News for 'Calcutta'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

IIM Calcutta allows rape-accused student to attend classes

IIM Calcutta allows rape-accused student to attend classes

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

However, it was decided that he cannot stay in the campus hostel till the Kolkata Police SIT complete their investigation.

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

He was enacting and telling stories of none other than Lord Hanuman, the figure, to date, that rules the hearts of the people of Kishkinda or present-day Hampi in the Vijayanagar district of Karnataka.

T20 World Cup: Every India-Pakistan Game Means More Than Just Cricket

T20 World Cup: Every India-Pakistan Game Means More Than Just Cricket

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Beyond the boundaries drawn on maps, beyond the noise of rivalry, beyond wins and losses, friendship has found a way to endure, to grow, and to quietly prove that some connections are stronger than borders.

Shahid Kapoor's 'Fun, Fun, Fun' Song In O'Romeo

Shahid Kapoor's 'Fun, Fun, Fun' Song In O'Romeo

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The cheerful mood of the Paan Ki Dukaan song launch was briefly interrupted when Shahid Kapoor was mobbed by fans on stage.

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Bina Das, 21, got up at her graduating ceremony to assassinate the governor of Bengal. He escaped and she was imprisoned for 9 years.

'Trump Is One Of The Most Dangerous Men In The World'

'Trump Is One Of The Most Dangerous Men In The World'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'Global politics are in a pretty rough shape and always have been. But the speed and extent with which we receive the insanity surrounding us makes it feel more present and immediate.'

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Enforcement Directorate's allegations of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids related to a coal-pilferage scam. The court intends to examine the matter and has also taken note of the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the case.

Colleen And Hugh Gantzer Had India's Heart

Colleen And Hugh Gantzer Had India's Heart

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Colleen and Hugh Gantzer were the GOATs of travel writers.

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.

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Political consultancy firm I-PAC has reacted to the Enforcement Directorate's raids at its Kolkata premises, calling it an "unsettling precedent." The raids have triggered political upheaval in West Bengal, where elections are due in months. The firm, engaged by the TMC, said it would continue to work in an "unfazed and unperturbed" manner.

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.

Legendary defender Ilyas Pasha no more

Legendary defender Ilyas Pasha no more

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Former India defender Ilyas Pasha dead, AIFF, East Bengal condole

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Mark had such a profound understanding of India, which was, of course, the land of his birth as well as of his death... He loved India, and lived two-thirds of his life here.'

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The BJP has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following Supreme Court observations regarding obstructions during ED raids at I-PAC premises, alleging abuse of power and shielding of those accused of corruption.

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Calcutta High Court overturned a single bench order that annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, stating that irregularities were not proven in all recruitments. The decision brings relief to the teachers and is seen as a boost for the TMC-led state government.

Darjeeling tea output may have hit a new low in 2025

Darjeeling tea output may have hit a new low in 2025

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The famed Darjeeling tea may have slip to a new production low in 2025, as changing weather patterns, a shortage of pluckers and mounting economic stress weigh on the region's gardens.

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march in Kolkata against Enforcement Directorate searches linked to I-PAC, signaling a show of strength ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The march featured cultural elements and participation from party members and celebrities.

'Can We Break Up After A Month?'

'Can We Break Up After A Month?'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

'What interested me more than the influencers was how were they surviving in Bombay?' 'How many reels did they make per month? How much money did they need to get by?' 'Did they get a job and then come back home and do this at night?'

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

3K personnel deployed as Kabir's mosque plan heightens Dec 6 heat in Bengal

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Governor C V Ananda Bose, meanwhile, urged citizens not to be swayed by "provocative statements and rumours" and asked the state to ensure there was 'no disturbance anywhere'.

Bengal's demography dangerously altered due to infiltration: Amit Shah

Bengal's demography dangerously altered due to infiltration: Amit Shah

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of facilitating illegal immigration from Bangladesh, leading to demographic changes. He promises to end infiltration if BJP wins the upcoming elections.

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

1905: The Partition Before Partition

1905: The Partition Before Partition

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The partition of Bengal in 1905 split more than a province, it touched people's hearts and awakened India's fight for freedom.

Shami gets SC notice on wife's plea for higher maintenance

Shami gets SC notice on wife's plea for higher maintenance

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The petition points out that Shami's annual income, as disclosed in his Income Tax Return for 2021-22, stood at nearly Rs 48 crore, while she has been forced to live in "downtrodden conditions", struggling to meet even basic expenses.

'Gambhir can't be a coach; he can be a manager'

'Gambhir can't be a coach; he can be a manager'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

India's first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev says a modern-day head coach's role is more about "managing" players than actually coaching them, amid criticism surrounding Gautam Gambhir's working style.

Calcutta HC allows RSS rally in Bardhaman, limits attendance

Calcutta HC allows RSS rally in Bardhaman, limits attendance

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Calcutta High Court has granted conditional permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold a rally in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district on February 16, despite objections from the state government. The court allowed the event, which will be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, on the condition that the organizers keep the crowd size and sound levels under control and ensure that students taking secondary exams are not disturbed. The event will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex, which is located in a remote area and away from any schools.

HC disqualifies Mukul Roy as MLA under anti-defection law

HC disqualifies Mukul Roy as MLA under anti-defection law

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The Calcutta High Court has cancelled the membership of senior leader Mukul Roy in the West Bengal assembly under the anti-defection law, marking a significant moment in Indian jurisprudence.

Was RG Kar incident gangrape, Calcutta HC asks CBI

Was RG Kar incident gangrape, Calcutta HC asks CBI

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to produce the case diary related to its investigation into the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar hospital. The court questioned the CBI about the possibility of gang rape or destruction of evidence in its probe. The parents of the victim, who are petitioners in the case, have requested a court-monitored investigation, alleging a larger conspiracy behind the crime. The CBI has already filed a charge-sheet in the case, leading to the conviction and life imprisonment of Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, for the crime. However, the court has sought clarification from the CBI on whether it considered investigating the crime under Section 70 (gang rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted Aroop Biswas's resignation as the sports minister in the wake of the controversy over the mismanagement of football icon Lionel Messi's event last week, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said.

Saudi clerics to attend TMC rebel Kabir's Murshidabad 'Babri' mosque event

Saudi clerics to attend TMC rebel Kabir's Murshidabad 'Babri' mosque event

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir told reporters that "nearly 3 lakh people will gather across 25 bighas near Moradighi on Saturday", adding that religious leaders from several states had confirmed their presence.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

SC to hear on Tuesday TVK plea against electoral roll revision in TN

SC to hear on Tuesday TVK plea against electoral roll revision in TN

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. The court is also addressing concerns about disenfranchisement and citizenship issues related to the revision process.

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'Every film had its challenges, but Mr India, Sadak and Gandhi were the toughest.' 'Mr India needed imagination, Sadak needed sensitivity and Gandhi demanded historical authenticity.'

BJP won't be able to put single blot on Nehru: Cong

BJP won't be able to put single blot on Nehru: Cong

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Congress on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to 'rewrite history' and giving a 'political colour' to the Vande Mataram debate, and asserted that no matter how much the Bharatiya Janata Party tries, it will not be able to put a single blot on the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Spooky! Spooky! Kuldhara, The Haunted Village

Spooky! Spooky! Kuldhara, The Haunted Village

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Whilst the truth of the village lies shrouded in ruins and mystery, I exit Kuldhara with goosebumps -- and those feel entirely real!

The Kirana Store That Meant So Much More

The Kirana Store That Meant So Much More

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

It was a shop that we grew up with and one that saw us grow. As children in boarding school, items bought from Krishnaji's store were like living symbols from home.

Vande Mataram, 1875-2025

Vande Mataram, 1875-2025

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

November 7 2025, marked the 150th year of India's revered national song, Vande Mataram.

In An AI-Obsessed World, India's Craft May Redefine 'Made In India'

In An AI-Obsessed World, India's Craft May Redefine 'Made In India'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

What is currently perceived as a massive, low-tech liability could become a high-value, export-oriented economic engine, points out Ajit Balakrishnan.

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri claimed that the country's national anthem was written "to welcome the British official". This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge.