West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.
The Indian football team is set to play a series of international friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, offering valuable experience against world-class opponents. These matches are crucial for the team to assess its current standard and gain confidence, despite facing significantly more accomplished sides.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged fund routing from TMC's bank accounts for purchasing an Embraer jet and an AgustaWestland helicopter. The probe suggests Rs 160 crore was transferred to Carewell Aviation, with Rs 112 crore used for aircraft. The ED suspects the arrangement was designed to camouflage the true purpose of transactions. This comes amidst frozen TMC bank accounts and ongoing internal party disputes.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) for October 4 in Kolkata. The primary agenda includes appointing an electoral officer from the Sports Ministry's panel and passing a resolution to conduct elections for its executive committee. Additionally, the SGM will elect sportspersons of outstanding merit to the federation's general body, with current executive committee members not holding voting rights.
The Indian senior women's rugby sevens team is undergoing a national camp in Kolkata to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. Coach Terence Joseph and Captain Shikha Yadav emphasise execution, consistency, and building on recent form against strong Pool B opponents like China and Hong Kong China.
Brazil's star centre-back Marquinhos discusses the significance of their FIFA international friendly against India in Kolkata. He views the match as a "golden opportunity" for the Selecao to gain experience and kickstart a new cycle after their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Marquinhos acknowledges India's strong fan base for Brazil and emphasises the team's commitment to every game, regardless of its "friendly" status, as they focus on rebuilding confidence and winning.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed respect for the Indian team ahead of their match in Kolkata, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad rather than a test. He discussed the challenges of managing a national team, the importance of commitment and joy in football, and the ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including significant squad changes and the blend of youth and experience. Ancelotti also reflected on Brazil's recent World Cup disappointment and the evolving nature of football.
India's men's cricket team is set to begin its Asian Games campaign against Afghanistan, but heavy rain is forecast, potentially leading to a washout. If the match is abandoned, India would advance to the semifinals due to higher seeding. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, features a strong contingent of international players aiming for a gold medal, following the women's team's recent victory.
Rohit Sharma declares his 'forever' loyalty to Mumbai Indians on his Sony show
Kolkata's iconic 'FIFA Gully' has transformed a small neighbourhood lane into a colourful World Cup attraction, with murals and giant cut-outs of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and other football stars celebrating the city's enduring love for the beautiful game.
The Calcutta High Court's division bench set aside a single-bench order that had granted interim protection to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan from coercive action in a 2007 criminal case. The court ruled that there is no provision in criminal law for such interim protection, meaning Pradhan's judicial remand will remain effective ahead of the bypoll.
The three-month long outreach will be closely monitored by senior government officials.
Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, leveraging his UAE residence, shot a flawless 10-under 62, including a hole-in-one, to lead the opening event of the AM Green IGPL Invitational 2026. He holds a four-shot lead over a competitive field.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the withdrawal of all cases against the Kurmi community filed by the previous TMC government. He also pledged to include Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and reactivate the Kurmi Development Board, allocating Rs 50 crore for community development.
Experienced golfer Shiv Kapur shot a 69 to extend his lead to 13-under at the AM Green IGPL Invitational. His performance has helped RVR Delhi Blue Bulls share the team lead with Auro Goa Eagles at 17-under. Varun Chopra of Auro Goa is in second place individually, three shots behind Kapur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations from Kolkata's iconic Red Road on June 21, with over 210 Indian Missions organising events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Khalin Joshi has extended his lead to two shots at the inaugural Rs 1 crore Nava Raipur Open after a bogey-free four-under 30 in the second round. The Bengaluru golfer now stands at nine-under 59, showcasing consistent ball-striking despite challenging weather conditions that shortened rounds to nine holes.
The death toll from the Taratala warehouse collapse in south Kolkata has risen to 15, with two more bodies retrieved and two injured workers succumbing to their injuries. Rescue operations involving multiple agencies, including the Army and Indian Railways, are ongoing to find those still trapped under the debris, facing challenging and unstable conditions.
The Indian football team, ranked 138th, achieved a commendable 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in a FIFA International friendly. Ryan Williams scored for India, while Omar Valencia equalised for Panama. This result is considered a significant achievement under coach Khalid Jamil and provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.
Mamata Banerjee's faction of the Trinamool Congress announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll after its own candidate withdrew. This decision comes amidst a bitter dispute with the Election Commission over the freezing of TMC's traditional symbol and name, which Banerjee termed "arbitrary" and accused the BJP of trying to destroy opposition parties.
The West Bengal Fire Department has ordered the evacuation of the basement and two floors of a high-rise building in central Kolkata, which houses TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, due to a lack of fire safety measures. The order follows the expiry of the building's fire safety certificate and non-compliance with mandatory regulations, posing a threat to life and property.
AIIMS Jammu is poised to become the first hospital in India to receive armed security from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) due to its strategic location near the India-Pakistan international border. This move marks a significant shift in security policy for healthcare facilities, which the Ministry of Home Affairs had previously resisted. The CISF is also slated for deployment at Kolkata Metro and Donyi Polo Airport.
An IndiGo aircraft at Kolkata airport was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, causing a temporary power outage. All 141 passengers and six crew members were safely deboarded and later departed on an alternate flight. Two ground staff received minor treatment.
Khalin Joshi, fresh off a win, shot a career-low 11-under 61 to take a four-shot lead at the Bengaluru Open 2026. The local golfer's bogey-free round included an eagle and nine birdies. Teenager Manoj S is in second place, while the tournament is crucial for players to retain their playing rights on the DP World PGTI tour.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Delhi Capitals quashed all rumours over senior batter K L Rahul's future with the franchise, with co-owner Parth Jindal confirming his retention for IPL 2027.
Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.
West Bengal's Dhruv Singh, Anish Halder, Subha Mita Karmakar, and other young talents have advanced in the All India Sub-Junior (Under-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Kolkata, showcasing strong performances against competitors from across 28 states and five union territories. The tournament features a significant prize purse, encouraging young badminton players.
The Indian men's football team, led by head coach Khalid Jamil, will play high-profile friendlies against Panama, five-time world champions Brazil, and two-time world champions Uruguay in September and October.
The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
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Kolkata Police have registered a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) organisers. The FIR alleges violation of Calcutta High Court conditions for a TMCP foundation day event, including breaching barricades, jostling with police, and disrupting traffic. The court had set conditions for attendance and maintaining law and order.
The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.
East Bengal FC has been drawn into Group B of the AFC Women's Champions League, alongside strong teams from South Korea, Vietnam, and North Korea. Kolkata will host this group stage in November 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian football.
Congress's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan has been remanded to judicial custody in connection with old criminal cases, including murder charges from 2007. This development effectively prevents him from campaigning for the upcoming by-election. The Congress party has questioned the timing of the arrest, alleging political motives behind the revival of these long-pending cases.
A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.
New head coach Zaheer Khan's biggest challenge at CSK will be to decide on the future of talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who incidentally recommended him for the top post.
The Calcutta High Court has verbally directed the West Bengal government to allow Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in five criminal cases. Pradhan was recently arrested in connection with multiple long-pending cases, raising questions about his ability to campaign for the upcoming bypoll.
