News for 'Calcutta'

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

One hundred years ago, a group of 10 revolutionaries carried out an operation that shook the British Empire. Utkarsh Mishra revisits the 'Kakori Conspiracy Case', a turning point in the armed struggle for independence.

BSE: Stock Exchange That Refused To Die

BSE: Stock Exchange That Refused To Die

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The story of the Bombay Stock Exchange and the people who shaped its growth: From wars and bomb blasts to speculators, reformers and wealth creators.

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed the parents of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim to pursue their plea for a further court-monitored CBI probe into the incident before the Calcutta High Court. The parents had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's initial probe and sought a more thorough investigation. The court, without making comments, disposed of the application, allowing the parents to continue the proceedings before the high court. The case has also prompted the Supreme Court to consider recommendations for preventing gender-based violence and developing safety protocols for medical staff at hospitals across the nation.

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.

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.

Impeachment motion against Justice Varma in next Parl session

Impeachment motion against Justice Varma in next Parl session

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Government sources on Tuesday said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has begun consultations as part of efforts to get leaders of different parties on board for the impeachment motion against Varma following his indictment by a three-member probe committee constituted by the Supreme Court.

Usha Uthup, There's No One Like You!

Usha Uthup, There's No One Like You!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The glorious singer is simply sensational at 77 and we just love her!

Cash row: Resignation only option before Justice Varma to avoid impeachment

Cash row: Resignation only option before Justice Varma to avoid impeachment

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Officials aware of the procedure to appoint and remove Supreme Court and high court judges pointed out that while defending his case before lawmakers in any of the House, Justice Varma can announce that he is quitting and his verbal statement will be considered as his resignation.

Azerbaijan denies entry to Indian tourist who escaped Tehran

Azerbaijan denies entry to Indian tourist who escaped Tehran

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

After a perilous 500-km road journey out of conflict-torn Tehran, stranded Indian tourist Falguni Dey reached Iran's Astara border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday evening, but his ordeal is far from over.

Welfare over sops for industry: Mamata digs in ahead of polls

Welfare over sops for industry: Mamata digs in ahead of polls

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'The chief minister believes the poorest of the poor have the first right on government resources.'

WhatsApp brings ads to Channels, Status features

WhatsApp brings ads to Channels, Status features

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

After the success of bringing businesses to WhatsApp, Meta - its parent - is now introducing ads and subscriptions to Status and Channels under the Updates tab of the messaging app, the company said on Monday. This move will further push its monetisation efforts on WhatsApp.

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The violence, which erupted over the setting up of a shop in Maheshtala under Rabindranagar police station in South 24 Parganas district, quickly escalated, turning the area into a virtual battlefield.

CAT 2024: 1 Female Among 14 Toppers

CAT 2024: 1 Female Among 14 Toppers

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

As per the CAT 2024 results announced by IIM-Calcutta, 14 students including one female have scored in the 100 percentile this year.

15 Years Ago This Day: When Maoists Sabotaged A Train

15 Years Ago This Day: When Maoists Sabotaged A Train

Rediff.com28 May 2025

On May 28, 2010, Maoists derailed the Jnaneshwari Express, killing 148 passengers.

Was Guru Dutt's Death Suicide Or...

Was Guru Dutt's Death Suicide Or...

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Guru Dutt took an overdose of pills twice, once even swallowing opium, calling out for Geeta Dutt even when he was not fully conscious. One suicide attempt, according to sister Lalita Lajmi, was definitely deliberate with Guru Dutt leaving a letter for brother Atma Ram asking him to take care of the production company, his wife and the kids. But she always wondered if the third attempt was actually suicide since there were no calls and no letters.

IITs, IIMs Lose Grip on Unicorn Growth

IITs, IIMs Lose Grip on Unicorn Growth

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

BITS has produced 10 startup unicorn founders in the US.

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the revival and prosecution of ten criminal cases related to murders in Nandigram and Khejuri during an anti-land acquisition movement in 2007. The court deemed the West Bengal government's decision to withdraw prosecution in these cases, involving the deaths of at least ten individuals, as unlawful. The bench emphasized that murders had indeed occurred and that allowing the prosecution to withdraw under Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code would not be in the public interest. The court stated that violence in any form should be eschewed in a democracy and that a state must exhibit zero tolerance towards it. The court set aside the state government's decision to withdraw prosecution and directed the public prosecutor to take appropriate measures within a fortnight.

Remembering Dilip Doshi, A Spinner Par Excellence

Remembering Dilip Doshi, A Spinner Par Excellence

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Dilip Doshi had great success on Indian tracks but it was the tour of Australia in 1980-81 where he picked up 11 wickets (6 in Adelaide and 5 in Melbourne) in more than 150-plus overs on non-responsive pitches.

When Prosenjit Was Every Inch A Badralok

When Prosenjit Was Every Inch A Badralok

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The actor walked the runway for menswear designer Abhishek Roy at the FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week 2025.

Anti-Waqf protests: 150 held in Murshidabad violence, police deployed

Anti-Waqf protests: 150 held in Murshidabad violence, police deployed

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Calcutta HC orders NIA probe into Ram Navami violence Howrah

Calcutta HC orders NIA probe into Ram Navami violence Howrah

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

The court directed the state police to transfer all records and CCTV footage relating to the matter to the central government within two weeks.

Internet suspended, 34 held after communal clashes in Bengal's Mothabari

Internet suspended, 34 held after communal clashes in Bengal's Mothabari

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The situation remained tense but peaceful during the day, amid heavy police deployment in the area.

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bill Aitken came to India nearly 60 years ago. He never returned. An Indian citizen since 1972, he tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih how India changed his life forever.

CBI moves plea in HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

CBI moves plea in HC seeking death penalty for RG Kar convict

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed an appeal before the Calcutta high court, seeking death penalty for RG Kar hospital rape-murder case convict Sanjay Roy.

Loan granted to credit card holder is exempt from IGST: Calcutta HC

Loan granted to credit card holder is exempt from IGST: Calcutta HC

Rediff.com1 Aug 2023

The interest charged on an inter-state loan given to a credit card holder without the use of a plastic card would not be subject to the integrated goods and services tax (IGST), a two-judge bench of the Calcutta high court has ruled. In this connection, it recently set aside a ruling by a single judge of the high court. The issue was a loan of Rs 650,000 granted by Citi Bank with an EMI of Rs 58,056 for 12 months and inclusive of integrated GST (IGST) on each installment of interest.

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The first day of the Bengali New Year, Poila Baisakh, passed without any celebrations in Dhulian, West Bengal, for the first time in over 50 years. Fear gripped the area following violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to canceled rituals, shop closures, and a sense of uncertainty. The violence, which started on April 8, left three people dead and several injured. Protesters blocked highways, torched vehicles, and disrupted train services. While the police deployed central forces and imposed restrictions, locals still fear for their safety and demand permanent security measures. The town and its surrounding areas remain tense, with many families displaced and facing significant losses.

SBI@70: Who Says The Elephant Can't Dance?

SBI@70: Who Says The Elephant Can't Dance?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

While a giant, it's a nimble-footed one, and is growing at a speed that even some of its private sector peers find enviable.
Between FY18 and FY24, it doubled its balance sheet. Despite being a late entrant in some segments, it has been able to grab market share, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Rediff.com16 May 2025

In a first, the New York State Senate has formally adopted a resolution honouring the Indian Constitution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, recognising it as a guiding framework for India's ongoing progress as a nation and celebrating the country's democratic values.

When 16 people died during a Kolkata derby in 1980

When 16 people died during a Kolkata derby in 1980

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

On August 16, 1980, the Kolkata football derby between arch rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, played at the Eden Gardens (there was no Salt Lake Stadium then) witnessed a massive clash between the supporters of two teams, leading to 16 deaths.

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.

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India reprimanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling them "irresponsible." The court stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi in a case filed in Uttar Pradesh for his comments but warned him against making such statements in the future. The court also asked Gandhi's lawyer if he was aware that even Mahatma Gandhi used terms like "your faithful servant" in his communications with the British.

When Guru Dutt Demolished His House...

When Guru Dutt Demolished His House...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

'The pain of not having a home is bearable, but the pain of having one -- and not finding peace in it -- is far worse.'

'I Adopted A Cat To Understand Motherhood'

'I Adopted A Cat To Understand Motherhood'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'I am not a mother and never had an abortion either, so I had to understand motherhood and child loss from anecdotal experiences of others.'

NIT-Calicut professor who praised Godse for killing Gandhi appointed as Dean

NIT-Calicut professor who praised Godse for killing Gandhi appointed as Dean

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Congress party has criticized the Modi government for appointing Dr Shaija A, a professor at NIT-Calicut, as Dean despite a pending police case against her for allegedly praising Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin. The party alleges this appointment is part of a larger pattern by the government to "appropriate Gandhi, glorify Godse". The appointment has sparked protests from political parties, including DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M). Shaija was questioned by police last year after making a comment on social media expressing "pride" in Godse for assassinating Gandhi. The appointment is for two years, until further orders.

HC orders CBI to submit police diary in RG Kar doctor's murder case

HC orders CBI to submit police diary in RG Kar doctor's murder case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit the case diary initially prepared by the Kolkata Police in connection with the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court also instructed the CBI to present a list of individuals interviewed in the case at the next hearing scheduled for April 23. The CBI has been investigating the incident since August 13, 2024, when the case was transferred from Kolkata Police. The court noted inconsistencies between the inquest and post-mortem reports, with two injury marks mentioned in the inquest report but absent in the post-mortem report. The CBI is currently investigating whether there was a larger conspiracy behind the crime and if there had been any attempt to destroy evidence.

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Referring to clashes between police and teachers outside the district inspector of schools' office at Kasba in Kolkata, Pant appealed to the educators not to get involved in confrontations so that their plan to legally resolve the impasse does not get affected.

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning, but no untoward incident was reported, officials said.

Bengal SSC to hold fresh exams for teachers' recruitment

Bengal SSC to hold fresh exams for teachers' recruitment

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) on Friday said it would abide by the Supreme Court directive and soon initiate the process of conducting fresh exams for all teaching and non-teaching candidates, who took part in the now-invalidated 2016 job recruitment exercise.

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.