NORTH BENGAL CONNECTIVITY
Buxa tigress captured in Assam after crossing into Raimona reserve for habitat exploration
BuxaRani, a tigress relocated from Buxa Tiger Reserve, was tranquilized and captured in Assam's Kokrajhar. After crossing the Sankosh river, the tigress entered Raimona National Park in search of suitable territory. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed coordination efforts with Assam's officials to ensure her return.
Why Does Bengal Worship Kali on Diwali While Some Communities Pray to Hanuman on Kali Chaudas?
As Kali Chaudas approaches on November 7, 2026, one question stands out: why do some devotees worship Lord Hanuman for protection during this period, while eastern India is known for its grand celebrations dedicated to Goddess Kali? The answer lies in the regional traditions and the way different communities observe the days around Diwali.
Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas? One Festival, Different Names—The Surprising Reason India Celebrates the Same Day Differently
Why is Naraka Chaturdashi called Choti Diwali in North India and Kali Chaudas in Gujarat? The same day is also known as Roop Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi and Deepavali in different regions. While these observances share a place in the Diwali festival period, their rituals and religious significance vary. Here is how the same lunar day takes on different meanings across India.
Bengal coordinates with Assam to bring back tigress that strayed into Raimona National Park
Manoj Oraon, West Bengal's Forest Minister, has revealed that the state is joining forces with Assam to recapture a tigress, which was initially released in Buxa Tiger Reserve to help bolster the local tiger numbers. After navigating across the Sankosh river, the tigress found its way into Raimona National Park.
Bengal shifts 12,000 people to safety, Assam monitors situation as GLOF hits adjoining Bhutan
West Bengal has taken precautionary measures by evacuating 12,000 residents from areas near the Sankosh River. This action follows a significant rise in water levels caused by a glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan. Authorities in Assam are closely monitoring vulnerable regions for potential impacts from the flood. National and State Disaster Response Force teams are prepared for rescue operations if necessary.
Banks must go beyond lending to unlock Bengal's industrial potential: NITI Aayog's Ashok Lahiri
NITI Aayog vice-chairman Ashok Lahiri emphasized the need for banks to facilitate connections between businesses and financial resources. He pointed out the low credit-deposit ratio in Eastern India, which hinders investment and economic growth. Lahiri highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure, industrial expansion, and the MSME sector. Banks could support smaller enterprises with structured credit facilities to help them grow.
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Bhutan GLOF washes away Gasa hot spring complex, damages highway; assessment underway
Sintaphu Lake in Bhutan experienced a glacial lake outburst flood that washed away a hot spring complex. The Punakha-Gasa highway also suffered significant damage, leading to road closures. Authorities are assessing the situation and advising avoidance of non-essential travel in affected areas. Precautionary evacuations were executed as floodwaters reached nearby communities. Flood advisory alerts were issued in India for regions along the Sankosh River.
Bhutan glacial lake outburst flood triggers alert in North Bengal; thousands relocated, disaster response teams deployed
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported at Lemthang in Bhutan, triggering a high alert across North Bengal as water flows downstream towards the Sankosh River. Authorities have urged residents along the river and its tributaries to move to safer locations. Around 4,000-5,000 people have been moved to shelters, while disaster response teams remain on alert amid concerns over possible flooding in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars.
Japan, Bangladesh widen BIG-B ambitions, bring India into focus
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on the BIG-B initiative. The initiative aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region. Japan is particularly interested in developing the Matarbari deep-sea port with Bangladesh's support. Both countries plan to expand supply chain networks linking India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Chorbagan stampede: Abhishek demands arrest of top functionaries of Durga Puja committee
Abhishek Banerjee has called for the interrogation of officials from the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee. Nineteen lives were lost in a stampede on October 17, raising concerns over the investigation. Banerjee questions the lack of accountability among committee leaders with political affiliations. The West Bengal government has set up a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Nearly 4,000 shelters set up, emergency forces on standby as Odisha, Andhra brace for cyclone Arnab
The Indian Railways cancelled at least 50 trains in the region as a precaution, while traffic restrictions were imposed on many coastal roads in the region. Two IndiGo flights connecting Vijayawada with Chennai and Bengaluru were also cancelled during the day.
In 75 hours, India’s longest train journey takes you across 4,188 km, from Assam’s tea gardens to Kanyakumari’s coastline; watch viral video
India's longest train journey, the Vivek Express, connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering around 4,188 km in approximately 75 hours. The journey takes passengers through several states, from Assam's tea gardens and the plains of Bengal to the cities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching the greener landscapes of Kerala and the southern coastline. Here is what travellers can see along the route and how to plan the trip.
High-voltage reality: ‘Data hubs need stable grids more than sops’
As states roll out the red carpet to attract private investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, delivering uninterrupted power to project sites from day one would be crucial for their success, they said.
Dussehra 2026 Across India: How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated in Different States
Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated differently across India, reflecting the country's rich regional traditions and religious customs. While North India observes Vijayadashami with Ramlila and Ravana Dahan, Bengal marks Vijaya Dashami with Durga Visarjan, Karnataka celebrates Mysuru Dasara, and Himachal Pradesh observes Kullu Dussehra with deity processions. This article explores how different states celebrate the festival and the unique traditions that make Vijayadashami significant across India.
October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Know Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates
October 2026 brings a packed Hindu festival calendar, beginning with Indira Ekadashi and Sarva Pitru Amavasya before Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11. The month features Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Vijayadashami, Dussehra, Papankusha Ekadashi, Kojagara Puja, Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth. Here is the complete list of October 2026 Hindu festival dates and major observances.
Dussehra 2026 Date: October 20 or 21? Check Vijayadashami Date, Vijay Muhurat and Ravana Dahan Time
Dussehra 2026: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, across much of India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana as well as Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Dussehra also marks the culmination of Sharad Navratri.
Is Dussehra 2026 a Good Time to Purchase Gold? Vastu Tips for Wealth and Prosperity
Dussehra 2026 is considered an auspicious occasion to buy gold, symbolising prosperity, success and new beginnings. Discover what Vastu Shastra says about purchasing gold on Vijayadashami, the recommended directions for keeping jewellery and valuables at home, traditional beliefs about auspicious timings, and essential buying precautions. Learn how to welcome the festival with faith while making practical, financially responsible decisions.
Dussehra 2026: Before Burning Ravana, Know These Important Rituals and Rules
Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on October 20. Know the Vijayadashami puja muhurat, the significance of Shami tree worship, traditional rituals performed before Ravana Dahan, and how Dussehra celebrations differ across India. The guide also explains the religious significance of Vijayadashami and why the auspicious timing of puja may differ from the schedule of local Ravana Dahan events.
Kolkata pandal stampede: At least seven persons arrested in connection with the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal
Kolkata pandal stampede: Authorities arrested several individuals connected to the stampede at Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. The incident resulted in 19 fatalities and many injuries needing treatment. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured in hospitals. Compensation for families of the deceased and injured has been announced by the state government.
Bengal CM hints at scrapping VIP gates at Durga Puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Following a tragic stampede during Durga Puja celebrations, Kolkata Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced reforms for crowd management. The government may ban VIP gates to ensure equal access for all puja revellers. A special investigation team will be formed to examine the incident's circumstances and police actions. Compensation will be provided to victims and their families, with a focus on improving future safety measures.
Are Durga Puja pandals near you in Kolkata open today? Check the list of closures & entry restrictions after Chorbagan stampede kills 19 and injures 25
Kolkata Durga Puja pandal closure news: Several major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, including Tala Prattoy, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojanin, have temporarily suspended entry following a stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin that killed 19 people and injured 25 others. Allen Park's show has also been cancelled, while police have arrested seven people and an SIT will investigate the incident.
Navratri 2026 vs Durga Puja 2026: Are They the Same Festival? Know the Key Differences
Navratri vs Durga Puja is a common question as both festivals fall around the same time in October. While both honour Goddess Durga and Shakti, their rituals and regional traditions are different. Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, while the main Durga Puja celebrations begin later in the month. Here’s the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja and why both are celebrated.
Chinese diplomats, a Bengali play and the Naxalbari mystery: New book revisits questions over Beijing's role
Chinese diplomats attended a politically charged play in Calcutta shortly before the Naxalbari uprising in 1967. The uprising led to questions regarding China's involvement in India's Maoist movement. Indian officials expressed concerns over Chinese diplomatic activities and their potential influence on unrest. The book 'Rebel Bastar' examines the deeper history of resistance in Bastar beyond the Maoist insurgency.
CBI arrests proclaimed offender Jharna Mistry in 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence murder case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested proclaimed offender (PO) Jharna Mistry, wife of co-accused Sanjay Mistry, in connection with a 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence murder case. The CBI said the accused had been absconding since the FIR was registered in 2021 and had never joined the investigation or trial. The agency had declared a cash reward for her arrest. The FIR was filed on allegations of murdering Sova R Mondal, the mother of the complainant.
Nitin Gadkari announces new expressway for north-east, proposed Gorakhpur to Meghalaya highway connecting UP, Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya to reduce travel time by half
Gorakhpur-Siliguri-Guwahati-Shillong expressway: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a Rs 61,500 crore, 630-km highway corridor connecting Siliguri, Guwahati and Shillong. A separate Gorakhpur-Siliguri expressway project is also planned to improve connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and the North East.
School assembly headlines for September 24: Top India, international, business and sport news
School assembly news for September 24 includes major weather alerts in India, developments at the United Nations, new medal achievements by Indian athletes at the Asian Games and banking and aviation updates. The key stories also include India’s growing solar capacity, international diplomatic discussions and measures being taken ahead of a nationwide bank strike.
Inspirational quote of the day by Mother Teresa: 'The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others.' - Powerful wisdom on achieving success, self-discipline, integrity and why you should practise what you preach
Quote of the Day by Mother Teresa: “The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others.” The quote highlights a simple but powerful idea: advice becomes meaningful only when we are willing to apply it to our own lives. Mother Teresa’s words encourage people to look inward, turn good intentions into action and ensure that their behaviour reflects the principles they recommend to others.
Mahua Moitra moves UN rights body over 'exclusion of Muslim officers' from Amit Shah's Bengal events
Mahua Moitra has written to the UN Special Rapporteur alleging discrimination against Muslim officers. Senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers were reportedly excluded from official events. These exclusions occurred during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visits to West Bengal. Moitra cited specific instances involving prominent officers and alleged religious bias. She urged the UN to investigate and ensure non-discriminatory practices in government functions.
Train passengers could be the biggest beneficiaries: India completes 2,843-km Dedicated Freight Corridor; how shifting goods trains to separate tracks could change rail travel
India’s Dedicated Freight Corridor network, spanning 2,843 km, is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The network is designed to ease congestion on existing railway lines, enabling freight trains to operate with greater speed and reliability. The DFC is expected to improve India’s logistics efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and encourage a shift in freight transportation from roads to railways.
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