The Statesman Kolkata - March 18, 2025

In this issue

March 18, 2025

Justice Joymalya Bagchi sworn in as SC judge, hails from Calcutta HC

Justice Joymalya Bagchi on Monday was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

1 min

Mamata Announces Development Projects at Furfura Sharif

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attended an iftar party at Furfura Sharif today in the presence of Pir Zadas from the revered site.

1 min

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb shakes up Maharashtra politics

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on the floor of the Maharashtra assembly on Monday that the state government will protect Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar but will never allow the glorification of the long dead emperor, after he faced repeated calls for the removal of the grave by BJP members.

2 mins

SC notice to Centre on PIL on transparency in CAG's appointment

The Supreme Court, on Monday, issued a notice to the Central government on a public interest plea (PIL) seeking an independent and transparent process for the selection of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) free from government influence, instead of the prevailing system of the Central government alone appointing the head of the country's audit and accounts department.

1 min

China Appreciates PM Modi's Remarks on Sino-Indian Ties

China on Monday appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's \"positive remarks\" on Sino-Indian ties.

1 min

PM Shares Concerns Over 'Anti-India' Elements in NZ

Alluding to the anti-India activities of Khalistan elements in the Pacific island nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon New Delhi's concern over such activities while asserting that the two countries are firmly opposed to the menace of terrorism.

2 mins

US President Trump Shares Modi's Podcast on Social Media Platform

President Donald Trump has shared Prime Minister Narendra Modi's podcast with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, in which the PM commended the leadership of the American President, on his social media platform, Truth Social.

1 min

Asansol division reports 8.34 per cent rise in freight loading, boosting infrastructure and agriculture

The Asansol Division of Eastern Railway has achieved significant progress in operational performance from 1 April 2024 to 16 March 2025, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in freight and passenger services.

1 min

VHP Warns of Potential Clashes in Bengal During Ram Navami, Urges Government Action

With Ram Navami approaching on 6 April, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised concerns over potential communal clashes in West Bengal, citing recent incidents in Birbhum and other parts of South Bengal.

1 min

RPF Arrests 11 Illegal Migrants, Two Agents at Dharmanagar and Agartala Stations

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway arrested 11 illegal migrants and two Indian agents during checks at Dharmanagar and Agartala railway stations in February.

1 min

CPM protests against BJP, TMC over 'communal rhetoric'

CPM urged Mamata Banerjee to act against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari and TMC's Humayun Kabir for alleged communal remarks in the Assembly, vowing to continue protests demanding accountability and action

3 mins

New fuelling points at Chitpur and Ranaghat boost Sealdah suburban train services

Aiming to enhance operational efficiency by reducing costs, the Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway has introduced a measure of decentralising the fuelling process for diesel locomotives.

1 min

Monk, disciple of Bharat Sevashram Sangha die in Bagnan road crash

A tragic road accident on National Highway 16 in Bagnan, Howrah, claimed the lives of a monk and a disciple of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, leaving five others injured.

1 min

Speculation Grows Over TMC MP Santanu Sen's Suspension After Virtual Party Meet

Discontent appears to be brewing within the Trinamul Congress following the alleged participation of suspended MP Santanu Sen in a virtual meeting convened by the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday.

1 min

BJP Pushes for Taslima Nasreen's Return to Kolkata Before 2026 Polls

Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly planning to bring back Taslima Nasreen, a vocal critic of Muslim fundamentalism, to Kolkata.

1 min

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak wins 2025 Holberg Prize, CM Mamata Banerjee hails achievement

Renowned literary theorist and scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Holberg Prize, one of the highest international honours in humanities and social sciences.

2 mins

Trinamul disciplinary committee not satisfied with the rebel MLA Humayun's reply

The Trinamul Congress disciplinary committee headed by Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly is not satisfied with the reply of the party's rebel MLA Humayun Kabir and has asked him to appear before the committee physically on Tuesday.

2 mins

Trinamul to address duplicate epic, fake adhaar in parliament

The party submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding details on the number of duplicate EPIC cards and a state-wise breakdown

1 min

Temple clash claims one life, tension grips Khandaghosh

An elderly man died during a clash that erupted over the control of a temple at a village in Khandaghosh today.

1 min

JIS University to host the prestigious association of Indian Universities (aiu) Vice Chancellors Conference 2024-25

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a cornerstone of higher education in India since its establishment in 1925, will host the upcoming East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet 2024-2025.

1 min

A cache of arms seized by STF, one nabbed

Special Task Force of Kolkata police today in a raid conducted at the crack of dawn at Sealdah station unearthed a huge cache of arms and ammunitions, while arresting a person allegedly in connection with the alleged haul.

1 min

NCW Raises Alarm Over Rising Cases of Missing Girls and Early Marriages in Hooghly

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has voiced serious concern over the alarming increase in the number of missing minor girls and cases of early marriages among school-going students in Hooghly district.

1 min

RG Kar Case: SC allows victim's parents to approach Calcutta HC

The Supreme Court on Monday granted the parents of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case the liberty to approach the Calcutta High Court, where their plea is already filed.

2 mins

Ruckus in Bihar assembly over law and order and attack on cops

Opposition parties launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar both inside and outside the Bihar Assembly as the House resumed proceedings on Monday after a break for the festival of Holi.

1 min

MSU to take disciplinary action against Vadodara hit-and-run accused Rakshit Chaurasia

The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Vadodara has decided to initiate disciplinary action against Rakshit Chaurasia, the accused in the Vadodara hit-and-run case that left a woman dead and seven others injured.

1 min

Punjab Guv Kataria bids adieu to royal schoolmate Arvind Singh Mewar

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria paid floral tributes to the scion of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Arvind Singh Mewar who was an old associate of decades.

1 min

Prez: Update Knowledge About Technological Developments

President Murmu told the Naval officers to adopt an innovative approach to make inventory management and service delivery systems seamless and effective

1 min

Uttarakhand min sacked over 'Paharis' remarks not new to controversies

Four-time BJP MLA Premchand Agarwal, who resigned as the Uttarakhand finance minister recently over his alleged anti-Pahari comments, has had a chequered past with many controversies surrounding him.

2 mins

Senior IPS officer Manish Shanker Sharma passes away

Senior IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, Manish Shanker Sharma (58), passed away in New Delhi late evening on Sunday while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

1 min

Bombay HC Discharges Gautam Adani in Market Manipulation Case

The Bombay High Court discharged Adani Enterprises Ltd Group Chairman Gautam Adani and Managing Director Rajesh Adani on Monday from a case of alleged violations of capital market regulations which supposedly involved Rs 388 crore.

2 mins

Congress Walkout in MP Assembly Over Encounter Killing

Alleging that the police in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh killed an innocent tribal in the name of being a naxalite in a fake encounter, Opposition Congress MLAs on Monday staged a walkout in the state assembly.

1 min

Govt robbing public by not reducing fuel prices

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre over fuel prices, saying the ruling dispensation is \"robbing\" the public by not reducing the prices of petrol and diesel despite falling prices of crude oil.

1 min

BJP Condemns Karnataka Govt's Proposal for 4 pc Muslim Quota in Govt Tenders, Calls it 'Act of Vote-Bank Politics'

The BJP on Monday condemned the Karnataka government's proposal for a 4 per cent Muslim reservation in government tenders, calling it \"unconstitutional and an act of vote-bank politics\".

1 min

Language Is Not For Hating: AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said language was not for hating and batted for learning as many languages as possible, including Hindi for communication and earning a livelihood, but underscored the importance of learning through the mother tongue.

1 min

TN liquor scam: BJP protest foiled, Annamalai and functionaries arrested; DMK Minister charges ED of weaponising ED

Foiling the protest of the BJP to highlight the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state-owned monopoly liquor retailer, TASMAC, unearthed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Chennai police arrested party functionaries including state president K Annamalai, former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan preventing them from proceeding to the protest venue at Egmore in the city.

1 min

Munambam land issue: Kerala HC strikes down state govt order appointing inquiry commission

The Kerala High Court on Monday set aside a state government order appointing an inquiry commission to find a permanent solution in the dispute between the Munambam residents and the Waqf board.

1 min

Telangana CM Urges PM Modi to Approve Quota Bills

The two Bills were passed by the state Legislative Assembly

2 mins

Furore in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over police officer 'kicking' a woman protester

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Monday as members criticised the incident of a police officer 'kicking' a tribal woman protester after the recovery of bodies of two missing youths in the Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

1 min

CM Sukhu Presents Populist HP Budget of ₹58,514 Cr; Deficit May Touch ₹10,338 Cr

With the focus on strengthening the rural economy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday presented a tax-free budget for 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs 58,514 crore in the State Legislative Assembly.

1 min

Bollywood socialite Orry, 7 others booked for 'consuming' alcohol at sacred Vaishnodevi base town

Bollywood socialite Orry (Orhan Awatramani) and his seven friends, including three women, have been booked by the J&K Police for 'consuming alcohol' in a hotel at Katra, the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage base camp.

1 min

Haryana Chief Minister Presents ₹2.05-lakh cr Budget

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the charge of the Finance Ministry, presented the annual state budget of Rs 2.05 lakh crore on Monday for the Financial Year-2025-26 (FY 25-26) with focus on making the state 'future capable' by invigorating every sector - from agriculture to the sector of emerging technologies such artificial intelligence (AI).

2 mins

Terrorist Killed in Ongoing Gun Battle in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara

A terrorist was killed on Monday and an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were recovered in an ongoing operation in J&K's Kupwara district, officials said.

1 min

Arrogance

SIR, This has reference to the article \"Isolate America\" by Govind Bhattacharjee (The Statesman, 12 March). The writer has highlighted a very contentious issue.

1 min

Future-proofing our last frontier

Palawan, the country's last frontier, deserves all the protection it could get against all sorts of environmental threats that endanger its unique flora and fauna.

2 mins

Shutdown Averted

The recent passage of a Republican-led stopgap spending bill has once again highlighted the deep divisions within the American political landscape.

2 mins

A Trumpian Order

In an act that warmed the hearts of his ultra-rich backers, on his first day in office, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement, freeing the US and its oligarchs from all obligations to mitigate climate change. Also, the Trump administration fired thousands of employees from the Environmental Protection Agency, withdrew support for any research that mentioned climate change, purged government websites hosting climate data, and barred federal scientists and diplomats from attending a key global climate event in China

5 mins

Trump Clear About Commitment to Defeating Islamist Terrorism Threat

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday reiterated US President Donald Trump's commitment to defeating the threat of Islamist terrorism that she said continues to pose a direct threat to American people.

2 mins

Trump Administration Deports Hundreds of Immigrants Despite a Judge's Ruling to Stop

The Trump administration transferred hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador even as a federal judge issued an order temporarily barring the deportations under an 18th-century wartime declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members, officials said Sunday.

1 min

Russia rejects possible deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine

Russia has rejected the possible deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, suggesting unarmed observers or a civilian monitoring group sent there to oversee a potential peace deal.

1 min

Zelenskyy Appoints New Army Chief of Staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Andrii Hnatov as the Chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces to replace Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych.

1 min

Putin and Trump Will Speak on Tuesday About the War in Ukraine

Trump disclosed the upcoming conversation to reporters while flying from Florida to Washington

2 mins

Pakistan Govt Summons PTI Leaders Over Anti-State Propaganda

In a major political scuffle in Pakistan, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the federal government has re-issued summons to 16 members of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including many senior party leaders, to appear before them on March 18 over allegations of spreading negative propaganda on social media, local media reported.

1 min

Afghan refugees: Pakistan turns down Kabul's request for extending deportation deadline

Pakistan has rejected a request by the Afghan Taliban to extend the deadline for deportation of Afghan refugees, stating in clear terms that it is moving with the plan to deport all illegal and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders from April 1.

1 min

Trump declares Biden's pardons void, vows DOJ cleanup

US President Donald Trump has declared that the pardons issued by former President Joe Biden to members of the House Select Committee investigating him are \"void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.\"

2 mins

South Korea: Opposition parties to ask global legislature body to investigate Yoon's martial law bid

Five opposition parties of South Korea decided on Monday to file a petition with a global body of legislatures to request an investigation into South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid.

1 min

Yemen's Houthi group targets US aircraft carrier amid fresh airstrikes

Sarea also vowed to expand attacks to include all US naval and commercial vessels in the region if US airstrikes continued

1 min

Canada's Carney Will Meet European Allies as Tensions With the Trump Administration Persist

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Paris Monday to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking support from one of Canada's oldest allies as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to attack Canada's sovereignty and economy.

1 min

B'desh: BNP blasts Yunus-led interim govt over crackdown on anti-rape protestors

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has slammed the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for recent attacks on student activists protesting against the rising incidents of rape in the country, according to local media reports.

1 min

Net direct tax collection grows 13.13 per cent to over ₹21.26 trillion in current fiscal

In this fiscal so far, the net direct tax collection grew 13.13 per cent to over Rs 21.26 trillion aided by higher advance tax mop up, government data showed on Monday.

1 min

Sell-off on Wall Street affects global equity markets, threat of trade & tariff wars looms large on Indian equity markets

Threats of trade and tariff wars are looming large over the Indian equity markets as well.

2 mins

HNG employees up in arms against ex-promoters, demand forensic probe into ₹1,950 cr settlement deal

The Workers' Union of Hindustan National Glass (HNG) has now taken up with the key financial regulatory and investigative bodies, demanding a comprehensive forensic investigation into the Rs 1,950 crore settlement proposal offered by the erstwhile promoters of Hindustan National Glass & Industries Limited (HNGIL).

2 mins

India's Export Decline for Fourth Month in a Row in Feb to USD 36.91 Billion

India's exports declined for the fourth month in a row in February to USD 36.91 billion due to volatility in petroleum prices and global uncertainties, data from the commerce ministry said.

2 mins

Wholesale inflation in Feb quickens to 2.38 per cent against 2.31 per cent in Jan

The wholesale inflation in February quickened to 2.38 per cent on an annual basis, as against 2.31 per cent in January, government data showed on Monday.

1 min

Market starts week on strong note

At close, Sensex was up 341.04 points or 0.46 percent at 74,169.95, and the Nifty was up 111.55 points or 0.50 percent at 22,508.75

2 mins

EPFO Achieves Historic 2.16 Crore Auto-Claims Settlement During Current FY

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) achieved a historic high of 2.16 crore auto claim settlements so far during the current financial year, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

1 min

Double-engine govt transformed Saharanpur's identity: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday highlighted the remarkable transformation of Saharanpur under the \"double-engine\" government, while speaking at the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan (M Yuva) event.

1 min

Mizoram Hosts Over 41,000 Refugees Amid Growing Tension

The Mizoram government has reported that 41,355 refugees are currently residing in the state, according to the latest official data.

1 min

India, Australia explore possibilities of defence industry collaboration

Underlining that they are committed to working together to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, India and Australia on Monday explored the possibilities of defence industry collaboration.

1 min

Meghalaya Inaugurates First Scientific Coal Mine After Decade-Long Ban

In a significant breakthrough for Meghalaya's mining sector, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma virtually inaugurated the state's first scientific coal mine in East Jaintia Hills on Monday.

1 min

Opposition parties trying to weaken BSP: Mayawati

BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday reiterated her commitment for the Bahujan samaj and said there is no place for her siblings and relatives, adding that opposition parties are trying all means to weaken her party.

1 min

International Excellence Award for Postgraduate Students

The Faculty of Science at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow are now offering the Faculty of Science International Excellence Award for postgraduate taught masters students.

1 min

AFC Champions League: Ronaldo's Al Nassr Face Yokohama in Quarters

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr will face second-seed Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos in the quarter-final as the draw for the AFC Champions League Elite took place at the AFC House here on Monday.

1 min

Hockey India Names 36 Players For Men's National Camp

The Indian men's hockey team has returned to the national coaching camp here in SAI, Bengaluru on Monday after a jubilant Annual Awards held in New Delhi.

1 min

'We need to win': Bheke on India's matches vs Maldives, Bangladesh

The Indian senior men's team have had two training sessions in Shillong and are getting into the groove for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh on 25 March and the preparatory friendly against Maldives on 19 March.

2 mins

Carabao Cup: Newcastle United defeat Liverpool to claim first major title since 1955

Newcastle United secured a historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

2 mins

La Liga: FC Barcelona fight back to down Atletico, return to top spot

Former European champions produce two late goals to upstage Madrid powerhouse, replace Real at top of pointtable

2 mins

Indian Wells: Draper beats Rune to win maiden ATP Masters 1000 title

Jack Draper rose to the occasion in the biggest final of his career at the Indian Wells Open to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title.

3 mins

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders aim for back-to-back IPL titles under new leadership

The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose under fresh leadership.

2 mins

IPL: Faf du Plessis named Delhi Capitals' vice captain

The Delhi Capitals on Monday named former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis as vice captain of the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025.

2 mins

Four-cornered fight on the cards amid intense tussle for BFI president's post

Tough times ahead for incumbent Ajay Singh, who is seeking a third consecutive term in office

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.

The Statesman Kolkata covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, economy, society, culture, and sports. It also has a strong focus on local news and events. The newspaper is known for its critical and independent reporting on the government and the powerful.

The Statesman Kolkata is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest news and developments in India, and especially in West Bengal. It is also a great way to get in-depth analysis and commentary on current affairs.