Kolkata news

• West Bengal portals under ‘maintenance and audit’ freeze, citizen services crippled

  16-09-2026 22:01 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Several state government services have been unavailable since Monday. This disruption affects birth and death certificate downloads and online tax payments. Officials cite scheduled maintenance and audit of e-governance infrastructure at the data center. However, IT experts suggest a possible malware or ransomware problem. The affected websites are hosted on the State Data Centre, not NIC.
  
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• Bengal govt not for doles but reforms, says Suvendu

  17-09-2026 16:36 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  PM Awas Houses In Names Of Women, Says CM, Talks Tough On Child Marriage & Drug Abuse
  
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• Modi’s Jhargram jhalmuri moment goes full circle as stall owner celebrates PM’s birthday

  17-09-2026 15:37 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A roadside jhalmuri stall owner celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. He recreated the viral moment when the Prime Minister visited his shop. Photographs and social media posts marked this special personal tribute. Customers received larger portions of jhalmuri during the celebration. This event highlighted the stall's unexpected national fame.
  
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• PM Modi’s birthday to be celebrated as ‘Annapurna Divas’ in West Bengal every year: CM Suvendu Adhikari

  17-09-2026 13:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  West Bengal will observe Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday as Annapurna Divas annually.The Annapurna Yojana provides monthly financial assistance directly to women beneficiaries.This scheme ensures eligible women receive benefits without any intermediaries or corruption.The government is also preparing a list of beneficiaries for the PM Awaas Yojana.Measures are being taken to prevent teenage marriages and curb atrocities against women.
  
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• Top Maoist leader Asim Mandal arrested by Kolkata Police STF

  17-09-2026 11:03 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Kolkata Police STF apprehended Asim Mandal, a CPI (Maoist) central committee member. Mandal had evaded law enforcement for over fifteen years across forest belts. He was arrested in Patashpur, Purba Medinipur district, after a long search. The West Bengal BJP leader welcomed the successful apprehension of the Maoist leader. Authorities stated that extremist ideologies will not be tolerated within state borders.
  
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• Most-wanted Maoist leader Asim Mandal arrested by Kolkata Police STF

  17-09-2026 11:03 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Kolkata Police STF apprehended Asim Mandal, a CPI (Maoist) central committee member. Mandal had evaded law enforcement for over fifteen years across forest belts. He was arrested in Patashpur, Purba Medinipur district, after a long search. The West Bengal BJP leader welcomed the successful apprehension of the Maoist leader. Authorities stated that extremist ideologies will not be tolerated within state borders.
  
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• Flying to Kolkata for Durga Puja? Be ready to pay 71% more on Oct 16

  17-09-2026 10:58 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The median one-way fare into Kolkata for October 16, when Durga Puja begins, is Rs 14,117. The same routes cost Rs 8,259 for a departure next week. Kolkata is the only one of eight big metros where mid-October fares are running above mid-November fares. The increase applies only to flights coming into the city. Seats going out of Kolkata on the same day are priced normally.
  
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• ‘Inshallah’: How remarks in UPSC video landed Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano in soup

  17-09-2026 06:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  IPS officer Bushra Bano was transferred from Kharagpur to state armed police. This move followed criticism on social media regarding a video she posted. The video discussed her UPSC preparation and Aligarh Muslim University's role. Several users objected to her use of religious greetings instead of national ones. The government has not officially linked the transfer to the video controversy.
  
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• PM Modi, Ganesha and a cup of tea: Howrah puja pandal becomes political flashpoint

  16-09-2026 16:43 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A Ganesh Puja in Howrah has sparked a political row over its "Hindu Rashtra" theme. The pandal featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lord Ganesha, referencing "Chai Pe Charcha". Organizers stated the theme was a personal initiative and denied political links. Opposition leaders criticized the display, urging action from the BJP. The district BJP unit will discuss the matter and take appropriate action.
  
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• Reverse flow: Now, India set to export 700 tonnes of prized hilsa to Bangladesh

  15-09-2026 22:00 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In a surprising turn, India has significantly increased its hilsa fish exports to Bangladesh this year, altering the usual trading patterns between the neighboring nations. Most of the fish is harvested in Gujarat and dispatched via Bharuch port. Bangladeshi consumers are particularly interested in the variety from Gujarat, renowned for its exceptional egg yield. This situation highlights the dynamic changes in production and consumption trends in the region.
  
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• 70-year-old man detained as illegal Bangladeshi gets bail after 3 months in jail

  15-09-2026 20:48 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  An elderly man detained for three months was granted bail by a court. He produced documents proving his Indian citizenship and electoral roll inclusion. Police attempted deportation thrice, but the Border Security Force could not proceed. The court noted verified government records and his age before granting bail. He must remain within the court's jurisdiction and not tamper with evidence.
  
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• CU extends exam form deadline for Surendranath Law College, vice-president returns to campus

  15-09-2026 20:22 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  ‘Hybrid-Mode Classes On 8 Days To Settle Attendance Issue’
  
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• Your Local Scene: We sipped our way through a six-cup tea trail

  15-09-2026 08:16 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Last Friday, Chef Smriti Iyer showcased her innovative six-course menu that harmoniously paired vegetarian dishes with exquisite teas sourced from a Darjeeling estate. Each course was a delightful journey through distinct flavor profiles, artfully accompanied by local Kolkata ingredients such as Gondhoraj lebu and mustard oil. This culinary experience not only honored tea traditions but also evoked personal stories through food, creating lasting memories for attendees.
  
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• Padma Shri awardee teacher, colleague thrashed, abused in North Kolkata

  14-09-2026 04:14 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Two teachers were assaulted and abused by construction workers in North Kolkata. Debris from an under-construction building fell on them while returning from census duty. The teachers confronted workers who then allegedly turned hostile and intimidated them. One teacher attempted to record the scene but faced resistance from a worker. A case has since been registered by the police following the incident.
  
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• West Bengal's Marx, Lenin, Ho Chi Minh under road-renaming shadow

  13-09-2026 21:36 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A state panel will recommend renaming roads named after foreign leaders.Ho-Chi-Minh Sarani, Lenin Sarani, and Karl Marx Sarani are among those streets.The committee will consider cultural relevance for new names.Proposals for Biswa Bangla Sarani and Barasat bus stand are also being reviewed.Recommendations will be sent to the state assembly for final approval.
  
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• BSF rescues 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including children, from drowning in River Ganga

  13-09-2026 14:37 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Border Security Force troops rescued ten Bangladeshi nationals from the Ganga River.Their boat capsized in strong currents while crossing the Padma River.Alert BSF personnel launched a swift rescue operation after noticing people struggling.One infant was in critical condition but received immediate medical attention.All rescued individuals were safely handed over to Bangladesh Border Guards.
  
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• West Bengal Medical Council faces probe demands over fake degrees

  13-09-2026 08:34 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The West Bengal Medical Council is facing serious accusations from private hospital associations, who claim that it has granted licenses based on fake degrees. This has stirred concern among doctor organizations, who are calling for an exhaustive investigation into what they perceive to be a systemic issue with fraudulent practitioners.
  
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• 'Minimum infra, deviation from syllabus': West Bengal shuts down 252 madrasas, sends show-cause notices to 100

  13-09-2026 05:01 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  West Bengal's minority affairs department has issued closure notices to 252 madrasas. About 100 other madrasas received show-cause notices for non-compliance. This action follows a survey of unaided and unauthorized madrasas across the state. The department aims to ensure modern education for all students. Further verification and enforcement actions will continue.
  
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• Ranna Puja rush drives up hilsa prices, large sizes stay scarce

  12-09-2026 20:16 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  25 Cold Storages Have Hilsa Reserves: Traders
  
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• Adhikari recalls horrors of Partition, lashes out at Left & TMC

  12-09-2026 16:28 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  CM Invokes Plight Of Hindus In Bangladesh
  
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• Bengal to replace student mobile phone scheme with edu-specific devices: CM

  12-09-2026 16:15 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Move To Check Smartphone Addiction
  
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• Deep Dive: Is Kolkata ready for a true 1920s-style speakeasy?

  12-09-2026 07:57 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The city is borrowing pieces of the speakeasy format – a hidden door, a password, the allure of secrecy. But they aren’t staying true to word-of-mouth discovery. Here’s why
  
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• Phone access cut for UAPA, terror-law prisoners in Bengal jails

  12-09-2026 03:44 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In a controversial move, the government has prohibited serious offenders from making phone calls to their families. This decision comes after a prison inmate was found in possession of electronic devices, stirring outrage among prisoners and their loved ones. Critics argue that this broad ban unfairly punishes all inmates, which exacerbates feelings of loneliness and undermines familial bonds crucial for rehabilitation.
  
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• Little Magazine Festival 2026 to celebrate Bengal’s independent literary voices

  12-09-2026 03:33 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Kolkata International Foundation for Arts, Literature and Culture will host the Little Magazine Festival 2026. This event will bring together 25 little magazines and literary enthusiasts for a two-day celebration. The festival will feature discussions, poetry readings, and an exhibition of rare publications. It seeks to highlight the movement's role in nurturing emerging writers and alternative ideas. The initiative aims to strengthen Bengal's little magazine communities for the future.
  
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• Students ‘purify’ office of ‘Leftist’ VP after ouster

  11-09-2026 21:31 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In a dramatic turn of events, Surendranath Law College students celebrated the departure of their vice-principal after a brief detention period. They argued for the right to take their semester exams, despite not meeting attendance criteria. The vice-principal alleged she signed her resignation under pressure and sought a full investigation into the incident.
  
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• ‘Gangajal’ debut in West Bengal campus politics after V-P’s ‘forced’ resignation

  11-09-2026 21:31 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  In a dramatic turn of events, Surendranath Law College students celebrated the departure of their vice-principal after a brief detention period. They argued for the right to take their semester exams, despite not meeting attendance criteria. The vice-principal alleged she signed her resignation under pressure and sought a full investigation into the incident.
  
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• State grapples with yawning 23-8 gap between ‘old’ and ‘new’ universities

  11-09-2026 20:30 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  ‘Recruitment, Infra Development Actual Solution’
  
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• Congress names candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar assembly bypolls

  11-09-2026 19:39 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The Congress party has announced its candidates for upcoming West Bengal bypolls. Mohd Abdullahil Kafi will contest from Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan from Nandigram. Polling for both seats is scheduled for October sixth, with results on October ninth. These bypolls were necessitated by the resignations of previous MLAs. The notification was issued on September ninth, with nominations due by September sixteenth.
  
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• HC pulls up KMC over 42 ‘illegal constructions’, orders CBI probe

  11-09-2026 17:43 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  PIL Alleges Unaccounted Money, Scam Call Centres
  
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• Powerful explosion in TMC leader's house in Bengal; BJP claims bombs stored inside

  11-09-2026 14:04 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A large explosion severely damaged a house in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas. Police suspect a gas cylinder caused the blast, while locals allege bomb storage. The house belonged to Dwijen Mondal, who has not been seen recently. No casualties were reported from the significant structural damage. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
  
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