crore deleted' voters (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that President Droupadi Murmu asked the Opposition delegation to submit evidence to substantiate its allegations of vote chori (vote theft), as INDIA bloc leaders met her and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a return to paper ballots. A 10-member delegation of INDIA bloc MPs, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum alleging widespread electoral irregularities and an attempt to undermine India's democratic framework. The other members of the delegation were Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby, RJD Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha, CPI General Secretary D. Raja, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, and VCK President and MP Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan. In the memorandum, the Opposition claimed that elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Delhi and West Bengal had been stolen, alleging large-scale manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls in several Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The delegation, which said it represented Parliamentary parties accounting for more than 60 per cent of the country's population, urged President Murmu to intervene, describing the alleged electoral irregularities as a threat to the constitutional right to vote and the foundations of representative democracy. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said: I sat in quite an unbelievable meeting. First, we took a memorandum to the President of India. In that memorandum, we clearly stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar had conspired to destroy Indian democracy. We submitted a memorandum to the President of India, informing her that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are conspiring to destroy Indian democracy, LoP Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi also claimed: The President (Droupadi Murmu) in no way denied what we said, questioned what we said, or argued what we said. She accepted our statement and then told us that we needed to provide her with proof of 'election chori'. He added that the President had asked the delegation to furnish evidence backing its claims. She (President Murmu) asked us to provide evidence to substantiate what we have said. We will submit the evidence to her whenever she is available, he said. Rahul Gandhi described the meeting as satisfactory and announced that the Opposition would approach the Supreme Court on October 12 with a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The memorandum placed four major demands before the President: 1. Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and repeal of the 2023 law that, according to the Opposition, provides lifelong immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. 2. Immediate suspension of SIR and restoration of all 13.30 crore voters whom the Opposition alleges were illegally deleted from electoral rolls. 3. A return to paper ballots for all elections, replacing the existing EVM-based voting system. 4. Repeal of Assembly elections held over the preceding two years in which, the Opposition claimed, conclusive evidence of vote theft had been presented. The memorandum said that the right to vote, enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution, was central to representative democracy. It maintained that the Election Commission was the constitutional custodian of this right and should be accountable for its decisions rather than operate without scrutiny. The Opposition also accused the Chief Election Commissioner of misleading the Supreme Court to cover up alleged electoral wrongdoing. The memorandum called for accountability and urged the President to use her constitutional position to ensure that its demands were addressed without delay. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said President Murmu had listened to the delegation patiently. Kharge said the INDIA bloc leaders had apprised the President Murmu of the agitation launched four days earlier over alleged vote theft and concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission. Mamata Banerjee said President Murmu had indicated that she would examine the memorandum and wanted supporting evidence. She (President Murmu) has asked us to send evidence, which we said we (INDIA bloc leaders) will do, Banerjee said, adding that the country was concerned about the state of democracy. The meeting followed several days of Opposition protests against the Election Commission, the SIR exercise and alleged electoral irregularities, with INDIA bloc leaders demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Bengal: Civil Defence Dept Signs MoU with Amateur Radio Club to train volunteers
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) Taking a cue from how communication links were disrupted after the Nepal flash floods, the West Bengal Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Radio Club (WBRC) on Friday. The WBRC is an organisation of amateur radio operators. Apart from communicating with people across the world, its members help in maintaining radio links during major calamities when mobile networks stop functioning. They are trained to set up communication networks with the bare minimum supplies. During cyclones, floods and earthquakes, when conventional communication links get cut off, the HAMs play a crucial role in ensuring co-ordination between various teams engaged in rescue and relief efforts. All our members have the necessary licences that allow them to operate two-way radio sets. When the need arises, they can set up radio stations within a short period of time and restore communications, Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary, WBRC, said. The organisation also runs the Indian Academy of Communication and Disaster Management. Several civil defence volunteers from across the state have already received training there and obtained licences to operate amateur radios. Under the MoU, more people will be trained, and experts will monitor their progress in setting up radio stations in remote areas. During natural disasters, the HAMs work as an important link between the wireless sets operated by various agencies. This aids in keeping all teams abreast of developments. The signing of the MoU was an extremely proud moment for us. While we have been doing this for a long time, the amateur radio operators are now officially designated as lifesavers, Subir Dutta, president, WBRC, said. Among those present during the signing of the agreement were IPS officers Sanjay Singh and Debashis Sarkar from the Civil Defence Department and top functionaries of WBRC. The activities of the organisation first came to light during the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, when its members reached remote areas, fixed temporary antennae to treetops and restored communication links. More recently, WBRC members rushed to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake devastated parts of the country. They again helped restore vital communication links between various agencies engaged in rescue and relief. A team was also ready to travel to Nepal this year after the devastating flash floods, but did not receive permission from the government of that country. We have always been called in by the West Bengal government during cyclones. We have moved to remote areas and maintained communication links with agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This aided vital rescue efforts, Nag Biswas said. Teams from the WBRC have also operated at Sagar Island during the Gangasagar Mela since the time when there was no mobile connectivity there. The HAMs continue to operate during the annual event even now, helping people in distress. Of late, several educational institutions have also got in touch with WBRC to train college students in wireless communication. The members train students on how to obtain licences and operate their own radio stations. We have endeavoured to turn a hobby into a life-saving exercise. Today, our efforts are recognised across the country, Nag Biswas added.
SRFTI students threaten indefinite academic halt, VC Calls for Campus Calm
CMs friendship pitch pays off as Muslim-majority Rejinagar gives BJP big win
No complaints in Keralam about deliberate denial of voting right, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
He says the present allegations against the ECI concerns removal of cores of names, adding Keralam has not seen complaints filed in this regard unlike States such as Maharashtra, West Bengal or Haryana
Chief secy sends legal notice to Mahua over defamation claims, seeks Rs 10 crore in damages
Church attacked during prayer service in Krishnanagar
WBHS beneficiaries told to surrender other health cards
Rahul Gandhi-Led INDIA Bloc Delegation Meets President Murmu, Submits 4-Point Memo Seeking CEC
Escalating its high-decibel campaign alleging widespread electoral roll irregularities and vote chori (vote theft), a 10-member high-profile delegation of INDIA bloc leaders met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening, October 9. The delegationcomprising Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool [] The post Rahul Gandhi-Led INDIA Bloc Delegation Meets President Murmu, Submits 4-Point Memo Seeking CECs Remova appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Travel bodys 69th convention to bring 700 delegates to Kolkata
In TMC vs TMC subplot, Mamata comes out victorious
Parents need to groom kids for AI age, start discussions from dining table: Tech expert
