Kolkata: The move by the Odisha government directing the Shree Jaagnnatha Temple Administration, Puri to initiate a probe into the controversy surrounding the newly-built Jagannath Temple, officially termed as a cultural centre, at Digha in East Midnapore district of West Bengal is quite justified, according to fashion designer-turned-politician and the BJP legislator from West Bengal, []
Jagannath Dham row deepens, SJTA begins probe into alleged use of Puri wood in Digha temple
Bhubaneswar: As tensions rise over the West Bengal governments portrayal of a newly constructed temple in Digha as Jagannath Dham, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has launched an official probe into allegations that sacred wood from the Puri Jagannath Temple was secretly used to craft idols at the Digha shrine. State Law Minister Prithiviraj []
IMD issues severe thunderstorm and lightning warning across 8 states
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a widespread alert for severe weather across India, including thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. The alert covers a vast region from East Rajasthan to Gangetic West Bengal, with strong winds and hailstorms expected in several states.
WBBME result 2025 out: High Madrasah, Alim, Fazil scores released at wbbme.org
The West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education (WBBME) has declared the 2025 results for High Madrasah, Alim, and Fazil examinations. Students can check their scores online at wbbme.org or wbresults.nic.in by entering their roll number and date of birth. The online results are provisional, and official mark sheets will be issued by schools shortly. The exams were held between February 10 and February 25, 2025. Students are advised to verify all details carefully.
WBPSC Laboratory Assistant Result 2025 Out at psc.wb.gov.in, Direct Link to Download Result PDF Here
WBPSC Laboratory Assistant Result 2025: The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has officially released the WBPSC Laboratory Assistant Result 2025. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now view their results online through the official website psc.wb.gov.in.
Business Wire India World Education Summit 2025 AsiaTodaysuccessfullyhostedthe 15th WorldEducationSummit2025 on 30th April at Hotel The Park, New Delhi. Thesummitwas graced by esteemed guests, including Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Honble Minister of State of Jal Shakti, Government of India; Nilesh Ronil Kumar, Counsellor, High Commission of the Republic of Fiji; and Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly. During theWorldEducationSummit2025, Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Honble Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, stated, The Modi government has taken several well-planned steps to turn the vision of a developed India into reality. Special focus has been given to initiatives like the NewEducationPolicy and Digital India, which are preparing the youth to compete globally. At the same time, development is reaching every corner of the country through schemes such as support for small and medium enterprises, women empowerment, the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Har Ghar Nal Yojana. Throughout the event, educationists engaged in meaningful discussions on integrating AI into classrooms, developing student-centric learning models, and preparing educators for a tech-driven future. Speakers emphasized the need to embrace innovative teaching methods and ensure that teachers are equipped with the right tools and training to keep pace with technological advancements. Pradeep Choudhry is the active CEO of Asia Today Media, said that Education is the pillar to success, and it was an honour to have the educationists from all over India on a single platform who are working tremendously for the bright future of the youth. Education plays a crucial role in ones life and thats what makes you a good human. A special felicitation ceremony was held to recognize educators and institutions that have made significant contributions to the field ofeducation. From digital learning initiatives to inclusiveeducationmodels, thesummitcelebrated impactful work being done to transform student experiences and outcomes. The summit felicitated around Twenty educational institutions and leaders across the nation, including SRM University AP - One of The Best University With Excellent Placement of The Year-India, Johnson Grammar School ICSE & ISC Mallapur - Best Private Co-Education School of The Year-Telangna, Admissiongyan Education Consultancy - Most Trusted German Education Consultant in India, International School of Technology and Sciences For Women - One of The Best Engineering College for Women-Andhra Pradesh, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Management Studies - Most Trusted Institute of Management- Karnataka, Rathods IAS Academy - Best UPSC IAS Coaching Institute In Hyderabad, Mr. P. Venkata Ramesh - Academic Advisor of The Year, Alphores Women's Degree & Pg College - Best Womens Degree College With Academic Excellence in Telangana, Little Flower Group of Institutions - Best Group of Institute With Academic Excellence of The Year, Mere Nanhe Kadam - Best Pre-School in Jharkhand, Satluj Public School - Most Trusted Group of School of The Year, Pingaksh Foundation- Excellence in Social Work-Education, Burdwan Holy Child School - Best School With Academic Excellence of The Year-West Bengal, Ark Reflections IAS By Madhu Ram- Best UPSC Coaching Centre in Hyderabad, Sri Institute of Management Mba College - Best Rural Area Mba College in Odisha, KIIT World School - Best School for Imparting Quality Education in Delhi, Mr. Alok - Most Admired Education Consultant-Delhi, Shoobhi Foundation- Admired Computer Training Institute For Poor Student in Delhi, Shivalik Institute Of Paramedical Technology- Best Paramedical College in Chandigarh. About Asia Today Media Asia Today Media is a dynamic global media and analytical company providing research, analysis and rating services. We have been providing state of the art market research, rating and analysis for organizations of all sizes.
Daru, Dham cause a stir in Odisha after West Bengal CM Mamata inaugurates Jagannath temple in Digha
BHUBANESWAR: The newly inaugurated Jagannath temple at Digha in West Bengal has sparked a massive controversy over the purported use of Daru (neem wood) that had remained unused during the Holy Trinitys Nabakalebara in Puri in 2015 for carving the deities, and naming the shrine as Jagannath Dham. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday ordered an enquiry into the use of Daru in making the deities and the association of Srimandir servitors in its consecration ceremony. While the naming of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has caused a huge uproar, as the Srimandir in Puri finds place among the four Dhams, the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in the country. Taking cognisance of the controversy, Harichandan said, These things, particularly the talks around use of Nabakalebara Daru, are completely unacceptable and have become a matter of great concern for devotees of Lord Jagannath worldwide and the four crore people of Odisha. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has been directed to initiate an inquiry into all the allegations and anyone found guilty will face action under the provisions of law, he added. The Digha temple, built by the West Bengal government was inaugurated by the states chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday. The consecration was done by the secretary of Daitapati Nijog of Puri Jagannath temple, Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra. The temple will be managed by the priests of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). After the consecration ceremony, Dasmahapatra claimed in an interview to a Bengali news channel that it was he who had suggested Mamata to install wooden idols of the three deities and not stone. On her request, he provided the idols of the deities which were made from Daru that was left unused after making the 'bigrahas' (idols) of the Trinity in Srimandir during the 2015 Nabakalebara (the ritual when new bodies are made for the Trinity from carefully selected neem wood as per the instructions of Goddess Mangala of Kakatpur), Dasmahapatra claimed. He, however, clarified later that he never used the term 'Brahma Sthapana' (where the soul of the deities is transferred from the old to the new idols) during the consecration ceremony of Digha temple. As Dasmahapatra drew flak from all quarters, the servitor on Friday claimed that he made no such statements. When I had visited the Digha temple four months back, they had constructed the three idols in stone. Since, Lord Jagannath is never worshipped in any other form than neem wood, I suggested to Mamata Banerjee to make the idols in wood. Accordingly, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, all 2.5 ft-3 ft high, were made in neem wood in Puri and taken to the Digha temple for consecration. No Daru from Nabakalebara has been used for idols in Digha temple, he told the mediapersons here. Meanwhile, Srimandir servitors, Jagannath culture researchers and experts, devotees and prominent personalities have questioned the use of the word Dham by the West Bengal government. The neighbouring state has been advertising the temple as Jagannath Dham which the experts said is not acceptable. Eminent sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik said there are only four 'dhams' in India, and the Jagannath dham at Puri is one of them. The temple inaugurated in Digha cannot be a #JagannathDham. So my humble request to Honble CM @MamataOfficial, please immediately order not to call it as Jagannath Dham as it hurts the sentiments of the devotees of Lord Jagannath and it also creates confusion. It misrepresents established religious practices and will create confusion across the globe for followers of Hindu/Sanatan Dharma, he wrote on his X handle. Vice-president of Bahrain Odia Samaj Arun Kumar Praharaj urged the WB CM to refer to Skanda Purana (Shri Purusottam Khetra Mahatmya) as far as reference to Jagannath Dham is concerned and rectify the mistake. To a query on why he did not protest mentioning the temple as Dham, Dasmahapatra said the Odisha government should take up the matter with the West Bengal government and ensure that it is changed. Immediately after the West Bengal government had announced inauguration of the Digha temple on Akshaya Tritiya, Suar Mahasuar Nijog and Puspalaka Nijog had issued a whip on all their members to not participate in any rituals there. While the Suar Mahasuar Nijog prepares Mahaprasad in the Srimandir, the Puspalaka Nijog dresses the Trinity.
Mr. Pathan wrote in the letter addressed to the Home Minister that the systematic targeting of workers from West Bengal, based on their regional identity, especially for those from the Muslim community is deeply troubling.
Odisha govt. orders probe into Puri Jagannath priests role in West Bengal temple ceremony
The probe will also find out if leftover timber procured for the Nabakalebara rituals at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha was used to carve the idols of the sibling deities at a new Jagannath temple complex in Digha, West Bengal
2 held for Pasting Pakistani Flag at Railway Station in West Bengal
Kolkata: West Bengal Police has arrested two persons for allegedly pasting an image of Pakistani flag on the wall of a railway station in North 24 Parganas district and writing Hindustan Murdabad to engineer communal disturbances, a senior officer said on Thursday. Chandan Malakar (30) and Progyajit Mondal (45), both described as active members of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Row over Jagannath Dham at Digha deepens, Odisha govt orders probe
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan Friday ordered the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri to initiate a probe into the controversy surrounding the newly built Jagannath Temple at Digha in West Bengal. The state governments move came after local media reported that some Puri servitors had attended the consecration ceremony at Digha temple and []
Odisha up in arms over Bengal's 'Jagannath Dham'
Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.
Devotees, priests from Odisha demand removal of Jagannath Dham label from Digha temple
While many Hindu priests, researchers, servitors and scholars have rejected the naming of Dighas Jagannath Temple as a Dham, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has sought a clarification from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
WBERC Consultant Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheWest Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has released an official notification for the recruitment of Consultant posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official WBERC website. The last date to submit the application form is 15-05-2025.
Odisha devotees demand removal of 'Jagannath Dham' label from Digha temple
The West Bengal government's naming of the new Digha temple as Jagannath Dham has drawn criticism from Odisha's Jagannath devotees, who fear it undermines the sanctity of the Puri shrine. Religious figures, including Sudarsan Pattnaik, are demanding clarification and urging intervention, citing potential confusion and offense to long-standing traditions.
'Jagannath Dham' Row Pits West Bengal Against Odisha Over Temple Legacy
The inauguration of a new Jagannath temple in Digha has become the centre of a controversy between eastern neighbours Odisha and West Bengal.
Assam: NFR enhances railway security with joint patrols along Bangladesh border
Guwahati: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initiated joint patrolling operations along sensitive stretches near the India-Bangladesh border under its jurisdiction in Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal. This collaborative effort involves close coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Border Security Force (BSF). The joint initiative aims [] The post Assam: NFR enhances railway security with joint patrols along Bangladesh border appeared first on NorthEast Now .
West Bengal Madhyamik result 2025: Check overall pass percentage, region-wise performance, and more
The West Bengal Madhyamik Pariksha 2025 results reveal an overall pass percentage of 86.56%, with 9,84,979 students enrolled. While the pass rate modestly increased from 2024, a gender gap persists, as male students outperformed female students. Regional disparities are evident, with East Midnapore and Kalimpong leading, while Jalpaiguri and Murshidabad lagged in performance.
WBBSE Class 10th Result 2025 Announced
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has officially announced the results for the Class 10 Board Examination of 2025. Conducted from February 10 to February 22, the results were released on May 2, 2025. With a pass percentage of 86.31%, Purba Medinipur topped the districts. Aditro Sarkar achieved the highest score of 696 out of 700. Students can check their results online using their registration details. For more information on how to access the results, read the full article.
West Bengal Class 10 Results Expected Today: How to Download
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education is expected to announce the Class 10 results today. Students can check their scores on the official website. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to download the results and what options are available for those who wish to contest their scores. Stay informed about the latest updates and ensure you know how to access your results efficiently.
WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 Out at wbresults.nic.in How to check Results Here
WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 - The Result of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education 2025 is released for Madhyamik 10th Class at wbresults.nic.in and all the concerned candidates can look up for the WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 online. All those who took the WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 (Madhyamik 10th Class) can view their WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 through Online mode. Candidates will not be informed about the WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025 through any offline modes. For more details on the WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Class Result 2025, read this article.
West Bengal Board Releases 2025 Class 10th Madhyamik Results
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has released the Madhyamik results for 2025, with a pass percentage of 86.56%. Aditro Sarkar topped the exams with 99.43%. Students can download their results from the official website. For those unsatisfied with their scores, re-evaluation requests can be made. Discover the steps to access your results and more details in the full article.
WB Result 2025 Check Online: 86.56% Students Pass West Bengal Class 10 Exam, Direct Link Here
WB Result 2025 Check Online: A total of 86.56% of students passed the exam. This year, Purba Medinipur recorded the highest overall pass percentage among all districts, at 96.46%.
Murshidabad, Pahalgam, Islamophobia: April Harvests Cruelty in West Bengal
Jingoism may enrich patriotic mediapersons, but it destroys a nation, writes Jawhar Sircar.
WBBSE Madhyamik class 10 results 2025 released: Direct link to download scorecards here
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has declared the Class 10th (Madhyamik) 2025 results today, May 2. Students can download their scorecards from 9:45 AM via official websites using roll number and date of birth. Physical mark sheets will be distributed to schools at 10:00 AM. The exams were held from February 1022, 2025.
WB Board Class 10th Result 2025 Live, WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Result 2025: This year, more girls than boys appeared for the West Bengal Class 10 board exams, with 5,55,950 female candidates out of a total of 9,84,753.
West Bengal Class 10 Result Releasing Today, Check Direct Link Here
WB West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2025: The mark sheets will only be available from 9.45am onwards as notified by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) will announce the Class 10 Madhyamik results on May 2, 2025, at 9:00 am, accessible via official websites. This year saw a significant rise in female participation, with over 5.5 lakh girls registered.
WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Result 2025 Live Updates: Result To Be Announced At 9am
WB Board Class 10th Result 2025 Live, WBBSE Madhyamik 10th Result 2025: This year, more girls than boys appeared for the West Bengal Class 10 board exams, with 5,55,950 female candidates out of a total of 9,84,753.
Sikkim: Search intensifies for missing tourist on Goechala trail
Guwahati: A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the challenging terrain of West Sikkims Gyalshing district for a tourist who went missing along the popular Goechala trekking route. Reports indicate that Sandeepan Roy, 31, from West Bengal, went missing on April 21st while trekking with a group of six other tourists and [] The post Sikkim: Search intensifies for missing tourist on Goechala trail appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Odisha devotees demand removal of Jagannath Dham label from Digha temple
Bhubaneswar: A strong resentment is brewing among devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha over the West Bengal governments portrayal of the newly inaugurated Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, with at least two former members of the 12th-century Puri shrines managing committee demanding the withdrawal of what they call a self-styled title. While many Hindu pundits, []
Kolkata hotel fire: Mamata Banerjee promises strict action against fire safety violators
Following a devastating fire in a Burrabazar hotel that claimed 15 lives, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has promised stringent action against those responsible. Kolkata Police have arrested the hotel owner and manager, while Banerjee has formed a committee to investigate fire safety compliance.
MUMBAI: MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the Centre's move to include caste enumeration in the next census, but claimed the decision was taken to divert people's attention from the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Talking to reporters here, Raut said the timing of the caste enumeration decision was suspect as it was taken just a week after the terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Pahalgam town, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were massacred. The Rajya Sabha MP claimed said the decision was taken to divert people's attention when the BJP-led government at the Centre was facing questions over the April 22 carnage. On Wednesday, the Centre announced that caste enumeration will be a part of the next population census, with the inclusion of caste details for the first time since independence hailed by the BJP and its allies as a historic step to help design ruly equitable and focused policies. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA). Raut emphasised that caste census is an issue linked to social justice. This decision is important in terms of the bahujan (people in majority) population. Even if the Cabinet (CCPA) has taken the decision (on caste enumeration), the people, the country, Dalits, oppressed and underprivileged society are giving Rahul Gandhi credit for it, he asserted. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, whose party is an ally of the Congress, pointed out that Gandhi has been consistently raising the issue of caste-based census for the last ten years. The government had to budge, he insisted, noting that credit for the move must be given to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Raut said the decision was taken ahead of the assembly polls in Bihar (due in late 2025) and West Bengal (2026). The Rajya Sabha MP contended the BJP had been opposing a caste-based census. Raut welcomed NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar's remarks favouring a rapprochement between estranged cousins - Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena head Raj Thackeray. Pawar, an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT), on Wednesday said it will be good if the two families (Thackeray cousins) come together. Raut maintained Uddhav Thackeray was very positive about political reunion with his estranged cousin Raj, who walked of the united Shiv Sena in 2005 and formed his own outfit the next year. Centre gave headline but where is deadline: Congress on govt's caste census move
CBI takes NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya on four-day remand
PATNA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday took Sanjeev Kumar Singh , alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, on a four-day remand for interrogation in connection with the NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak case. Mukhiya, the alleged mastermind behind several question paper leak rackets, was arrested from Patna last Friday. CBI special judge Sunil Kumar-2 granted the four-day remand after a petition was filed seeking his custody for interrogation in the undergraduate medical entrance exam case. Although the CBI had requested a seven-day remand, the court granted only four. Mukhiya, a native of Bihars Nalanda district, is believed to be at the centre of an inter-state solver gang involved in leaking question papers of various national-level exams. We hope to get substantial clue in the medical entrance exam question paper leak case, said an investigating officer on condition of anonymity. During an earlier interrogation by Bihar Polices Economic Offences Unit (EOU), Mukhiya reportedly claimed that he had helped several politicians, doctors and government officers by securing medical college seats for their children. He also confessed to maintaining connections with teachers at private coaching institutes, who would send candidates to him. He disclosed that the leaks were carried out in collusion with certain printing press employees. As soon as his men would inform him about question of a particular examination being printed in a press, he would start his work and contact them, the officer said. Mukhiya would allegedly offer hefty bribes to gain access to the papers. NTA initiates action against Telegram, Instagram channels claiming NEET-UG question paper leak Once the question papers were dispatched from the press, his men coordinated with carrier agents. The examination centre authorities were reportedly aware of only two locks on the boxes carrying the question papers, while Mukhiya had access to a third hidden lock. He would open the boxes, make xerox copies of the papers, reseal them carefully, and send them to the examination centres without raising suspicion. The xeroxed question papers were solved by his solver teams and passed on to the candidates before the exams. For the NEET-UG examination, the gang charged between Rs 40 to 50 lakh per candidate. Mukhiya claimed to have strong connections in examination rackets operating in Dehradun, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Gurugram, Noida and Gandhinagar. We used to take help of each other in our work, an investigating officer quoted him as saying. Revealing his personal motivation, Mukhiya reportedly told interrogators that he entered the question paper leak business to accumulate enough money to make his wife an MLA and eventually an MP. He said he had expanded his network to states including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal. Additional Director General (ADG) of EOU, Naiyar Hasnain Khan, said information had been sought regarding the cases registered against Mukhiya in other states. We have shared relevant information to police officers of different states where Mukhiya has been links, Khan said. The ADG clarified that Mukhiya was arrested from an apartment near Saguna Mor under Danapur police limits in connection with the Bihar constable and teachers recruitment exam leak cases being probed by the states investigating agency. Mukhiya also confessed during interrogation that his son, Dr Shiv Prakash, and his associate, Rocky, were active members of the gang. He admitted to his involvement in leaks of question papers of NEET, BPSC, and constable recruitment exams in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Rajani Shaw, wife of detained BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, sought answers in Pathankot regarding her husband's situation in Pakistan. BSF officers in Firozpur assured her that Purnam was safe and his release was likely soon, with talks underway with Pakistan Rangers.
Mamata Banerjee Visits Fire-Ravaged Hotel, Promises Action Against Guilty
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the fire-ravaged hotel in central Kolkata and announced that those responsible for the death of 14 people will not be spared.
Lost at Sea: BITM's new gallery spotlights ocean conservation crisis
The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) is set to inaugurate 'Lost at Sea' gallery on May 2, highlighting the critical role of oceans and the threats they face. This initiative by the National Council of Science Museums aims to promote ocean conservation through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
Jadavpur University has significantly enhanced its library facilities for visually impaired students with a Rs 40 lakh upgrade. This initiative, funded by Rotary International and alumni, provides advanced tools and resources, benefiting 150 JU students and others. The upgraded library features Braille displays, scanners, audiobook players, and improved accessibility, addressing previous limitations and fostering inclusive education.
West Bengal Class 10 Result 2025 To Be Out On May 2: All You Need To Know
WB West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2025: This year, more girls than boys appeared for the West Bengal Class 10 board exams, with 5,55,950 female candidates out of a total of 9,84,753.
Kolkata hotel turns gas chamber: Mayor vows to demolish all illegal Rituraj structures
Following a tragic fire that claimed 14 lives, attention has refocused on Kolkata's Burrabazar, a notorious ed zone plagued by illegal constructions and fire safety violations. The KMC acknowledges the area's lawlessness, where officials face threats and residential buildings are converted into commercial spaces without approval.
Rituraj Hotel fire: Owner, manager held for culpable homicide after 14 deaths in Kolkata blaze
In Kolkata, police arrested Akash Chawla and Gaurav Kapoor. Chawla owns Rituraj Hotel. Kapoor is the manager. The arrests follow a devastating fire. The fire at the hotel resulted in 14 deaths. Authorities have registered a case. The case is under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It also includes provisions of the Fire Services Act.
Couple leaves Kolkata hotel briefly, returns to find kids killed in fire
A devastating fire at Kolkata's Rituraj Hotel claimed 14 lives, including a 3-year-old boy, his 10-year-old sister, and their grandfather. The Tamil Nadu-based family was on vacation and preparing to leave Kolkata when tragedy struck. Parents T Prabhu and M Madhumita had briefly left the hotel to buy food, returning to find the third floor engulfed in flames.
IMD: May to have more heatwave days
NEW DELHI: Most parts of the country are likely to experience seven days of heatwave in May against the normal four, and above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. However, above-normal rainfall could help prevent the kind of extreme heat recorded last year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, The number of heatwave days this May is expected to be higher than normal by one to four days across large parts of the country, particularly in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal. Some areas of Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, adjoining Telangana and north Karnataka are also expected to see above-normal heatwave days, he said. Normally, different parts of the country, except the southwest Peninsular India, experience one to three days of heatwave in May. Mohapatra said, Most parts of the country are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, except for some areas in northwest, central and northeast India. Heatwaves carry significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions, who are more prone to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heatstroke, exhaustion Heatwaves carry significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions, who are more prone to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Tyre makers, Rubber Board to improve skills, infra for farmers
GUWAHATI, April 30: A joint initiative of tyre manufacturers and the Rubber Board of India has been rolled out across the Northeast region and West Bengal to improve the quality of rubber farmers produce by imparting training and building infrastructure over the next five years, officials said on Wednesday. The programme is a part of []
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh meets West Bengal CM Mamata at Digha Jagannath temple, draws party ire
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said that Dilip Ghoshs visit does not have endorsement of the party.
BSF jawans wife hopeful of return after Ferozepur visit
Dilip meets Didi after offering prayers; personal call, says BJP
iSPEED: India launches Rs 145 crore rubber skilling and production boost drive
INROAD has launched iSPEED, a Rs 145 crore initiative, to benefit over 2 lakh smallholder rubber farmers in Northeastern states and West Bengal. The five-year project aims to enhance skills, deploy modern infrastructure, and improve quality standards. It includes setting up 3,000 smokehouses and installing 3,000 sheet rolling machines to boost rubber production and farmer incomes.
Jagannath prasad, idol photo from Digha temple to reach all homes: Mamata
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday entrusted the state information and cultural affairs department with the responsibility of ensuring that the pictures of the idol of Lord Jagannath and the prasad from the Digha temple in East Midnapore district are sent to every home in West Bengal. Apart from that, the pictures of the deity []
High-level committee will probe Kolkata hotel fire, says Mayor Firhad Hakim
KOLKATA : Mayor Firhad Hakim on Wednesday said a high-level inquiry committee will be formed to probe the devastating fire that claimed 14 lives in a Kolkata hotel. The committee will comprise the municipal commissioner and senior officials from the fire brigade and police, Hakim said after visiting the spot. Proceedings will be initiated against anyone found responsible, he added. Police commissioner Manoj Verma told reporters that 14 people died and 13 were injured in the fire at the hotel located in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar. Hakim, who is also West Bengal's Municipal Affairs and Urban Development minister, claimed that 15 persons succumbed in the blaze. He said the city police authorities were in touch with the families of the deceased. We will make arrangements for sending the bodies in accordance with the wishes of the family members of the deceased, he said. The minister said compensation will be given to the kin of the deceased. Stating that all those who died in the fire have been identified, Hakim said police officers were in touch with the family members of the deceased. Responding to allegations of illegal construction at the hotel, Hakim said such issues are often only highlighted after a tragedy occurs. Why are complaints not raised when violations take place? he questioned, drawing a comparison to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Just like terrorists' houses are blown up only after the killings, action on such claims of illegal structures seems to come only after loss of life. However, BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh levelled serious allegations, claiming illegal constructions were allowed in the hotel and that a bar was being set up on the premises with tacit approval from top officials in the municipal corporation. There are countless complaints of illegal construction across the city, but rarely is any action taken, Ghosh said at NRS Hospital, where some victims were admitted. Inquiry committees are formed after every major incident, but nothing ever comes of them, he added. Blaze turns Kolkata hotel into death trap; guests jump, scream as flames engulf building
Temple politics heats up in Bengal as Mamata inaugurates Jagannath Dham amid BJP fire
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Jagannath Dham Temple in Digha amid political controversy. The BJP criticized the temple's state funding, calling Banerjee a fake Hindu and accusing her of minority appeasement. TMC leaders defended the project, questioning the BJP's definition of Hinduism. The Rs 250 crore temple project, envisaged by Banerjee in 2018 and built over 20 acres, was personally overseen by the chief minister who visited the site twice in the run-up to the inauguration.
Bengal CM Mamata inaugurates Jagannath Temple in Digha
A new Jagannath Temple was inaugurated in Digha on Wednesday by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The opening coincided with Akshay Trithiya, a day considered auspicious.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised the West Bengal government following a deadly fire in Kolkata's Burra Bazar, likening the area to a 'Laksha Griha' due to repeated incidents and alleged negligence. He blamed the state leadership and fire brigade officials, while acknowledging the central government's ex-gratia relief announcement.
Kolkata: The BJPs Information Technology cell chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya Wednesday morning issued a loaded message on the devastating fire at a hotel on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata and asked if the people of West Bengal were bearing the consequences of Mamata Banerjees attempt to []
CHANDIGARH: The accidental crossing of a BSF constable into Pakistani territory has become a diplomatic dead end, as Pakistan Rangers have suspended all flag meetings with Indian forces in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack . With backchannel talks also going nowhere, the return of constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, detained since April 24, remains uncertain. Shaw, a personnel of the 182 Battalion, inadvertently crossed into Pakistani territory on April 24 and was subsequently detained by the Pakistan Rangers. Under normal circumstances, such incidents are resolved swiftly through flag meetings. However, with the current diplomatic freeze, even efforts through formal channels have not yielded any results, a senior official said on condition of anonymity. The Pakistan Rangers have halted all flag meetings with the BSF. Had the situation been normal, the constable would have returned the same day. With diplomatic engagement also nearly suspended, the delay in Shaws return continues, the official said. BSF has lodged a formal protest with the Pakistan Rangers. A protest note was sent to the sector commander, but the Pakistani side has remained non-committal regarding Shaws whereabouts or a timeline for his return. Notably, four to five flag meetings had already taken place before the suspension. Sources indicate that Shaw is believed to have been moved to a Rangers base along the Lahore-Amritsar sector. Meanwhile, Rajni Shaw, the constables wife, travelled from West Bengal to Punjab on Monday to follow up on the matter with senior officers of the BSFs Western Command. On Tuesday evening, she was informed that the scheduled flag meeting for Wednesday had been cancelled. In the past, incidents involving inadvertent border crossings by soldiers were typically resolved through flag meetings, with the personnel returned promptly. Separately, the deadline for Pakistani nationals on short-term and medical visas to leave India ended yesterday. A total of 887 Pakistani nationals have returned via the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in the last six days, including 110 on Tuesday alone. Since April 24, around 1,491 people including Indian nationals and Pakistani nationals with a No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) certificate and Long-Term Visas (LTV) have entered India through the ICP at Attari. Of these, 470 people crossed into India on Tuesday itself.
Kerala top in health & education, but poor in fiscal segment
KOCHI: Kerala secured the top position in social indicators, which include health and education, but stood at a poor 15th spot among 17 large states in the fiscal segment, in the ranking of states released by CareEdge Ratings, a leading credit rating agency, on Tuesday. Kerala ranked seventh in the composite ranking, which captures seven key pillars economic, fiscal, infrastructure, financial development, social, governance and environment covering 50 indicators. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka were top three in composite ranking, while Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Haryana were in the fourth, fifth and sixth spots, respectively. Andhra Pradesh (8), Odisha (9), Punjab (10), Chhattisgarh (11), Rajasthan (12), West Bengal (13), Uttar Pradesh (14), Madhya Pradesh (15) and Jharkhand (16) figured after Kerala. Bihar (17) was at the bottom of the table. Kerala excelled in the social rankings occupying the top spot. Within social indicators, while Kerala scored strongly across the health and education related indicators, it lagged on the employment front, said Rajani Sinha, chief economist, CareEdge Ratings. Social pillar comprises education (gross enrolment ratio in secondary education, literacy rate), health (infant mortality rate, life expectancy), labour (unemployment rate) and poverty (multidimensional poverty index), which are critical for attaining sustainable and inclusive growth. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra were placed second and third in social segments. The bottom three states were UP (15), MP (16) and Bihar (17). The worrying segment for Kerala is the fiscal pillar, which includes budget deficit (fiscal deficit, budget deficit), debt repayments, guarantees (total outstanding liabilities as a percentage of GSDP, revenue deficit as a percentage of GSDP), debt repayments (total outstanding liabilities-% of GSDP), interest expenses, revenue generation capacity, debt management and others. Kerala fared poorly on the fiscal pillar, ranking 15th, among large states. This can be attributed to a weaker score for budget deficits, debt, and quality of spending. Going ahead, focus on improving the states fiscal health remains critical, said Ranjani. She said at the 9th position, Kerala fared better in the financial development segment compared to states like UP, MP, Odisha and Gujarat due to credit disbursements by banks and loans to self-help groups. Kerala stood 11th in the economy pillar, which takes into consideration GSDP growth, inflation and investments. Top three performers were Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra. A segment where Kerala came in top five was infrastructure, comprising physical infrastructure such as per capita power availability, air passenger traffic, road density, railway, etc, and social infrastructure, including availability of doctors and pupil teacher ratio. Keralas ranking on seven pillars Economic 11 Fiscal 15 Financial Development 9 Infrastructure 5 Social 1 Governance 8 Environment 7 Composite ranking 7 Top composite rankers Maharashtra Gujarat Karnataka
What is the controversy over Bengal school scam? | Explained
Why were hundreds of teachers of State-run schools protesting outside the West Bengal School Service Commission? Has the list of tainted and untainted candidates been made public?
A devastating fire at Kolkata's Rituraj Hotel on Tuesday evening resulted in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives and left seven others injured. The blaze, which erupted around 8:15 p.m., prompted a large-scale rescue operation. An investigation is underway to determine the cause, while political parties criticize alleged fire safety lapses.
BSF lodges protest with Pakistan Rangers against Jawan's apprehension
NEW DELHI: Under instruction from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Border Security Force (BSF) has lodged a protest with Pakistan Rangers on the issue apprehension of a jawan a week back after he had mistakenly crossed over to the Pakistani side along the international border in Punjab, officials said on Tuesday. According to the officials, in case such an incident had occurred earlier, the matter would have been resolved quickly, but this time the Pakistan remained on-committal on the whereabouts and the date of return of the jawan. This has happened because of the rising India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack, they added. The BSF has also instituted an inquiry into the incident, where Constable PK Shahu of the 24th battalion was caught by the Pakistan Rangers on April 23 after the jawan inadvertently crossed the IB along the Ferozepur district. So far the two border guarding forces held four flag meetings, but there is no final word on his return and the protest note has been given to the sector commander of the Pakistan Rangers by the BSF, they said. The officials said that the jawan is understood to have been moved to a Pakistan Rangers' base along the Lahore-Amritsar sector and may be handed over to the BSF soon, as the neighbouring country's border guarding forces has maintained a stoic silence and have neither issued a protest note nor communicated about his condition. Social media handles from Pakistan had issued pictures of Shahu last week where he was seen blindfolded and sitting in a vehicle and standing under a tree with his rifle, magazine with bullets, belt and other belongings kept on the ground, they said The jawan was part of the 'Kisan Guard' that was deployed for the protection of Indian farmers who till their land near the border fence and the trooper apparently miscalculated the alignment of the IB and stepped on the other side to rest under a nearby tree from where he was apprehended by the Rangers, the officials said. Meanwhile, according to reports Shahu's pregnant wife and son reached Punjab on Monday and met senior officers of his unit, who assured her that he would be back soon, they said. Sahu hails from Rishra in Hooghly district of West Bengal.
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AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday declined to grant stay on a mega demolition drive undertaken in Ahmedabad's Chandola Lake area from where over 6500 residents, mostly Muslims, were detained on suspicion they were undocumented Bangladeshi nationals. A group of 18 residents of Chandola Lake had challenged the state government's drive to demolish their homes without any notice to the occupants as being unreasonable, illegal and arbitrary. Civic authorities and police in Ahmedabad launched the demolition drive on Tuesday. Justice Mauna Bhatt refused to stay the demolition drive after observing the dwellings of the petitioners were on the periphery of the water body and as per section 37 of the Land Revenue Code, such structures can be razed by the government, petitioners' lawyer Anand Yagnik said. The court observed that since the petitioners are illegal encroachers, relief from demolition cannot be granted to them. At the same time, the court noted that if any petitioners are covered under the government's rehabilitation and resettlement policies of 2010 and 2013, they can make a representation to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for consideration, he said. The residents of Chandola Lake moved the HC for stay on the illegal demolition on the grounds they were not issued any notice for eviction and demolition, and have lived in the area for the last six decades, having migrated to Ahmedabad from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal in the 1970s. The petitioners argued they had all necessary documents such as ration cards, election ID, and Aadhaar cards, and detention of their family members on suspicion of being Bangladeshi citizens was illegal. They claimed in the petition that they were not served any notice but only informed verbally regarding the initiation of the demolition drive. To carry out such an action without providing them alternative accommodation was against the mandate of law, they contended. To carry out the drive, a false and fraudulent narrative was created regarding the nationality of the petitioners as being Bangladeshis and some of their family members were detained, the petitioners maintained. Government Pleader GH Virk argued that matters concerning public safety and national security cannot be subordinated to procedural technicalities. The drive was being taken for maintaining the safety and security of the people of the state at large and also to protect national security, and hence it cannot be hounded by principles of natural justice, he said in his submission. The government counsel further submitted that the demolition was being carried out peacefully, with most structures already abandoned. As per a state government affidavit filed in the court, over the years, the area around Chandola Lake has allegedly become a hub for illegal activities -- ranging from flesh trade and narcotics trafficking to document forgery and even harbouring extremist elements. The state cited the recent arrest of four Bangladeshi nationals linked to an Al-Qaeda module with suspected connections to the lake area as a serious national security red flag. No legal development permissions were ever granted for any construction inside Chandola Lake, a notified water body, the affidavit stated.
West Bengal police arrest four Bangladeshi nationals for illegal entry
Barasat: Four illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were arrested in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district Tuesday, police said. They were nabbed from Motiganj in Bongaon near the India-Bangladesh border, an officer said. They were identified as Sumi Molla, Sabina Molla, Alifa Molla and Beflab Molla all in their mid-20s, he said. During interrogation, they told []
BJP vs Trinamool In Bengal Temple Politics And A Fake Hindu Jibe
A newly built temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath in the coastal town of Digha in West Bengal has become the centre of a political flashpoint between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government and the BJP.
West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 Out at scholarships.wbsed.gov.in How to check Results Here
West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 - The Result of Directorate of School Education West Bengal 2025 is released for NMMS at scholarships.wbsed.gov.in and all the concerned candidates can look up for the West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 online. All those who took the West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 (NMMS) can view their West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 through Online mode. Candidates will not be informed about the West Bengal NMMS Result 2025 through any offline modes. For more details on the West Bengal NMMS Result 2025, read this article.
West Bengal HS Class 12 Result 2025: Date, Time, How To Download Scorecard And Other Key Details
The WBCHSE will hold a press conference at Vidyasagar Bhavan in Kolkata on May 7 to declare the class 12 board exam results.
Five days on, Pakistan yet to communicate with India whereabouts of detained BSF jawan
The jawan, P.K. Sahu, a resident of West Bengal, had crossed four or five metres into Pakistan while accompanying farmers
Six days on, Pakistan yet to communicate with India whereabouts of detained BSF jawan
The jawan, P.K. Sahu, a resident of West Bengal, had crossed four or five metres into Pakistan while accompanying farmers
West Bengal Class 12 Result 2025 To Be Declared On May 7 This Time, Details Here
WBCHSE Class 12 Result 2025: The online scorecard will be provisional; students are advised to collect their original marksheets from their respective schools once they are issued.
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