Tag: Kolkata

Kolkata: Indian Museum receives bomb threat, search operation underway

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Authorities of Kolkata’s iconic Indian Museum on Friday received an email claiming bombs were planted inside, prompting police to launch a search operation at the over 200-year-old repository, officials said. Personnel of the bomb squad of Kolkata Police are carrying out a search and sanitisation operation at the museum, they said. Public entry inside the museum has also been put on hold for now, the officials said.

“The threat mail stated that several bombs were planted inside the Indian Museum, and those would explode any moment. A thorough search of the museum building is underway,” a senior police officer told PTI.

Apart from the bomb squad, sniffer dogs, a quick response team (QRT) and a huge contingent of police have been positioned in and around the building in central Kolkata, he said. The cyber section of police has also started a probe to trace the source of the email, the officer said.

Founded in 1814, the Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose museum not only in the Indian sub-continent, but also in the Asia-Pacific region, as per information on its website.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Kolkata tops NCRB’s safest city list, TMC challenges BJP’s contrary claims

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The TMC on Tuesday expressed jubilance over the NCRB data which declared Kolkata as the safest city in the country and asserted that it exposed falsehoods propagated by BJP on the Bengal government’s handling of law and order.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report said Kolkata has secured its position as the safest city in India for the third consecutive year by reporting the lowest number of cognizable offenses per lakh population among metropolises.

” Kolkata, the safest city with the least crime rates for the third consecutive year, says the NCRB crime report 2022. Thank you, @MamataOfficial, for keeping us safe. Maybe if @BJP4India and their trolls could learn to read, they’d shut up now,” remarked TMC MP Mahua Moitra on ;X.’

In a social media post, the TMC emphasised that beyond its cultural richness Kolkata also fosters a sense of security rarely found elsewhere.

” We rejoice as Kolkata achieves this milestone once again! For the third consecutive time, according to NCRB data, the City of Joy proudly stands as the safest city in India. Under the able guidance of Smt @MamataOfficial and the constant vigilance of @KolkataPolice, crime rates have significantly plummeted. Beyond its richness in culture, food, music and art, Kolkata also nurtures a sense of security seldom found elsewhere,” the party posted on ‘X’.

Opposition BJP dismissed the NCRB data alleging that the state government often either suppresses data or provides inaccurate figures.

“The NCRB report is prepared based on inputs from respective state governments. The TMC government seldom provides accurate figures and correct data. We have witnessed the violence unleashed across the state after the 2021 assembly polls and this year’s panchayat polls, so the real picture is evident to all,” BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

No one can stop CAA implementation: Amit Shah at Kolkata rally

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that no one can stop the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said the people will elect Narendra Modi as the prime minister in 2024 to set the foundation for the BJP to form the government in West Bengal in the 2026 assembly polls.

Addressing a big rally here to launch the BJP’s Lok Sabha campaign, Shah launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the issues of appeasement, infiltration, corruption and political violence, alleging she has “destroyed” the state.

Banerjee has been opposing the CAA due to her support to infiltration, he asserted, adding that a state with so much infiltration cannot develop. He urged people to throw out her government by electing the BJP in the next assembly polls in 2026 and asked them to lay its foundation by supporting the party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He said, “Give so many seats to the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls that Modiji says I have become PM due to Bengal.” The Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won the last assembly polls by “rigging” but the BJP jumped to 77 seats from zero, he said, calling upon people to end the TMC’s alleged misrule of corruption, infiltration, and political violence by electing a government conducive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda of development.

The syndicate run by the Trinamool Congress, Shah alleged, is not letting huge sums of money sent by the Modi government to reach the state’s poor.

He cited figures to assert that the Centre’s funding for the state through various schemes has risen many times under the BJP than the Congress-led UPA, of which Banerjee was also a member. Lauding the turnout at the rally, he said this indicates the people’s mood and claimed that the BJP will come to power with two-third majority in the state in 2026.

The BJP’s performance in the state in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will create the foundation of its win in the assembly polls, he said. Turning to the contentious CAA issue, he said Banerjee has been opposing it but it is a law of the country and no one can stop its implementation, which has been in a limbo as the central government is yet to frame its rules amid the opposition’s strong stand against the law.

Parliament had passed the law in 2019 They, Shah said in a reference to the intended beneficiaries of the law, have as much a right to citizenship as anyone else. Banerjee once stalled Parliament over the issue of infiltration, but she is now keeping mum, he said, claiming that no one can infiltrate into Assam after the BJP was voted to power in the state.

“Assam has done a commendable job in stopping infiltration. But in West Bengal, infiltration persists due to the TMC government’s vote-bank politics. Mamata Banerjee is opposing CAA but let me say it clearly that CAA will be implemented in the country. No one can stop the implementation of CAA,” Shah declared.

Hitting out at Banerjee over the suspension of the Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, he said she may try to silence him but cannot silence people of the state. Her time as the state’s chief minister is over, he said, often referring to her as ‘didi’.

Shah also dared Banerjee to suspend from her party some of its leaders arrested in corruption cases and said she cannot do it as she apprehended that they may implicate her nephew, a reference to MP Abhishek Banerjee. “The people of Bengal are fed up with the cut money and syndicates of TMC,” he said. The home minister said as many as 212 BJP workers have been killed in West Bengal in political violence and added that people will avenge these murders with their votes in the 2026 assembly polls.

Banerjee has destroyed West Bengal, Shah alleged, citing political violence, corruption, appeasement in state. The state’s development is Modi’s top priority but it can only happen when there is a government conducive to the prime minister’s agenda, he said. He urged people to ensure a big win for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.

“We must ensure that the BJP forms the next government in West Bengal. To achieve this, we must win the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats from the state in the next Parliamentary elections,” Shah emphasised, echoing sentiments expressed during an April rally when he set a target of winning over 35 seats in the state.

The union minister was addressing the rally at the historic Esplanade, with an eye on setting the tone for the party’s Lok Sabha campaign in the state. It was from the same venue in 2014 that Shah, as the-then BJP president, had launched the party’s 2016 assembly poll campaign in the state.

This time, the state police had denied his rally permission, but the BJP moved the Calcutta High Court, which dismissed the administration’s contention and allowed the public meeting. The party had won 18, its highest ever, of the state’s 42 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

At the rally Shah was joined by the state party leadership and Union ministers from the state.

Also Read:108 rallies, road shows by Modi & Shah in 26 days: How BJP’s top guns led campaign poll blitz

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Reliance Foundation announces ambitious restoration project for Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple Complex

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Reliance Foundation would carry out comprehensive restoration work for the revered Kalighat Temple Complex in Kolkata. Under the project, Reliance Foundation would restore the entire temple complex, including the centuries-old heritage structures.

Addressing the 7th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, on Tuesday, shared his vision for the project, expressing the Reliance Foundation’s commitment to reviving the centuries-old heritage structures and returning the entire complex to its original glory.

“Reliance Foundation has taken up an ambitious project to renovate and restore the famous Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, the seat of Bengal’s reigning deity. We are repairing the entire temple complex, including the centuries-old heritage structures and restoring them to their original glory,” Ambani declared at the Bengal Global Business Summit.

The Reliance Foundation has engaged structural engineers and experts from Jadavpur University (JU) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati), for the ambitious restoration project. The West Bengal Heritage Committee has given a go-ahead to the proposal after consultations with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) heritage panel and the Kalighat Temple Committee, a Times of India report said, quoting sources.

Kalighat Kali Temple, the revered 200-year-old shrine, is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It’s believed that at the place where the Kalighat temple exists today, the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati fell. The construction of the present structure of the temple was completed by Sabarna Roy Chowdhury in 1809.

At the Bengal Global Business Summit highlighting Reliance Industries’ commitment to West Bengal, Ambani revealed that the conglomerate has infused approximately ₹45,000 crore in the state. He further pledged an additional investment of ₹20,000 crore over the next three years, focusing on digital solutions, retail and bio-energy.

The Reliance tycoon emphasised the widespread coverage of Jio services in Bengal, stating, “Jio has covered most parts of Bengal.” He also revealed plans to introduce the “revolutionary power of 5G” to every corner of the state. With the rapid rollout of Jio Fibre and Air Fibre, Ambani envisioned transforming every home in Bengal into a “smart home”, enabling the use of Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and other disruptive technologies to modernise various sectors of the economy.

Addressing the expanding footprint of Reliance Retail in the state, Ambani highlighted the support to hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the elevation of regional brands to national prominence. He outlined the positive impact of Jio Mart, bringing 5.50 lakh kirana merchants in the state under the umbrella of modern organised retail, fostering higher productivity and income.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

PM Modi responds to Mick Jagger’s Thank You note; asks to keep visiting India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday responded to a ‘Thank You’ note by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. PM Modi replied saying that he is delighted that a legendary singer like Mick Jagger enjoyed his stay in India. PM Modi also shared the title of one of Jagger’s popular songs in his X post.

Responding to Mick’s video shared on X, PM Modi wrote, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, but India is a land brimming with seekers, offering solace and ‘Satisfaction’ to all. Delighted to know you found joy among the people and culture here. Do keep coming.”

‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, but India is a land brimming with seekers, offering solace and ‘Satisfaction’ to all.

Delighted to know you found joy among the people and culture here.

Do keep coming… https://t.co/UXKH529mu5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2023

PM Modi’s response came after Mick Jagger shared a video of him singing and expressing his happiness over his stay in India. He wrote, “Thanks and Hello India. Away from daily chores; I felt very happy to come here, With much love to you all, Mick.”

In the video, the 80-year-old iconic British singer was seen sporting a casual shirt and sitting under a tree with his guitar. He sang the super-hit track ‘Dreamy Skies’ from The Rolling Stones’ recently launched album ‘Hackney Diamonds’.

Mick Jagger is one of the prominent names in the rock music industry. He has been active for over a span of six decades, which led him to be known as one of the most influential frontmen in the history of Rolling Stones.

Recently, the vocalist arrived in Kolkata, West Bengal, for the ICC World Cup match. He was reportedly the guest of the England cricket team and attended the England vs Pakistan match at Eden Gardens. The renowned singer and songwriter also joined Diwali celebrations and Kali Puja in Kolkata. He later shared a series of pictures on his social media platform.

Popular British rock band The Rolling Stones was formed in 1962 in London. It was then started with Jagger, Richards, and Jones, who used to perform in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. Besides The Rolling Stones, Jagger also worked with Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl in 2021 on a song called “Eazy Sleazy,” wherein he spoke about life during the pandemic.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Three Indian cities among world’s 10 most polluted after Diwali

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Two cities joined New Delhi to be among the world’s worst 10 for pollution on Monday morning, with smoke heavy in the air a day after revellers let loose with firecrackers for Diwali.

The national capital took, as it often does, the top spot. It had an air quality index (AQI) figure of 420, putting it the ‘hazardous’ category, according to Swiss group IQAir.

But it was also joined in the top 10 by Kolkata, which came in fourth with an AQI of 196, while Mumbai was eighth with an AQI of 163.

An AQI level of 400-500 impacts healthy people and is dangerous to those with existing diseases, while a level of 150-200 brings discomfort to people with asthma, lung and heart problems. Levels of 0-50 are considered good.

A thick layer of smog had begun to circulate in New Delhi from Sunday night. Every year authorities impose bans on firecrackers in the capital, but only rarely do those bans appear to be enforced.

Air quality in India deteriorates every year ahead of winter, when cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, industry, construction dust and agricultural waste burning.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

YouTubers barred from visiting this Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata, here’s why

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Durga Puja is here and the pandals in West Bengal have been gathering a multitude of attendees every day. This is an annual occurrence for them as they set up idols featuring elaborate adornments and distinctive themes. These remarkable displays frequently become viral sensations due to the involvement of social media content creators.

Nonetheless, it seems that certain pandal organisers from the state this year aim to restrict the constant photography and videography within their premises. Recently, a notice displayed by the renowned Purbachal Shakti Sangha, a Kolkata-based club hosting a Durga Puja pandal, gained attention. The notice clearly stated, “No YouTuber allowed.”

Sharing this notice, an X user, Swati Moitra wrote, “Kolkata pujos have had it.” Take a look at it:

Kolkata pujos have had it. pic.twitter.com/6AL2ccBSvo

— Swati Moitra (@swatiatrest) October 17, 2023

As soon as the photo of the notice was shared online, various individuals chimed in, expressing support for this move. A user remarked, “This should be everywhere, they are a nuisance these days.”

This should be everywhere , they are a nuisance these days

— anothertptwit (@anothertptwit) October 17, 2023

Another wrote, “This is a good decision! Seems the Bonedi Bari’s have had it too!”

This is a good decision! Seems the Bonedi Bari’s have had it too!

— Tathagata Neogi (He/Him/Dr) (@ArchaeoNomad) October 17, 2023

One person recounted an unfortunate instance of overcrowding in a mall and supported the decision saying, “Last Sunday, Axis Mall had almost a stampede-like situation. In most of the days, hardly 100 -150 ppl can be seen loitering around. That day security had to close the entry as thousands assembled in the atrium to click pics with some Youtuber.”

Last Sunday, Axis Mall had almost a stampede like situation. In most of the days hardly 100 -150 ppl can be seen loitering around. That day security had to close the entry as thousands assembled in the atrium to click pics with some Youtuber.

— Sushovan Gupta (সুশোভন গুপ্ত) (@Sushovan1409) October 17, 2023

“Best bill board,” praised X user.

Best bill board

— Sandeep Pitla 🚀 (@sandymark999) October 17, 2023

Traditionally, the Durga Puja festivities have attracted a huge number of people, resulting in overcrowded pandals and, on occasion, tumultuous situations. In the past, various religious gatherings in different parts of the country have frequently experienced a surge in attendees, leading to overcrowding within small and confined areas which has occasionally triggered stampede-like situations. Last year, Kolkata Police reportedly had to halt the laser show at Santosh Mitra Square’s Durga Puja pandal due to overcrowding at the venue.

The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja committee was also ordered to shut down the laser show as puja-goers thronged the busy pandal on Saptami evening. Kolkata Police even had to rush a huge force to the site to control the crowds. The laser show was allowed to resume after the situation was brought under control, according to the reports.

Keeping situations like these in mind, social media users are considering Purbachal Shakti Sangha’s decision as a proactive measure to handle the overwhelming rush and ensure the secure and seamless execution of the puja arrangements.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Durga Puja 2023: Disneyland-themed pandal with characters and castle to be a big crowd-puller

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Disneyland-themed pandal is built in Kolkata, which is set to be a huge crowd-puller during this Durga Pujo. The pandal was virtually inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 12. It will be open to the general public from 8:00 pm on October 14.

Sreebhumi Club, which is the same club that built the Burj Khalifa-inspired pandal in 2022, is behind the Disneyland-themed pandal. Soccer player Ronaldinho is set to visit the Disneyland-themed pandal next week, while Bollywood actress Vidya Balan will be here on Mahalaya Day on October 14.

Popular Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and others will be seen in the pandal. The pandal is giving tough competition to other pandals in the city with its ornately designed Disney castles.

Speaking to News 18, Sujit Basu, Fire Minister in Kolkata and the president of Sreebhumi Club said, “We always try to do something different. We have done Vatican City and Burj Khalifa. This time we thought of bringing Disneyland here considering kids and their interests.”

Also read: Check top places to attend Garba in Ahmedabad

“Kids will enjoy the Disneyland-theme pandal. Durga Pujo is a festival for all religions and we believe that this pandal will draw more crowd. The idol though, is totally traditional and ornated with gold ornament,” he added.

Commissioner Bidhanagar Gaurav Sharma told News18 that proper security arrangements will be put in place at the Disneyland-themed pandal so that people don’t face any problems.

“Police will be there 24/7 in this entire area so that people don’t face any problems while coming to see Disneylandland. Police personnel and civic volunteers will also be deployed for a better pandal-hopping experience. We have launched a special app for newcomers to this city which will help you in Pandal hopping and get you to help in case of any emergency.

Also read: Discover Kolkata’s best shopping spots for Durga Puja celebrations

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow