The Statesman Kolkata - March 19, 2025

In this issue

March 19, 2025

SC Judges to Visit Manipur Relief Camps on 22 March

A delegation of six Supreme Court judges led by Justice BR Gavai — the senior most top court judge after Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna — will visit the relief camps in violence-affected Manipur on 22 March to strengthen legal and humanitarian support.

1 min

Maha CM Fadnavis blames rumours while Nagpur remains under curfew

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a detailed statement in the state legislative assembly on Tuesday on the Nagpur riots that are now under control though at least 11 police stations across the city are still under curfew.

1 min

Israeli strikes across Gaza kill over 400 Palestinians

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health officials.

1 min

Homecoming for NASA's stuck astronauts

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams bid farewell to the International Space Station – their home since last spring – departing aboard a SpaceX capsule alongside two other astronauts.

1 min

Jaishankar Slams UN for Calling Kashmir Invasion a Dispute

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday hit out at the United Nations for turning the \"invasion\" of Kashmir into a dispute and bringing the attacker and victim at par and called for having a \"strong and fair\" world body.

1 min

LS adjourned for day after uproar by Oppn

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the Mahakumbh this year showcased India's grandeur to the world and effectively addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation's capabilities.

2 mins

EPIC-Aadhaar Linking to be as per Provisions of Article 326, RP Act: ECI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that the linking of Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and Aadhaar will be done as per the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution, Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950 and relevant Supreme Court (SC) judgments.

1 min

BJP cadre caught trafficking illegal arms

A BJP cadre was caught redhanded with an illegal firearm and ammunition in Memari last night.

1 min

Rhino Population Rises to 331 in Jaldapara National Park

The Forest Department has announced the results of the 2025 Rhino Census at Jaldapara National Park, revealing a rise in the one-horned rhino population from 292 in 2022 to 331 in 2025.

1 min

North Bengal Medical College probes ragging allegations, FIR to be filed

A crucial meeting of the Anti-Ragging Committee (ARC) of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital (NBMCH) was held today to address a serious ragging complaint involving four former students of the institution.

1 min

Mayor Goutam Deb Presents ₹685.24 Crore Budget for Siliguri's Development

Deb expressed dissatisfaction with Siliguri's poor public transport and proposed an elevated monorail to Kharibari

2 mins

As suspension period ends, Bengal LoP not to attend remaining days of Budget Session in protest

Despite his one-month suspension from the West Bengal Assembly ending on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition in the House, Suvendu Adhikari, has announced that he will not attend the remaining session.

1 min

Another JU student arrested

Police today arrested another student of the Jadavpur University in connection with the incident of arson at an office of Sikhsha bandhu samity, the employees' organisation affiliated to the Trinamul Congress during the ruckus on the university campus of the University on 1 March.

1 min

Calcutta HC lifts stay on recruitment of civil judges by West Bengal Public Service Commission

A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday lifted an interim stay on the recruitment of civil judges for different lower courts in the state, who have qualified in the examination conducted by West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) for the year 2022.

1 min

HC pulls up CBI, directs it to come with case diary

Calcutta High Court today in another reprimand to the CBI asked the central agency probing the recruitment scam in civic bodies to furnish the case diary tomorrow, making it clear that otherwise no hearing would be allowed.

1 min

Dilip Ghosh Meets Suvendu Adhikari Amid Speculation Over Bengal BJP Leadership Change

Amid heightened speculation regarding the next West Bengal BJP state president, former state chief and ex-MP Dilip Ghosh made an unanticipated visit to the Assembly today, meeting Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

2 mins

TMC MLA Humayun softens stand, assures adherence to party discipline

The Trinamul Congress (TMC) parliamentary disciplinary committee, headed by Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, on Tuesday instructed the party's MLA, Humayun Kabir, to refrain from making controversial remarks that violate party discipline.

2 mins

After row, KMC to install more water taps in Ward 107

Residents of Ward 107 can breathe a sigh of relief as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation announced its decision to install additional water taps in the area.

1 min

Assembly drama: BJP demands live streaming, stages walkout

LoP Suvendu Adhikari accused the ruling party of stifling Opposition voices and failing its responsibilities, justifying the BJP's protest inside and outside the House

1 min

Pure discrimination, we wanted to speak too: TMC's Kalyan Banerjee on PM's Maha Kumbh address

Trinamul Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the Maha Kumbh, questioning how he could speak on the subject if it was previously deemed a state matter.

1 min

Land issues, lack of state cooperation holding up railway projects in Bengal: Vaishnaw

Land hurdles are obstructing the progress of railway projects in West Bengal, claimed Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament yesterday.

1 min

State Commission to examine issue of backwardness afresh in 3 months: West Bengal tells SC

The West Bengal government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the State Commission for Backward Classes has decided to examine the issue of backwardness for OBC classification in the State afresh.

1 min

WB Tightens Protocols as Avian Flu Scare Looms Large

Amid the detection of the avian flu (H5N1) virus in neighboring Jharkhand, the Mamata government has imposed strict protocols in West Bengal for the time being.

1 min

Historic e-auctions, lithium breakthrough, sustainable strategies propel Chhattisgarh mining sector

Chhattisgarh has emerged as a trailblazer in mineral sector governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, combining transparency, innovation, and sustainability to drive unprecedented economic growth.

2 mins

Oppn Cong corners MP govt over fake encounter killing of tribal man

The opposition Congress continued its attack on the ruling BJP in the State Assembly on Tuesday, over what the Congress alleges to be a fake encounter of a tribal man by the police in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh.

1 min

Giridih violence: Chaos in Jharkhand Assembly, political tensions rise

The violence in Giridih on Holi has sparked a major political dispute in Jharkhand.

1 min

'Indo-US friendship will grow'

Ms Tulsi Gabbard said it was a warm experience to know the 'rich history' and the 'vibrant democracy' of India which serves as the foundation for a special bond between the two countries

2 mins

BJP govt has systematically undermined MGNREGA: Sonia

Raising the issue of MGNREGA during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Gandhi said: \"I wish to draw the attention of this House to an issue of urgent national importance. The right to employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted by then UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government in 2005 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ji. This landmark legislation has been a crucial safety net for millions of rural poor.\"

1 min

MP minister slams Muslim cleric's objection to Shami's daughter playing Holi

Denouncing the objections raised by All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi to Holi celebrations by Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami's daughter, Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang has written to Shami asking him and his daughter not to be cowed down by 'fundamentalists' and 'extremists'.

1 min

New industrial policy boosts investment in Chhattisgarh, CM briefs PM Modi

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss the state's development roadmap.

1 min

SC Extends Protection From Arrest To Former IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar

The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended its 15 January interim order protecting from arrest former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, accused of forging her documents to be eligible for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission examination.

1 min

India and Netherlands Strengthen Defence Ties in High-Level Meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the Defence Minister of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, here today, to discuss strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

1 min

ED Questions Rabri, Tej Pratap in Land-for-Job Case, RJD Terms It Political Drama

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned former Chief Minister of Bihar Rabri Devi and her son MLA Tej Pratap Yadav at its zonal office in Patna on Tuesday in the land-for-job case — dating back to 2004-09 when RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav was the union railway minister.

1 min

Sri Lankan Navy arrests three Tamil Nadu fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested three fishermen from Thangachimadam in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

1 min

AP CID Takes Custody of Actor Posani for Questioning

Andhra Pradesh CID on Tuesday took actor and former leader of YSRCP leader Posani Krishna Murali into custody for questioning in a case registered against him for making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.

1 min

SC asks ECI to examine ADR, Mahua's plea for disclosure of voter turnout data

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to examine the plea seeking disclosure of final authenticated voter turnout data for all polling stations within 48 hours of polling.

1 min

TG Assembly Passes SC Subcategorisation Bill

The Telangana Assembly today unanimously passed the Bill for the Scheduled Caste subcategorisation which would distribute 15 per cent reservation among three subgroups.

2 mins

Namma Metro forced to withdraw recruitment notice

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited BMRCL had issued a notification seeking applications from candidates for train operators (Loco Pilots) on a contractual basis for five years

2 mins

BJP Vows to Challenge 4 pc Reservation for Muslims in K'taka Govt Contracts in the Courts

The BJP on Tuesday vowed to challenge the contentious 4 per cent reservation in government contracts to Muslims in a court of law, after the Karnataka government followed up its intentions and introduced the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that seeks to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999 to provide reservations announced in the state budget.

1 min

OM Birla Inaugurates Orientation Programme for Delhi MLAs, Urges Them to Make Delhi Assembly a Model Legislature

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day orientation program for Delhi's newly elected MLAs, and urged them to make Delhi Assembly a model legislature.

1 min

Woman arrested with pistol at Jammu and Kashmir's Mata Vaishno Devi temple

A woman pilgrim was arrested after a pistol was recovered from her possession at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, said officials on Tuesday.

1 min

Those responsible for unjustified beating of Army Colonel must be dismissed: Cong leader in Punjab

Former Punjab Health Minister and Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu has strongly condemned the unjustified beating of an Army Colonel and said that the guilty police personnel should be dismissed from service immediately.

1 min

IED found in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, bomb disposal squad deployed

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found on Tuesday by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.

1 min

Haryana CM demands GST relief on 10 agricultural implements

To further address this issue, the state government has developed an action plan for 2025

1 min

India resolved to eliminating 5 diseases in 5 years, TB control progressing well: Dr VK Paul

India has resolved to eliminate five diseases in the coming five years that include leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, measles, rubella and kala-azar, Dr V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, said on Tuesday.

1 min

Gaza stalemate

The deadlock in Gaza ceasefire negotiations underscores the grim reality of a conflict where humanitarian considerations remain secondary to political leverage.

2 mins

Provincial mergers can boost infrastructure connectivity

In the past, when we planned for regional traffic connectivity improvements, local areas which benefited more from these investments would be more proactive than others.

2 mins

Germany steps up

Germany is undergoing a profound political and economic shift that could redefine its role in Europe and beyond.

4 mins

How Dare We?

As thousands of world leaders and business elites prepare to fly in — each contributing to the event's massive carbon footprint — it becomes clear that COP30 is less about saving the planet and more about political spectacle. How can a climate conference justify deforestation? How can leaders preach sustainability while enabling destruction? COP30 should have been a symbol of global commitment to the Amazon. Instead, it is exposing the deep contradictions of modern climate politics

5 mins

Familiar tug of war in Maldives

The Maldives' judiciary is in crisis again, as President Mohamed Muizzu aims to downsize the Supreme Court.

4 mins

What this government has achieved with inflation

The rational expectations school opposed the non-neutrality position by arguing that, under flexible markets, repeated monetary shocks given to facilitate growth could only result in recurrent price rise in the long run.

2 mins

Judge questions Trump administration on whether it ignored order to turn around deportation flights

A federal judge on Monday questioned whether the Trump administration ignored his orders to turn around planes carrying deportees to El Salvador, a possible violation of the decision he'd issued minutes before.

1 min

Netanyahu's push to fire Israel's domestic security chief sparks an uproar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired or forced out a string of top officials since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza.

1 min

Canada's Carney Meets With European Allies as Trump Targets His Country's Sovereignty and Economy

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met the leaders of Britain and France on Monday during his first official overseas trip, seeking support from two of Ottawa's oldest allies as American President Donald Trump targets Canada's sovereignty and economy.

1 min

South African ambassador has to leave the USA by Friday, Trump administration says

The State Department says South Africa's ambassador to the United States, who was declared \"persona non grata\" last week, has until Friday to leave the country.

1 min

Trump, Putin Hold Call as US Seeks Sign-Off on Plan to End Ukraine War

Trump said earlier that Washington and Moscow are 'dividing up assets' as part of a deal to end conflict

2 mins

Poland and Baltic states recommend leaving anti-personnel landmine treaty

Poland and the three Baltic nations said Tuesday that they want to withdraw from an international convention that bans anti-personnel landmines due to the growing threat from Russia to front-line NATO states.

1 min

UN tells Afghan rulers: no peace and prosperity until they reverse bans on women and girls

The U.N. Security Council told Afghanistan's Taliban rulers Monday that peace and prosperity are \"unattainable\" until they reverse their bans on women and girls getting an education, being employed and speaking in public.

2 mins

Search for Indian Student in Dominican Republic Intensifies

The search for an Indian-born college student who went missing in the Dominican Republic intensified on Monday, one day after a man questioned by authorities visited the beach where she was last seen and spoke with officials.

1 min

Syria, Lebanon Reach Ceasefire Agreement to Strengthen Border Coordination

Syria and Lebanon reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire along their shared border and enhance military coordination, Syria's defence authorities announced.

1 min

North Macedonia Appeals for Calm as Nightclub Fire Deaths Trigger Protests

Authorities in North Macedonia are appealing for calm as student groups called for fresh protests on Tuesday following the horrific nightclub fire that killed 59 people and injured more than 150 over the weekend.

1 min

Bangladesh EC says holding local polls first will delay national elections

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has warned that holding local government polls before the national election would delay the parliamentary polls.

1 min

M23 rebels withdraw from Congo peace talks, citing international sanctions

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured key areas of Congo's mineral-rich east said Monday they were withdrawing from peace talks this week with the Congolese government, saying that international sanctions on the group's members have undermined such dialogue.

1 min

China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan Over US, Taiwan Rhetoric

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the drills meant 'a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces'

2 mins

Inter-ministerial Panel to Address Regulatory Concerns of Fintechs

The Union government has set up an inter-ministerial industry committee on fintech (IMICF) to address the regulatory concerns and long-term strategy for the sector.

1 min

Reliance Brings Sun Crush to India and Kicks Off Price War

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL) has secured the India rights for premium juice brand Sun Crush from Muttiah Muralitharan's company, Ceylon Beverage International, the company has officially announced.

1 min

Bajaj Finserv to buy Allianz's 26 per cent stake in insurance joint ventures

Bajaj Finserv signed share purchase agreements (SPAs) with Allianz SE to acquire a 26 per cent stake in the two insurance joint ventures namely Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC) and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC) for Rs 24,180 crore, the NBFC said in a statement.

1 min

LIC to Announce Acquisition of Stake in a Health Insurance Company by March End: MD & CEO

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is likely to announce the acquisition of a stake in a standalone health insurance company by the end of the current financial year, Siddhartha Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LIC said.

1 min

CBDT Invites Stakeholders' Suggestions on Income Tax Bill, 2025; Launches E-filing Portal

After the introduction of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Tuesday sought stakeholders' suggestions on the provisions.

1 min

Market Extends Gains

The stock market on Tuesday extended the gains on the second consecutive session with Nifty surpassing 22,850 intraday led by buying across the sectors and broader indices.

2 mins

India, New Zealand working on a comprehensive, mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, says Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the CEOs of India and New Zealand in New Delhi on Tuesday that India and New Zealand are working to finalize a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.

2 mins

Sitharaman Says 'Make in India' Yielding Good Results, Steps Taken to Strengthen Manufacturing

Brushing aside opposition's criticism on Make in India scheme, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the scheme is yielding good results as the centre has taken multiple steps to strengthen the manufacturing sector, including defence production.

1 min

Death of Meghalaya student in Karnataka: CM Sangma extends support and orders probe

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the family of the 13-year-old student who died due to suspected food poisoning in Karnataka.

1 min

Manipur GSDP to show recovery, govt committed to bringing normality: Nirmala

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday in the Parliament said the central government is committed to bringing normalcy to Manipur and assured all support for the economic growth of the state.

2 mins

Six-Judge SC delegation to visit Manipur relief camps on 22 March

A team of 25 specialised doctors from Chennai will also conduct medical camps across all relief camps

1 min

Extreme heat accelerates ageing at molecular level, new research

Whatifextreme heatnot only leaves you feeling exhausted butactually makes youage faster?

3 mins

Powering tomorrow's machine learning models

AI-assisted coding is the use of AI tools to help write and manage software. Instead of manually typing every line, a developer can get suggestions, auto-completion, and even entire functions generated by an AI.

4 mins

Dan Burn ready to grasp England opportunity under coach Tuchel

Dan Burn wrote his name into Newcastle United's history books on Sunday as he found the back of the net in the Carabao Cup final, helping Newcastle United to lift their first domestic trophy in 70 years.

1 min

National Women's Hockey League: Haryana, Odisha and MP register wins on opening day

As the final phase of the National Women's Hockey League 2024-2025 begins here in Ranchi, Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Madhya Pradesh had a successful outing as they registered a win in their respective matches.

1 min

ISL: Know the teams which were top home performers during league stage

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently proven itself to be a source of captivating football action, and the current season is certainly maintaining that high standard.

1 min

Marquez Welcomes Chhetri's Return From Retirement Ahead Of Maldives Tie

The Indian senior men's team will face Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly on Wednesday, 19 March at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

2 mins

Miami Open: Djokovic, Alcaraz in same half of men's singles draw

Exciting tennis action on the cards as six-time champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 winner Carlos Alcaraz vie for top honours

1 min

KIPG is making us more competitive, says Paris Paralympics gold medallist Harvinder Singh

Paris Paralympics gold-medal winning archer Harvinder Singh is excited at the prospect of taking part in the upcoming second edition of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG 2025) that begins Thursday.

2 mins

Moeen Ali 'agrees' with chances of Brook's IPL ban

English batting star Harry Brook's withdrawal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a second consecutive season could earn him a two-year ban from the lucrative cricket league, and former England allrounder Moeen Ali feels such decisions mess up a lot of things, and thus he agrees with the new IPL rules.

2 mins

'My goal is to lift the trophy': Shreyas Iyer asserts intent ahead of IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer spoke about his goal as Punjab Kings captain. Iyer, who took Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the glory of Indian Premier League (IPL) last year, was released by KKR ahead of IPL 2025.

2 mins

Eighteen & unstoppable: IPL's rise from experiment to empire

Seventeen years is a long time; the ones born in 2008 are now stepping out of their adolescence, ready to embrace adulthood; in fact, it's one-third or one-fourth of the lifespan of an average human being. During this period, the world coped with numerous challenges like recession, conflicts, Covid pandemic, and adapted to new normals amidst multiple changes, but the one that has remained a constant is the Indian Premier League that kickstarts its 18th season with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders locking horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on Saturday.

2 mins

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The Statesman Kolkata Newspaper Description:

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.