News for '-bengal'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has extended its order staying the arrest of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with the Salboni land-grabbing case. The West Bengal government alleged Roy was not cooperating with the probe, while Roy's counsel argued he has a right to silence and the case is politically motivated. The court will review a sealed cover report from the police before further proceedings.

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari outlined his government's priorities, focusing on strengthening the state's economy, attracting investment to create jobs, and improving law and order. He criticised the previous administration for alleged corruption and appeasement politics, while highlighting initial successes in border management and reducing criminal activities.

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.

Surge in H1N1 cases: IMA warns against...

Surge in H1N1 cases: IMA warns against...

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

CBI chargesheets 11, including 2 BJP workers, in Suvendu aide murder case

CBI chargesheets 11, including 2 BJP workers, in Suvendu aide murder case

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a charge sheet against 11 accused people, including two Bharatiya Janata Party workers, in connection with the killing of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath, officials said Thursday.

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A trader in Siliguri, West Bengal, has lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for alleged provocative remarks made during the recent Assembly polls, targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

Rediff.com23 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will introduce a new recruitment policy in the next Budget session to address irregularities and scams that occurred during the previous Trinamool Congress government.

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government has restored general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases involving central government employees and public sector undertakings within the state. This decision reverses a 2018 move by the previous Trinamool Congress government to withdraw such consent, allowing the CBI to operate more freely in these specific matters.

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

Tata Group Expanding In Bengal: Here's What It Means

Tata Group Expanding In Bengal: Here's What It Means

Rediff.com30 May 2026

TMC leader Derek O'Brien highlights the Tata Group's presence and expansion in West Bengal, countering BJP claims about bringing Tata back to the state. Investments and expansions span IT, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Rediff.com7 days ago

We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

One killed, 20 injured after major fire at naphtha pipeline in Bengal

One killed, 20 injured after major fire at naphtha pipeline in Bengal

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

One person died, and more than 20 others were injured after a major fire broke out in a naphtha-carrying pipeline of Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, the police said.

Joseph Sunny's brace powers SC Delhi To emphatic Durand Cup semifinal berth

Joseph Sunny's brace powers SC Delhi To emphatic Durand Cup semifinal berth

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

SC Delhi staged a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring five goals to defeat debutants FC Raengdai of Manipur 5-1 in the Durand Cup quarter-finals. After conceding an early goal, Joseph Sunny's brace, along with goals from Rodriguinho, Juan Sebastian Pena, and Augustine Lalrochana, secured their place in the semifinals.

RG Kar case: 'Chor, chor' chants as mob attacks TMC ex-MLA Nirmal Ghosh

RG Kar case: 'Chor, chor' chants as mob attacks TMC ex-MLA Nirmal Ghosh

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh was assaulted by a mob in West Bengal after his arrest in connection with the alleged "hurried cremation" of an RG Kar hospital doctor. Ghosh, along with another accused, Sanjib Mukherjee, faced public anger and physical attacks while being escorted by police. The arrests follow a fresh complaint by the victim's father, alleging the former MLA's influence in forcing the cremation, an aspect now under renewed investigation.

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'This government is in the very bad habit of doing so again and again. It has done so many times.'

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The mother of the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim on Monday rejected Trinamool Congres MLA Kunal Ghosh's comparison between the Rs 10 lakh given to the family of a party worker who died in police custody in Halisahar, and the same amount of compensation announced after her daughter's death.

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, evident as rival factions occupied separate sections of the opposition benches during the West Bengal assembly's budget session. This public display of disunity follows the party's defeat in the 2026 assembly elections and ongoing legal challenges over leadership.

Doping scandal hits Indian athletics: Swapna Barman provisionally suspended

Doping scandal hits Indian athletics: Swapna Barman provisionally suspended

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's first Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete, Swapna Barman, has been provisionally suspended by NADA after testing positive for the banned substance Boldenone. This disciplinary action proceeds despite her recent retirement announcement. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat doping in Indian sports, with other athletes also facing bans.

West Bengal CID visits assembly in MLA signature forgery probe

West Bengal CID visits assembly in MLA signature forgery probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

West Bengal CID officials visited the state Assembly as part of their ongoing investigation into the alleged forgery of MLAs' signatures for the appointment of the leader of opposition, seeking a crucial party resolution document.

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A diabetic can safely enjoy occasional sweets if their overall blood sugar control is good and the portion is small, advises rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani, a nutritionist with nearly three decades of experience.

Karnataka, Jharkhand, MP Secure Key Wins In Junior Men's Hockey

Karnataka, Jharkhand, MP Secure Key Wins In Junior Men's Hockey

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

On the seventh day of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship in Coimbatore, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh secured victories in Division 'A' matches. The day also featured a thrilling 4-4 draw between Manipur and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, highlighting intense competition among the young hockey talents.

Why Shiv Sena (UBT) Wants President's Rule In West Bengal

Why Shiv Sena (UBT) Wants President's Rule In West Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded the imposition of president's rule in West Bengal, citing alleged attacks on Trinamool Congress MPs and accusing the BJP government of sponsoring violence and undermining democracy.

7 Mansa Devi Temples In India

7 Mansa Devi Temples In India

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Maa Mansa Devi, revered as the Hindu goddess of serpents, is worshipped for protection from snakebites, fertility and prosperity. She is also popularly known as the wish-fulfilling goddess. In Hindu mythology, Mansa is associated with sage Kashyapa and is regarded as the sister of Vasuki, the serpent king.

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Rediff.com3 days ago

Teen batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored just eight runs on his Duleep Trophy debut for East Zone before Sudip Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed hit hundreds to power them to 355 for 6 against North East.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Kolkata hotel fire: 'The staff were fast asleep'

Kolkata hotel fire: 'The staff were fast asleep'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A devastating fire at a Kolkata hotel claimed nine lives, including a child and two women, in the early hours of Wednesday. Survivors recounted a terrifying experience, highlighting the absence of fire alarms and safety equipment, and the difficulty of escape due to dense smoke and a single exit. This incident follows another fatal hotel fire in Birbhum.

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Major Financial Institutions Expand Reach And Offerings

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Bangladeshis among 9 killed in Kolkata hotel fire, owner flees

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels in central Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including a child, and injured six others. Firefighters rescued 80 individuals, but dense smoke hampered operations. Authorities suspect a short circuit and allege significant safety and construction norm violations by the building management. The owner is currently absconding, and police have initiated legal proceedings and raids.

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Deepadhar, featuring former Asian Games gold medallists, has taken an early lead in the fifth East Zone Bridge Championship in Kolkata, accumulating 65.22 Victory Points after four rounds. The tournament, a Bridge Federation of India Ranking Two event, involves around 300 players from 50 teams across East Zone states competing for a Rs 6 lakh prize purse, with the top 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Arrested JeM operative was tasked with tracking WB CM Adhikari's movements

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, Hamim Mondal, was arrested for allegedly reconnoitering West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's residence in Kolkata. The plot, directed by Pakistan-based handlers, involved tracking the CM's movements and identifying security vulnerabilities, with investigators probing potential links to ISI and a larger conspiracy for sabotage.

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India is currently examining Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her government's collapse in August 2024, with New Delhi confirming the issue is being processed according to established procedures.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com2 days ago

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

National Handloom Day: 6 Wondrous Indian Handloom Fabrics

National Handloom Day: 6 Wondrous Indian Handloom Fabrics

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Our nation's skilled artisans spend days, sometimes weeks and months, weaving everything from gorgeous shawls to fantastic rugs, along with saris, using techniques passed down from father to son over centuries.

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

West Bengal Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Rs 635 Crore Irregularities In Business Summits

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal's BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced a probe into the expenditure of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) organised during the previous TMC regime. Adhikari alleged that an event management firm was paid Rs 635 crore for various editions of the summit, promising strict action against those found responsible for financial irregularities.

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Is Facing Criticism

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Is Facing Criticism

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul defended the detailed application form for the 'Annapurna Yojana', stating the government aims to ensure benefits reach only Indian citizens, amidst criticism over excessive documentation.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.