The Statesman Kolkata - November 21, 2024

In this issue

November 21, 2024

50 pc Delhi govt offices to shift to 'Work From Home', except essential services

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said that half of the staff at state government offices will be working from home in view of the high levels of pollution.

1 min

India has achieved 200 Gigawatts of renewable energy: PM

Speaking at the G-20 Summit on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition in Rio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India has achieved 200 Gigawatts of renewable energy out of the target of 500 Gigawatts by 2030.

1 min

Climate change threatens survival of people: India speaks for developing countries

The statement was delivered at the HighLevel Ministerial Dialogue Climate Change Adaptation, during the COP29 to the UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

1 min

NDA poised to win Maha, J'khand, predict exit polls

Over 67 pcturnout in Jharkhand 2nd phase; Maharashtra registers above 58 per cent

2 mins

PM arrives in Guyana after attending G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana from Brazil on Wednesday on the last leg of his three-nation tour.

1 min

Govt to convene all-party meet On Sunday

The government has convened an all-party meeting on 24 November ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament which starts on Monday.

1 min

SMC to suspend water supply for pipeline repairs

The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to suspend the supply of drinking water in its area for two days in order to connect pipelines between the old and the new 'alternative permanent' well of the existing water treatment plant at Fulbari.

1 min

KMC to start work for model school in ward 79

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is to soon issue a work order to kick off the construction of a model school by the civic body in ward 79.

1 min

New alternative bus terminal to ease traffic congestion

The state transport department, in collaboration with the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) inaugurated a new alternative bus terminal at Tinbatti, near Uttarkanya Branch Secretariat in Siliguri.

1 min

State BJP president stopped on way to violence-hit Beldanga

The clashes in Beldanga erupted over a provocative message displayed at a temporary Kartik Puja gate

2 mins

Son of KMC councillor arrested for reckless driving

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) councillor Mitali Bandyopadhyay's younger son Suddhaswatta Bandyopadhyay was arrested on charge of rash driving.

1 min

HC grants bail to suspended TMC leader Kuntal Ghosh

A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Wednesday, granted conditional bail to the suspended youth Trinamul Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January 2023 in connection with the cash-for-school job case.

1 min

Man killed for refusing dau ghter's hand in marriage

An elderly businessman died after being attacked by a young man.

1 min

Varsity radio expands with internet service for global audience

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) has achieved a significant milestone by connecting its community radio station, Radio MAKAUT 90.0 FM, to internet services.

1 min

Harnessing solar energy and lessons on plastic waste management

An awareness programme on menstrual health and hygiene, targeting young girls aged 11-15 years, DGCI&S presented an incinerator machine to three participating schools to better support menstrual hygiene management at such schools.

1 min

Children urge UNICEF officials for regular interaction with them

Children have urged UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) authorities to meet them annually and take their opinion before making schemes for their development.

1 min

Senior doctors seek appointment with chief secy

Senior doctors of state-run hospitals have sought an appointment with chief secretary Manoj Pant to discuss streamlining work from Swasthya Bhavan.

1 min

Bengal school job case: No bail to Partha after HC split verdict

The former minister's bail plea hearing in Supreme Court was adjourned due to the non-sitting of the Bench

1 min

Bus route in dead owner's name: DM orders probe

The East Burdwan district administration has woken up to the fact on how a passenger route was allowed to continue even though the route owner had died eight months ago.

1 min

COP-29: India's stand on 'Just Transition' good news for state on Deucha Pachamiproject

The West Bengal government's flagship initiative, Deucha Pachami coal block project in Birbhum district, will now have no hindrance from the Centre in terms of (Just Transition' policy.

1 min

Securing India's coasts through multi-agency ops

The importance of coastal security was acknowledged long ago.

2 mins

CM medal winner woman SI becomes first woman officer in-charge in ADPC

A lady sub-inspector, Nasrin Sultana, the officer in-charge of Rupnarayanpur police outpost has become the first woman to become the officer in-charge of a police station of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) since its formation in September 2011.

2 mins

Bengal PDS case: ED seeks report on medical condition of jailed former minister

Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought reports from the West Bengal Correction Services Department about the medical conditions of the former West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick who was arrested by the ED official last year in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution case, currently admitted at a private hospital in Kolkata Sources said that ED has also sought clarifications from the correctional home authorities about the central agency was not informed about the former minister's hospitalisation on the very day he was admitted there.

1 min

Bengal govt to submit report on Beldanga clashes to Calcutta HC

Kunal Gno Sn refuted tne Oppo Sition'S Claim San Ci Said tne Situation at Beldanga pe Came peaceful fa St pe Cau Se oftne prompt intervention thne poli Ce administration

1 min

Raj govt makes The Sabarmati Report tax free

The Rajasthan government on Wednesday declared the Vikrant Massey-starrer movie The Sabarmati Report tax free in the state.

1 min

Sachin Pilot demands judicial inquiry into SDM slapping incident

Congress leader Sachin Pilot has demanded a judicial inquiry into the recent SDM slapping incident at Samarvata village during the November 13 bypoll in Rajasthan.

1 min

SP, BJP accuse each other of rigging in UP bypolls

The Election Commission on Wednesday suspended seven policemen over complaints of rigging of Uttar Pradesh bypolls.

2 mins

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai meets HM Amit Shah

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Wednesday, to discuss the progress in combating Left Wing Extremism in the state and expressed confidence in making the state 'Naxal-free' by March 2026.

1 min

Had we united 500 years ago, we might not have faced slavery: CM Yogi in Ayodhya

Highlighting the construction of the grand Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya and the importance of unity in Sanatan Dharma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that a task that had been stalled for 500 years, for which countless generations made sacrifices, was completed in just two years under PM Narendra Modi's leadership.

2 mins

Accelerating progress towards SDGs requires inclusive growth: G20 Troika

Lamenting the fact that the global growth rate at just over 3 per cent is the lowest since the turn of the century when an average of nearly 4 per cent prevailed till COVID pandemic, the G20 Troika of Brazil, India and South Africa on Wednesday observed that accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) requires inclusive digital transformation.

2 mins

UP introduces all-terrain vehicles for fire safety at Mahakumbh

Committed to making Mahakumbh 2025 a safe and green event, the Uttar Pradesh government is introducing all-terrain vehicles for the first time in the fair.

1 min

India, Australia reiterate resolve to strengthen Quad cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese have reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through Quad as a force for global good which delivers real, positive and enduring impact for the Indo-Pacific, to advance their shared vision for a region that is free, open, inclusive and resilient.

2 mins

Madras HC entrusts TN hooch tragedy probe to CBI

In a major setback for the DMK government, Madras High Court on Wednesday entrusted to the CBI the probe into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 68 lives in July this year.

1 min

From Hindi imposition to Manipur violence, DMK's litany of charges against Modi govt

Slamming the BJP-led Union Government for its persistence with imposing Hindi by dis-regarding Tamil and other languages and washing its hands off Manipur, the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday charged the Centre with usurping the legitimate rights of the states.

2 mins

Rahul asks T'gana CM to frame law for gig workers

CM Revanth also promised to make gig workers’ policy comprehensive and inclusive

1 min

Himachal government to provide assistance of ₹4 lakh to widows, disabled women and ‘Ekal Naris': CM

To support widows, disabled women and 'Ekal Naris\", the Himachal Pradesh govemment will provide assistance of Rs 4 lakh to construct houses.

1 min

J&K: RR commanders discuss counter-insurgency strategies

GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt. General Suchindra Kumar lauded the stellar performance of Rashtriya Rifles in restoring peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir over the past decades

1 min

Gen Dwivedi to be honoured with Nepal Army's top title during four-day visit

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi (photo) is set to receive the honorary rank of \"General of the Nepal Army\" from Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel during his visit to Nepal.

1 min

Good Governance Award Scheme by Haryana to recognise outstanding public service

The state government has notified the 'Haryana Good Governance Award Scheme 2024' (Haryana Sushaasan Puraskaar Yojana 2024).

1 min

Party 'deviated' from stand: Anil Joshi resigns from Akali Dal

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Anil Joshi, a prominent Hindu leader in Amritsar, on Wednesday resigned from the party, saying he found himself a \"misfit\" there.

1 min

PM Narendra Modi witnesses presentation of Ramayana in Brazil, praises Indian culture

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Jonas Masetti, the founder of Vishwa Vidya Gurukulam, a Brazilian organisation, for popularising Indian culture globally.

1 min

Seven pillars of wisdom to uphold right way for China and US to get along well

In his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Lima, Peru, on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping talked at length about the current state of China-US relations, which serves as both a succinct summary of their ties over the past four years and an important guidance for the future trajectory of bilateral interaction.

2 mins

Urban Governance

India's urbanisation is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with the number of statutory towns growing significantly in recent years. This rapid transformation presents immense opportunities but also challenges, particularly in governance, infrastructure, and planning.

2 mins

Shared Interests

In the end, the resilience of Trump's support underscored the deeply personal and transactional nature of American democracy. For many voters, loyalty to a candidate or party isn't necessarily tied to a spotless ethical record; it's about trust that their needs and beliefs will be prioritized. This phenomenon speaks to a broader theme in Us politics - one where voters weigh practical impacts over personal scandals, forging a connection that transcends the usual norms of political accountability

4 mins

Parting shot

The outgoing Biden Administration's authorisation for Ukraine to carry out long-range missile strikes against Russian targets using US weaponry signals a significant escalation in the on-going conflict.

2 mins

Delhi, Lahore and Faiz - of days past

This week's column was intended to be a diatribe against the circumstances that are choking the denizens of Delhi and Lahore, and a reflection on the absurdity of the inevitably doomed Conference of the Parties (COP29) in a country determined to thrive on its oil exports.

3 mins

The, often inscrutable, ways of the Japanese

Working at Sony gave me an opportunity to closely observe how the Japanese communicate.

5 mins

North Korea sent more conventional Weapons to Russia, South Korea says

North Korea recently supplied additional artillery systems to Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine, while some of the thousands of North Korean troops deployed in Russia have begun engaging in combat, South Korea's spy agency toldlawmakers Wednesday.

2 mins

Western embassies in Kyiv shut due to Russian air attack threat after Biden policy shift

The U.S. and some other Western embassies in Kyiv said that they would stay closed Wednesday for security reasons, with the American delegation saying it had received a warning of a potentially significant Russian air attack on the Ukrainian capital.

1 min

Time ticks down for negotiators at UN climate talks tofi nd deal to curb warmingand its effects

With time running down, negotiators at the United Nations annual climate talks on Wednesday returned to the puzzle of finding an agreement to bring far more money for Vulnerable nations to adapt than wealthier countries have shown they're willing to pay.

1 min

US recognises Venezuela's opposition candidate as president-elect months after the disputed election

The U.S. government recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the \"president-elect\" of the South American country on Tuesday, months after President Nicolás Maduro claimed to have won the July election.

1 min

Trump picks Dr. Oz to run Medicare and Medicaid, Linda McMahon for Education, Lutnick for Commerce

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump has promised to dismantle.

1 min

Israel-Hezbollah truce 'within reach' amid Gaza food crisis

An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday hit a Lebanese army base in the southern town of Sarafand

2 mins

Russian lawmakers endorse bill to ban adoptions by gender-transition countries

The bills, which have previously been approved by the lower house, will now go to President Vladimir Putin for signing into law. They follow a series of laws that have suppressed sexual minorities and bolstered longstanding conventional values.

1 min

Argentina's Milei pivots to pragmatism in first talks with China's Xi after shaking up the G20

Last year, then-presidential candidate Javier Milei declared Argentina would not \"make deals with communists\" in China or Brazil, calling their leaders \"murderers\" and \"thieves\" in a bid to channel the populist energies of Donald Trump and other global far-right icons into a winning political message.

2 mins

ADB approves 200 million USD loan to Sri Lanka

The move included an improved early warning system to identify banks' weakening processes and introduce corrective actions, the Manilabased bank said.

1 min

Pakistan: Suicide attack kills 12 military personnel, leaves 10 critically injured

At least 12 security personnel from the Pakistan Army were killed and another 10 critically injured in a suicide attack on a security check post in Mali Khel in Bannu District of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

1 min

UN: Iran Defies Pressure, Increases Uranium Stockpile

Uranium enriched at 60 pc purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 pc

2 mins

Iraq launches its first national census in nearly four decades

Iraq began its first nationwide population census in decades Wednesday, a step aimed at modernizing data collection and planning in a country long impacted by conflict and political divisions.

1 min

South-east Asian defense chiefs meet in Laos as maritime disputes with China are flaring

South-east Asian defense chiefs and representatives met in Laos on Wednesday for security talks at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China in the Asia-Pacific and as the transition to a new U.S. president looms.

1 min

Nokia signs multi-billion-dollar deal with Airtel to deploy 4G, 5G equipment

Nokia has signed a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar extension agreement with Bharti Airtel to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across Indian cities, the telecom major informed the exchanges on Wednesday.

1 min

India welcomes UK's move to resume FTA talks in early 2025

The Department of Commerce on Wednesday welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement to resume the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between India and the UK in early 2025.

1 min

Average ticket size of homes in top seven cities touches ₹1.23 crore: Report

In the first half of fiscal year 2025, the average ticket size of homes sold in India's top seven cities has touched Rs 1.23 crore, against Rs 1 crore in the year-ago period, showed data analysed by real estate consultancy firm Anaro ck.

1 min

*India needs to develop 300 mn tons of steel capacity by 2030,

India needs to develop about 300 million tons of steel capacity by 2030, which is at present at 100 and 80 million tons at present, said Sandeep Poundrik, Steel Secretary to the government of India.

1 min

All ration cards, covering 80.6 crore beneficiaries, digitised: Centre

The Department of Food and Public Distribution has computerized entire distribution process covering all 20.4 crore household ration cards covering entire 80.6 crore beneficiaries, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said on Wednesday.

1 min

NPG evaluates 228 projects of ₹15.89 lakh crore so far: Govt report

Out of these 228 projects, the number of projects falling under different ministries are MNRE (10), MOHUA (12), MOPNG (4), MoPSW (3), MOR (85), MORTH (108), NICDC (12), MOCA (3).

1 min

'No significant risks to 2024-25 GDP growth'

Indian economy grew 6.7 per cent in the April-June quarter

1 min

Pilot confident of party's victory in Maharashtra, slams BJP over cash-for-votes scandal

Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday said that the Congress will win all seven seats in the state and also expressed confidence over party's solid performance in Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections.

1 min

War of words over 'bogus' voting between Sharad Pawar faction and Ajit Pawar group in Baramati

Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Ajit Pawar faction on Wednesday engaged in a war of words over the 'bogus' voting in Maharashtra's Baramati constituency.

1 min

Total Maha voter turnout at 58 pc, Gadchiroli highest at 69.63 pc

Maoist-affected Gadchiroli districtin Maharashtra recorded a 69.63 pc votertu rnout, while Mumbai citv recorded the Iowestturnoutwith 49.07 pc as of 5 pm, as per Election commission

2 mins

Sharad Pawar defends daughter Supriya, denies BJP's Bitcoin allegations

Hours after BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised NCP's Baramati MP Supriya Sule for denying allegations of illegal bitcoin transactions worth Rs 235 crore allegedly made in Dubai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar defended his daughter and lashed out at the BJP.

1 min

Partition's lingering echoes

This searing book of a minority population is timely, with yet another report of maltreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh after the overthrow of the Awami League regime this year.

1 min

Inside the crossroads of power

Woodward became famous for his exposes on the Nixon Watergate scandal in 1972, and has published many books since then.

1 min

Anatomy of terror

This lengthy opus is a granular study of one of the notorious terrorist bodies operating in India and the trans-national arena.

1 min

Resurrecting forgotten souls

As is evidenced in his earlier books of poems, the poetry of Debashish Lahiri has consciously endeavored to bring together cultural traditions, historical monuments, art galleries and archives, not just from India, his place of origin, but from the entire world.

4 mins

Martinez equals Maradona as fifth top scorer for Argentina

Lautaro Martinez wrote his name into the history of Argentina as his goal against Peru allowed him to equal Diego Armando Maradona's 32 goals with the national team.

1 min

France legend Patrick Viera to coach Italian side Genoa

Italian side Genoa CFC has announced the appointment of former Arsenal legend Patrick Viera as the club's new head coach after the sacking of Alberto Gilardino.

1 min

Lionel Messi to visit India next year, will feature alongside Argentina national team in friendly match, says Kerala govt

World Cup-winning Argentinian football team led by iconic Lionel Messi will play in Kochi next year, Kerala State Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday.

2 mins

Billie Jean King Cup: Britain loses to Slovakia in semifinals

Great Britain's bid to reach the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time since 1981 ended in a heartbreak 1-2 defeat against Slovakia in the semifinals despite a win for Emma Raducanu as they suffered a dramatic defeat in the doubles encounter.

1 min

Discipline makes you a better player: MCFC's Rodrigues reflects on career

The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) has emerged as a pioneering initiative in nurturing the potential of youth football in India.

1 min

China Masters: PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Malvika Bansod advance to second round

Indian shuttlers enjoy successful day with all of them winning their respective matches

2 mins

India beat China to retain Women's Asian Champions Trophy title, win third crown overall

India secured the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against China in the final here on Wednesday.

2 mins

An era comes to an end as Rafael Nadal bids emotional farewell to tennis

Following his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup clash against the Netherlands on his home soil, legendary Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal expressed that he is extremely privileged to have turned one of his hobbies into an illustrious career and added that he moves into the next chapter of his life with a \"peace of mind\".

2 mins

Australia determined to end BGT drought, says star pacer Hazlewood

Ten years ago, when Australia last beat India 2-0 in a four-Test series Down Under in 2014-15, Josh Hazlewood made his debut in the longest format.

2 mins

ICC T20 rankings: Tilak breaks into top-10; Pandya tops all-rounders' list

Tilak Varma's sensational returns in South Africa, including two scintillating centuries, helped him break into the top-10 batters in latest ICC T20I rankings, while Hardik Pandya has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC men's T20I all-rounders rankings after making significant contributions to his team's successful, 3-1 series triumph over the Proteas.

1 min

Morkel hints at handing Test debut to Reddy in Perth: hopeful for Gill

India banking On VOung batter Niti Sn Redd Va S regular Openersnubman Gill battles injurv

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.