News for '-west-bengal'

HC orders central forces for July 8 West Bengal panchayat polls

HC orders central forces for July 8 West Bengal panchayat polls

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

The court also left it to the discretion of the State Election Commission to take a call on extension of time for filing of nominations, refusing to consider a prayer in this regard.

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.

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.

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.

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'

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'

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.'

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Taking a dig at a section of Bangladeshi politicians, who said the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wondered whether Indians 'would have lollipop' when external forces would try to occupy Indian lands.

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.

'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.'

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.

'Mrityu Kumbh' remark: Shankaracharya backs Mamata

'Mrityu Kumbh' remark: Shankaracharya backs Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Among heavy criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks on Prayagraj's Mahakumbh, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj on Wednesday supported the CM, saying that the religious event has been mismanaged.

'If Waqf Is Transparent, No Muslim Will Be Poor'

'If Waqf Is Transparent, No Muslim Will Be Poor'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

'There's no transparency in work (of the Wakf Board), in property transactions (of the Waqf).'

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Didi is West Bengal's 'Dada'

Didi is West Bengal's 'Dada'

Rediff.com2 May 2021

Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress overcame the might of the BJP and is all set to be CM for a third term.

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Association for Democratic33 per cent of 4,092 sitting MLAs were non-graduates.

HC orders panel to rehabilitate Murshidabad riot victims

HC orders panel to rehabilitate Murshidabad riot victims

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the formation of a three-member committee to identify and rehabilitate people displaced by violence during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad district. The court also extended the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the area. The committee will consist of officials from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC), and the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA). It will be responsible for identifying displaced persons, assessing damage to properties, collecting FIR data, facilitating FIR filing, and overseeing the well-being of displaced individuals. The state government has been instructed to provide necessary infrastructure to the committee and report on its progress by May 15. The court also directed the state to formulate a rehabilitation scheme for displaced persons, including the construction of damaged houses and shops, compensation for lost livelihoods, and protection for families of those who died in the violence.

Accused in Saif case entered India 7 months ago

Accused in Saif case entered India 7 months ago

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

A Bangladeshi national, arrested for the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, entered India illegally seven months ago and used a fake Aadhaar card to procure a SIM card before moving to Mumbai, police said. The accused, Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir (30), was arrested from Thane for the stabbing incident at Khan's residence in Bandra. Fakir, who changed his name to Vijay Das, crossed the Dawki River to enter India illegally and used the Aadhaar card of a local man in West Bengal to procure a SIM card before moving to Mumbai in search of a job. He also tried to get an Aadhaar card for himself but failed. In Mumbai, he worked at places where he didn't need to furnish documents, with a labour contractor helping him get housekeeping work in pubs and hotels in Worli and Thane.

Not our job to protect criminals: Mamata on RG Kar convict

Not our job to protect criminals: Mamata on RG Kar convict

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the Sealdah court's decision to award life imprisonment till death to Sanjay Roy, the sole convict in the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Banerjee said the incident was a "rare, heinous and sensitive crime" and she has been seeking capital punishment for Roy. She said the state government would challenge the verdict and move Calcutta High Court, which has granted permission to file an appeal against the Sealdah court order.

After 6 days, school reopens in violence-hit Murshidabad's Ghanashyampur

After 6 days, school reopens in violence-hit Murshidabad's Ghanashyampur

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Ghanashyampur Primary School in Dhulian, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, reopened on Wednesday after a six-day closure due to violence in the area. The school had been shut since Friday noon after violence erupted on April 11 during a protest against the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Parliament. Several houses and properties were ransacked and set ablaze by a mob, leading to fear and disruption in the locality. While some guardians are still hesitant to send their children to school, teachers are optimistic that attendance will increase in the coming days.