News for '-west-bengal'

Where is Papa?: Pahalgam victim's child inconsolable

"Where is Papa?": Pahalgam victim's child inconsolable

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Each time her little boy wakes up from sleep, his voice trembles with the same haunting questions: "Where is Papa? Did he go somewhere?"

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated across India with traditional fanfare and gaiety.

Did INDIA bloc get buried in ground, Sena-UBT asks Cong

Did INDIA bloc get buried in ground, Sena-UBT asks Cong

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The Sena-UBT pointed out that the Congress only spoke about itself in the Ahmedabad meet, and INDIA or Bharat was nowhere in the discussion.

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The Election Commission is conducting the National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the backdoor.'

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Bengal BJP ex-chief Dilip Ghosh, 60, marries party colleague

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The couple met during morning walks, and the relationship grew over time.

Stranded in Tehran, Bengal man plan to cross over Afghanistan or Pak

Stranded in Tehran, Bengal man plan to cross over Afghanistan or Pak

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

'I hear that there are some 10,000 Indians stuck in Iran, including nearly 4,000 students from Kashmir. But, I do not know any of them. Here I am all by myself and the embassy has asked me not to venture out far from my hotel. People here are going about their daily lives despite the bombings'

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended her support for teachers who were dismissed following a Supreme Court verdict, accusing the BJP and CPI(M) of "hatching a conspiracy" to influence the ruling. She dared the BJP to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates, while asserting that her government will abide by the verdict but explore all legal options. The development has triggered political reactions with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation, while the CPI(M) expressed concern over the impact on the education system. Banerjee also criticized the BJP's handling of the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, drawing parallels to the school jobs scam in West Bengal.

Now row over 'Diary of West Bengal'; Kolkota police book producer, director

Now row over 'Diary of West Bengal'; Kolkota police book producer, director

Rediff.com27 May 2023

The FIR has been lodged with Amherst police station and a legal notice was sent to director Sanoj Mishra asking him to appear before the investigating officer of the case on May 30, a senior police officer said.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Bengal gas cylinder blast toll rises to 8; BJP demands NIA probe

Bengal gas cylinder blast toll rises to 8; BJP demands NIA probe

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A gas cylinder blast in a house at Dholahat in West Bengal's Pathar Pratima has claimed eight lives, including four children. The explosion, which occurred on Monday night, triggered a massive fire, intensified by the presence of stacked firecrackers inside the house. The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the BJP demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe and the TMC maintaining that the police are already investigating and that the state government has a "zero-tolerance " policy towards such incidents. The blast has also raised concerns about the safety of illegal firecracker manufacturing units, which have been linked to several recent accidents in the state.

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A delegation of the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairman Vijaya Rahatkar, met with riot-affected women in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, assuring them of safety and demanding an NIA probe into the recent communal clashes. The women narrated their harrowing experiences and demanded permanent BSF camps in select areas of the district. The NCW team also visited relief camps in Malda district and assessed the condition of women affected by the violence.

IB officer killed in Pahalgam planned Vaishno Devi trip with parents

IB officer killed in Pahalgam planned Vaishno Devi trip with parents

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Manish Ranjan, who was killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, had planned to take his parents to the Vaishno Devi shrine after returning from this vacation, one of his friends recounted. Ranjan, a section officer with the IB posted in Hyderabad, was among the 26 people killed in the terror attack on Tuesday. The attack was condemned by leaders and administrative officers, with many vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Yusuf Pathan opts out of Op Sindoor delegation, TMC slams Centre

Yusuf Pathan opts out of Op Sindoor delegation, TMC slams Centre

Rediff.com19 May 2025

'We are totally in favour of the country on matters of external affairs. Naming representatives for diplomatic multi-party delegations to counter Pak-backed terrorism is the choice of parties, not of the Centre'

Bangladesh Unrest Hits India's Medical Tourism

Bangladesh Unrest Hits India's Medical Tourism

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Revenues from Bangladeshi patients have declined by 30% to 35% in 2024-2025. Bangladesh typically accounts for 70% to 75% of all medical visas issued by India.

West Bengal police arrest 100 for running illegal firecracker factories

West Bengal police arrest 100 for running illegal firecracker factories

Rediff.com23 May 2023

The police seized a huge quantity of explosives and banned firecrackers during raids in different locations in rural West Bengal and arrested at least 100 people for their alleged involvement in running illegal manufacturing factories, a senior state police official said on Tuesday.

Sonam, Kushwaha plotted to burn woman's body to fake her death: Cops

Sonam, Kushwaha plotted to burn woman's body to fake her death: Cops

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

The police also found out that Raj Kushwaha, boyfriend of Sonam, was the mastermind in the murder plot and she is the co-conspirator.

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra.

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A parliamentary panel has criticized the Indian government for withholding funds from states that have not agreed to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme, calling the reasoning behind the decision "not factual or justified." The panel has recommended the immediate release of pending funds to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which have been significantly impacted by the delays.

Sourav Ganguly unhurt after car meets with accident

Sourav Ganguly unhurt after car meets with accident

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Former India cricket captain and ex-BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly escaped unhurt after his vehicle was involved in an accident while he was on his way to the University of Burdwan Bardhaman, in West Bengal, for an event.

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

How COVID Cut India's Life Expectancy

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The drop is seen as a significant demographic indicator, reflecting the toll of the pandemic on the nation's population.

India, Pak DGMOs agree to reduce troops in forward areas

India, Pak DGMOs agree to reduce troops in forward areas

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on Monday deliberated on various aspects of the May 10 understanding reached between the two sides on cessation of hostilities.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

India braces for above-normal June rains, cooler temperatures: IMD

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall across India in June, with most parts of the country likely to experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. The IMD also anticipates above-normal minimum temperatures across most of the country, except for some parts of central India and the adjoining south peninsula. The southwest monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture-dependent economy, providing vital water for crops and supporting drinking water and hydropower generation.

Ex-bureaucrat C V Ananda Bose appointed West Bengal governor

Ex-bureaucrat C V Ananda Bose appointed West Bengal governor

Rediff.com18 Nov 2022

C V Ananda Bose was on Thursday appointed as the new governor of West Bengal, a communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Protests against the Waqf Act turned violent in parts of West Bengal on Friday, with demonstrators setting ablaze vehicles, disrupting traffic and rail movement, and injuring several policemen. The unrest erupted in Suti, Murshidabad district, where protesters defied prohibitory orders, hurled stones at security personnel, and torched police vans and public buses during processions. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas, while some officers were forced to seek refuge in a nearby mosque. Similar protests were held in Malda and Kolkata, prompting Governor C V Ananda Bose to direct the state government to take swift action against those responsible. The governor also contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah and held discussions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by both houses of Parliament, aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, safeguarding heritage sites and promoting social welfare.

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

India Rolls Out Next-Gen Rice Varieties

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha budgets maintain revenue surpluses despite welfare schemes while Rajasthan and West Bengal face high debt, fiscal deficits and low capital outlay.

7 held after 'Free Palestine' posters surface in Sambhal

7 held after 'Free Palestine' posters surface in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Posters with the message "Free Gaza, Free Palestine" and calls to boycott Israeli goods were found in the Narauli town of Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh, India. Police are investigating the incident based on CCTV footage and information gathered from shop owners. The posters emerged following Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel in October 2023.

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

IAF carries out 'Exercise Aakraman' wth Rafales, Su-30s in central sector

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The exercise is taking place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have gone up after the Pahalgam attack.

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Let deserving teachers keep their jobs, Bengal board urges SC

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has appealed to the Supreme Court to modify its order annulling over 25,000 jobs in schools. The board argues that the termination of 11.3% of existing teachers would have a devastating impact on schools in the state and impact the education of over 78.6 lakh students. The WBBSE is seeking to allow untainted candidates to continue in service until the end of the academic year or until the process of fresh appointments is concluded, whichever is earlier.

Defiant Mamata asks sacked teachers to 'continue with work'

Defiant Mamata asks sacked teachers to 'continue with work'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday pledged to protect the rights of 'eligible candidates' who lost their jobs after a recent Supreme Court verdict, evoking mixed responses from the affected teachers, thousands of whom turned up to hear the leader speak but remained dangling between hope and despair after she finished.

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The owner and manager of Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata have been arrested following a devastating fire that killed 14 people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered surprise checks of all establishments in the city to ensure fire safety compliance, after the tragedy highlighted serious violations at the hotel. The hotel has been sealed and special committees will be formed to monitor and identify establishments flouting fire safety norms.

New BJP chief in a week, key meet held at PM's residence

New BJP chief in a week, key meet held at PM's residence

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

An important meeting of top Bharatiya Janata Party leadership was held on Wednesday in Delhi regarding the party's organisational elections, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India, led by the Congress, have demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on alleged discrepancies in voter lists. Rahul Gandhi raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The opposition alleges large-scale duplication of EPIC numbers, which they claim undermines voter integrity and the electoral process. They have also pointed out instances of inflated voter lists in states like Maharashtra and Haryana. The Election Commission has acknowledged discrepancies but maintains that these are not widespread and that corrective measures are being taken. The opposition, however, insists on a comprehensive discussion on the matter to ensure the integrity of elections in India.

Saif attack: Why Mumbai cops grilled a woman in Bengal

Saif attack: Why Mumbai cops grilled a woman in Bengal

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Mumbai Police on Monday conducted a search operation in West Bengal's Nadia district and arrested a woman in connection with the attack on Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan, a source said.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

Jharkhand's gold rush, Karnataka leads National Games pack

Jharkhand's gold rush, Karnataka leads National Games pack

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Jharkhand, led by Commonwealth Games gold medalists Lovely Choubey and Rupa Tirkey, dominated the lawn bowls competition at the National Games in Dehradun, winning three gold medals. The state's women's fours team defeated West Bengal in the final, while Jharkhand also secured gold in the men's pairs and women's U-25 singles events.

National Games: Uttarakhand hockey teams knocked out

National Games: Uttarakhand hockey teams knocked out

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Karnataka to face Services in men's doubles tennis final