News for '-west-bengal'

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Stunning Tableaux Dazzle Republic Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

India's 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi featured vibrant tableau, representing the nation's cultural diversity and achievements.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com2 days ago

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com2 days ago

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Protests erupted across several districts of West Bengal over alleged harassment of people in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leading to road blockages and tyre burning. Demonstrations were held in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Purba Medinipur.

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in its probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam. The ED claims Banerjee removed key evidence during raids on I-PAC offices and the premises of its director, Pratik Jain.

Bengal BJP MLA accused of bigamy, torture; wife lodges FIR

Bengal BJP MLA accused of bigamy, torture; wife lodges FIR

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

West Bengal BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee is facing an FIR filed by his wife, accusing him of mental and physical torture and entering into a relationship with another woman without a legal divorce. The allegations arose after photos of Chatterjee's purported second marriage circulated on social media.

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing infiltration, leading to demographic changes and riots. He reassured refugees and promised action against illegal migration if the BJP comes to power.

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the home of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam.

Suspected Nipah virus cases detected in Bengal; 2 nurses critical

Suspected Nipah virus cases detected in Bengal; 2 nurses critical

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus have been detected in West Bengal, prompting a national outbreak response team to be deployed. The central government is providing full support to the state.

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the truth would not emerge through existing mechanisms and called for a probe, several opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge backed her demand.

Suspected as 'Bangladeshis', 3 Bengal workers attacked in Maha

Suspected as 'Bangladeshis', 3 Bengal workers attacked in Maha

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Three migrant workers from West Bengal were allegedly assaulted in Maharashtra after being suspected of being 'Bangladeshis' for speaking Bengali. The workers claim they were confronted, assaulted, and had their identity questioned despite showing Aadhaar cards.

EC uploads SIR logical discrepancies list on website after SC order

EC uploads SIR logical discrepancies list on website after SC order

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The Election Commission has uploaded the names of people on the list of SIR logical discrepancies list on its website following a Supreme Court order. The district electoral officers will download the list and display it on panchayat bhavans and block offices.

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The application claimed that since the inception of the SIR process in the state, the EC has issued instructions to officers at the ground level through "informal and extra-statutory channels", such as WhatsApp messages and oral directions conveyed during video conferences, instead of issuing formal written instructions.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Mamata took away 'key evidence' during raid: ED's big charge

Mamata took away 'key evidence' during raid: ED's big charge

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The ED said the actions of Banerjee and the Kolkata Police commissioner resulted in "obstructions" in the ongoing investigation and proceedings being undertaken as per the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Alcoholic Beverages players identify new markets amid tax hiccups

Alcoholic Beverages players identify new markets amid tax hiccups

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Makers of spirits, beer, and wine are working to identify new markets of growth as two of the industry's biggest liquor markets, Maharashtra and Telangana, remain embroiled in taxation and payment issues.

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Exporters of gems and jewellery have said the free-trade agreement (FTA) has brought relief to their sector because this opens up the world's second-largest market and brings them on a par with China and Thailand, which face zero tariffs on shipments to Europe.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

China has initiated screening procedures for travelers arriving from regions affected by the Nipah virus, including India. While no cases have been detected in China, health authorities are taking precautionary measures due to the ongoing outbreak in India.

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A nationwide strike called by central trade unions saw a mixed response across India, impacting various sectors and states differently, with some areas experiencing disruptions while others remained largely unaffected.

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

I know you won't...: Mamata in 3rd letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

I know you won't...: Mamata in 3rd letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

In her third letter to Kumar since the SIR began, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of political bias, insensitivity, and high-handedness during the exercise.

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).

Sensex jumps 944 points on value-buying in oil, auto, banking stocks

Sensex jumps 944 points on value-buying in oil, auto, banking stocks

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Bharat Electronics, Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, InterGlobe Aviation, ICICI Bank and UltraTech Cement were among the other major gainers. Axis Bank, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Trent and Titan were the laggards.

How India's Children Celebrate Republic Day

How India's Children Celebrate Republic Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Happy Republic Day!

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission served a notice to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding electoral roll discrepancies, sparking a political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has criticized the move as a politically motivated attack.

India's TV Viewers to Cross 1 Billion

India's TV Viewers to Cross 1 Billion

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Internet subscribers, income growth, literacy and dependency ratio are the biggest drivers of growth.

Trinamool MP gets notice to appear for SIR hearing

Trinamool MP gets notice to appear for SIR hearing

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress MP and actor Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, to appear for SIR hearing, officials said on Monday.

I-PAC search: Police seek ED team's details after Mamata's complaint

I-PAC search: Police seek ED team's details after Mamata's complaint

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Kolkata Police have initiated an investigation into the ED officials who conducted a search at the residence and office of I-PAC director Pratik Jain, following a complaint by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging theft of documents.

President withholds assent to Bengal Bills replacing Guv as chancellor

President withholds assent to Bengal Bills replacing Guv as chancellor

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has withheld assent to three amendment Bills passed by the West Bengal Assembly, which sought to replace the governor with the chief minister as chancellor of state-run universities.

Netaji's grandnephew calls Bengal SIR 'sheer harassment'

Netaji's grandnephew calls Bengal SIR 'sheer harassment'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, criticizes the ongoing electoral roll revision in West Bengal, calling it 'sheer harassment' and lacking clarity.

How This IITian Is Solving India's Clean Air Crisis

How This IITian Is Solving India's Clean Air Crisis

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Ravi Kaushik has sold 70,000 units of air filters through his start-up Airth and aims to sell 10 lakh units in the next five years.

Why Arijit Singh Quit Playback Singing

Why Arijit Singh Quit Playback Singing

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

One reason Arijit Singh gave for quitting singing is that he is 'bored'.

Dream debut for Bharat Coking Coal; shares skyrocket nearly 77% at close

Dream debut for Bharat Coking Coal; shares skyrocket nearly 77% at close

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Shares of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd on Monday made a bumper stock market debut and ended with a premium of nearly 77 per cent, commanding a market valuation of Rs 18,935 crore. The stock was listed at Rs 45.21, a steep premium of 96.56 per cent from the issue price of Rs 23 on the BSE.

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Despite his influence, Pratik Jain avoids the spotlight. Credit is routinely passed on to colleagues. He maintains no visible faction within the TMC, no personal coterie.

Pawar's death irreparable loss, says President; Empowered poor, downtrodden, says Modi

Pawar's death irreparable loss, says President; Empowered poor, downtrodden, says Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the untimely death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, praising his grassroots connection and dedication to serving the people.

Mohammed Shami appears for SIR hearing in Kolkata

Mohammed Shami appears for SIR hearing in Kolkata

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Mohammed Shami on Tuesday appeared before poll officials in Kolkata for his scheduled hearing under the ongoing SIR exercise in West Bengal.

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The BNP's election manifesto lists grievances against India, mirroring the attitude of past BNP governments.' 'Political parties have been careful not to say bad things about China.'

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'Whether we like it or not, we have been separated by the Meiteis and therefore we have put up our demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union territory with legislature.' 'For us lasting peace is the achievement of our demand.'