The Statesman Kolkata - March 16, 2025

In this issue

March 16, 2025

Indian student 'self-deports' from USA after visa revoked over Palestine protests

An Indian student who participated in pro-Palestine protests in the USA has \"self-deported\" herself after her student visa was revoked, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced.

1 min

RBI Reassures Jittery IndusInd Depositors

IndusInd Bank's financial health stable, no reason to panic: Reserve Bank

1 min

PM Modi's 3-hour podcast with AI researcher Lex Fridman to be released today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with renowned podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman in a three-hour long podcast that is due to be released on Sunday.

1 min

Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries

The Trump administration is said to be considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to news agencies.

1 min

18 Nuclear Power Plants Planned to Generate 13,800 MW: Govt Data

The Indian government proposes to build 18 more nuclear power reactors with a cumulative capacity of generating 13,800 MW of electricity and five sites have already been given in-principle approval, as per official documents.

1 min

Minority quota in K'taka government contracts sparks BJP pushback

In a controversial move that has sparked a strong pushback from the BJP, the Congress government in Karnataka has given the go ahead for a 4 per cent reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders, among other items, at its meeting held on Saturday.

1 min

ECI Calls Meeting for Discussion on Linking EPIC and Aadhaar

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has called a meeting for discussion on the linking of Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and Aadhaar on 18 March, sources said on Saturday.

1 min

Treasure trove from time of Sher Shah Suri recovered in West Burdwan village

This tranquil Mahanta Asthal Ashram, a mutt situated in the nondescript Ukhra village of Andal block of West Burdwan district is in the news these days after the recent discovery of its hidden treasures, which includes manuscripts of Ramayana, gold paintings and letters of Queen Victoria and land deed papers signed by emperor Sher Shah Suri.

1 min

Internet Suspended in Parts of Birbhum Till 17 March

Internet services have been suspended till 17 March at Sainthia town in Birbhum district of West Bengal following clashes between two groups.

1 min

Two-century-old traditional Durga Puja during Dol Utsav at Serampore

The traditional two-century-old Durga Puja, initiated by the pallibashi (local people) to invoke the powers and blessings of Goddess Durga during Dol Utsav, continues to be carried out by the local residents in Serampore.

1 min

Japanese technology to aid ₹3,000 cr river revival plan

The district authorities have kicked off a fresh survey for Rs 3,000-crore revitalisation project for the 'almost dying' Gandheswari and Dwarakeswar rivers flowing in two sides of the district town of Bankura.

1 min

Youth Arrested for Raping Minor in Cooch Behar

A youth was arrested on Saturday on charges of raping a six-year-old girl in Cooch Behar district during the Holi festival, which is popular as Dolyatra in West Bengal.

1 min

BJP Reshuffles, TMC Poaches in North Bengal

TMC dismisses BJP reshuffle, claims growing influence in Cooch Behar

2 mins

RSS effect: BJP overhauls state unit

In a significant organisational shake-up, the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated structural changes in line with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's directives.

1 min

Joka-Esplanade Metro gets nod for extension

In a major boost to connectivity, the Joka-Esplanade Metro Corridor has received a nod for extension in its length.

1 min

Domestic help found dead at football legend PK Banerjee's residence

A murder at the Salt Lake residence of legendary footballer PK Banerjee has sent waves across the township.

1 min

Vasant Utsav at Lahiri Baba's ashram

Lahiri Baba's ashram at Rajhat in Bandel, a convergence of all faiths and beliefs, sends out the message of love, communal harmony, a sense of oneness, and brotherhood through the presentation of a colourful Vasant Utsav.

1 min

Prime suspect in Belgharia firing incident arrested

Indal Yadav, an accused in a shootout incident in Belgharia has been arrested from Asansol on Friday afternoon.

1 min

Recovery of arms, ammunition during Operation Satark

The Eastern Railway RPF along with the GRPS personnel from Kamarkundu recovered arms, ammunition, and other incriminating articles from the possession of a suspicious individual at Janai Road railway station, under 'Operation Satark' on 13 March.

1 min

New rake examination point at Ranaghat yard

In a significant step towards improving freight movement, a new examination point for goods rakes was opened in Sealdah Division at Ranaghat Yard.

1 min

Won't apologise for my remarks: Humayun Kabir

The Trinamul Congress MLA, Humayun Kabir on Saturday replied to the show-cause letter issued to him by his party's disciplinary committee in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and made it clear that he won't apologise for his remarks protesting against the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikari's diatribe allegedly against Muslims MLAs belonging to the ruling party.

1 min

Abhishek holds virtual meet with leaders before state polls

A 10-minute video was played to train the leaders and dates given when the zilla, Anchaland ward committees of the party would be formed for cleansing the voter list of bogus and ghost voters

2 mins

Slapped, hit in custody; no reliance should be placed on my statements: Ranya Rao

Gold smuggling-accused actress Ranya Rao has alleged that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths repeatedly slapped and hit her during custody, and demanded she sign statements under threats that they will \"expose\" her stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.

1 min

Kerala CM Vijayan backs Stalin's conference against delimitation move

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday extended his support to the conference organised by his Tamil Nadu counterpart and DMK supremo MK Stalin in Chennai against the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies.

1 min

Kanimozhi, Prakash Raj slam Pawan Kalyan for U-turn on Hindi after aligning with BJP

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and film star Pawan Kalyan, making a U-turn on Hindi after teaming up with the BJP, has invited the ire and ridicule of politicians and celebrities as well as netizens opposed to the three-language formula of the BJP-led Union Government's New Education Policy.

1 min

KCR Attended Assembly For Two Days In 15 Months: Revanth

Launching a broadside against the Leader of the Opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy said in the past 15 months he has only attended Assembly for two days despite drawing an annual salary of Rs 57,84,144.

2 mins

Karnataka becomes the first state to try to decriminalise factory owners' compliance violations

Karnataka is the first state in the country to declare its intent to decriminalise employers' compliance violations, labour issues and removing criminal penalties for procedural lapses—something that can ease the stranglehold of the inspector raj and threats that hang over the heads of the factory owners like the proverbial Damocles sword.

2 mins

TN Budget 2025-26: Focus on Tamil, women's welfare & infra

DMK govt doubles down on language stance, says will meet funding shortfall from own resources

2 mins

Dhankhar planning to resume presiding over RS from 17 March: Jairam Ramesh

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar is planning to resume presiding over the Rajya Sabha from 17 March.

1 min

Supriya Sule Opposes Prevention of Unlawful Activities Bill

The law undermines the fundamental rights of citizens and would establish a police raj, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader said

1 min

Rajasthan Police boycott Holi celebrations; leaders urge CM to address their demands

Police personnel across several districts of Rajasthan boycotted Holi celebrations this year to draw attention to their demands.

1 min

Centre Has Been at Forefront of Fostering Sustainability Through Responsible Consumer Policies: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said sustainable lifestyle is key to addressing interconnected crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

2 mins

Blame Game

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Gujarat point to a persistent pattern that continues to plague the party – a refusal to confront hard truths and an over-reliance on scapegoating.

2 mins

Remove obstacles to rape investigation and trial

Mid nationwide protests against the surge in incidents of rape and harassment of women and girls, the interim government has pledged to amend relevant laws to expedite the trial process for rape cases.

2 mins

Preserving Glaciers

The melting of glaciers is a natural process. The recession or melting of glaciers is mainly caused by global warming and climate change. This rate of melting of glaciers cannot be prevented unless all factors responsible for global warming and climate change are controlled. There is high interdependence between glaciers located in the Himalayas and the energy security of India; 33 per cent of India's thermal capacity and 52 per cent of hydropower are dependent on water from rivers originating from the Himalayas

5 mins

The myth of Pakistan's stability

This is not how it works. The biggest folly that any wielder of power can fall prey to is to take their own power for granted.

4 mins

Women help themselves and their communities

Women in dozens of remote villages of Pali and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan have initiated a series of changes that contribute in significant ways not just to their increasing economic security but also to significant social reforms.

3 mins

In a first, 9 Tripura youths get nursing caregiver jobs in Japan

For the first time, nine youths from Tripura have got jobs in Japan as nursing caregivers and 60 more candidates would go to the East Asian country in the next financial year (2025-26) for work, officials said here on Saturday.

1 min

India Launches $1 Billion Fund for Creators, Announces Global WAVES Summit in Mumbai

The Centre has unveiled a USD 1 billion fund aimed at enhancing the emerging creators' economy in the country and has reached out to ambassadors from over 100 nations to invite their participation in the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) set to take place in Mumbai.

1 min

UP CM Yogi orders crackdown on land encroachment

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, directed officials to take immediate action to reclaim illegally occupied land belonging to the poor and enforce strict measures against encroachers.

1 min

Munger ASI Murder: 4 Including One Woman Arrested, Bihar Minister Calls for Expedited Trial

Four people, including a woman, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder case of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Santosh Kumar Singh in Munger, Bihar, said an official on Saturday.

1 min

Rape convict Asaram, on bail until 31 March, reaches Jodhpur from Indore

Rape convict Asaram arrived in Jodhpur on Saturday after being released on interim bail.

2 mins

KPCC chief DK Shivakumar asks Mahila Cong to shape up & perform

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday urged the women's wing of the party to prepare women candidates and be ready for the eventuality of the Women's Reservation Bill taking effect during the 2028 assembly elections in the state.

2 mins

Amit Shah witnesses transfer of Assam Rifles land to Mizoram

Home Minister describes the event as a significant milestone in Mizoram's development

2 mins

Mayawati Demands Caste Census, Describes Herself as Iron Lady

Reiterating her commitment to strengthen the Bahujan Samaj for their \"social change and economic liberation\" across the country, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on the birth anniversary of the party's founder and her mentor Kanshi Ram on Saturday again raised the issue of Caste Census.

1 min

UP BJP to announce district presidents today

After a long wait and days of suspense for the party workers and leaders, the Uttar Pradesh BJP is set to announce district and city presidents of the state on Sunday.

1 min

After Columbia arrests, international college students fall silent

In the span of a week, a hush has descended on higher education in the United States.

1 min

Appeals court lifts blocks on Trump's orders restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programmes

An appeals court on Friday lifted a block on executive orders seeking to end government support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, handing the Trump administration a win after a string of setbacks defending President Donald Trump's agenda from dozens of lawsuits.

1 min

Starmer tells global leaders to 'keep the pressure' on Putin over ceasefire in Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told allies to \"keep the pressure\" on Russian President Vladimir Putin to back a ceasefire in Ukraine, hailing Ukraine as the \"party of peace.\"

1 min

G7 Slams China's Growing Assertiveness in Indo-Pacific

The Foreign Ministers of the Group of 7 (G7) countries blasted China's dangerous maneuvers in South China as they wrapped up a three-day meeting in Quebec, Canada.

1 min

Head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed, Iraqi prime minister says

The head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed in Iraq in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service along with US-led coalition forces, the Iraqi prime minister announced Friday.

1 min

Hamas Will Release American-Israeli Hostage Only If Truce Agreement Is Implemented

Hamas wants the long-delayed talks on ceasefire's second phase to begin, end to aid blockade

2 mins

THDC India Ltd, CSPGCL & Chhattisgarh govt sign MOU

THDC India Limited (THDCIL), a leading Power Sector PSU, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) and the government of Chhattisgarh, for the development of a 1400 MW Pump Storage Based Hydro Electric Power Project at Dangari, District Jashpur.

1 min

REC signs ₹18,360-crore MoU with Kerala govt

REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has signed an MoU with the Energy Management Centre (EMC), government of Kerala, for collaboration and financing of Pumped Storage Projects in Kerala.

1 min

PM's scheme for mentoring young authors ~ PM-YUVA 3.0 ~ launched

The ministry of education, department of higher education, has launched PM-YUVA 3.0 - Prime Minister's Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors, an Author Mentorship programme to train young and budding authors (below 30 years of age) in order to promote reading, writing and book culture in the country, and project India and Indian writings globally.

1 min

Re-development of Shalimar Rly Station starts

Shalimar Railway Station is one of the major Railway Terminals of South Eastern Railway.

1 min

ICGS Saksham visits Port Victoria in Seychelles

Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham, an Offshore Patrol Vessel arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on March 25, for a three-day goodwill visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering regional partnerships.

1 min

India Outperforms Global Trade Average as Services Drive Exports

India outperformed global trade averages with services exports driving growth as total world trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, expanding 3.7 per cent, according to the latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

1 min

Railways Minister Vaishnaw inspects hyperloop pod development in Chennai

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected the work being done to develop a Hyperloop pod in Chennai.

1 min

Yet Another Upturn for Bangla Comics

Although the comics market is booming all across India, Bengali comics still have not garnered the attention they deserve.

3 mins

A spooky experience

I really enjoy experiencing new places. So, I decided to go to Purulia with friends during my vacation last summer.

2 mins

Fit-again Nitish Reddy to Join Sunrisers Hyderabad Camp

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has received a significant boost ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as all-rounder Nitish Reddy has successfully cleared a fitness test after recovering from a side strain injury.

1 min

India Continue To Dominate Special Olympics World Winter Games

India's remarkable run at the Special Olympics Winter Games continued on day three and four, with the athletes adding as many as 15 more medals to the tally.

1 min

IML 2025: Nostalgic showdown on the cards as India take on West Indies in final

The stage is set for a clash between two cricket Masters in the final of the inaugural edition of the International Masters League.

1 min

'You can't ignore': KKR's Venkatesh on Rs 23.75 cr price tag pressure

Ahead of the start of the IPL 2025 season, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer admitted that he feels the pressure of his hefty price tag of Rs 23.75 crore after being bought by the franchise in last year's mega auction.

2 mins

All England Open: Lakshya Sen loses to Shi Feng, crashes out in quarters

Indian star loses in straight games against reigning Asian Games champion in men's singles category

1 min

Unveiling Varanasi's unique celebrations

Being a city that is steeped in spirituality, Varanasi is known for its vibrant celebrations during the 'Rangbhari Ekadashi' and 'Masan Holi'.

2 mins

Isle Be There

Look beyond Mauritius' sensational scenery to delve deep into its poignant history.

3 mins

Sharjah shines!

As the cultural stronghold of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah has a wide range of attractions and activities on offer for every kind of traveller to make the most of.

4 mins

Salt Lake Point School: Inculcating Lasting Moral Values

Established in 1976, Salt Lake Point School offers education to children from kindergarten to twelfth standard. Located in Salt Lake in CD-249 near City Centre I, the school offers a quaint and calm environment for the children. The school got its ICSE affiliations in the year 1998.

3 mins

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The Statesman Kolkata is a daily broadsheet newspaper published by The Statesman Net Pvt Ltd in Kolkata, India. It was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in India. The newspaper is known for its in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and editorial independence.

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