The Statesman Kolkata - December 17, 2024

In this issue

December 17, 2024

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Tabla maestro and Padma Vibhushan Zakir Hussain passed away late last night at the age of 73 in San Francisco from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an official statement from his family said on Monday.

1 min

Bengal ranks first in animal protein production in country: Report

Bengal has become the country's highest animal protein producer, overtaking Uttar Pradesh, said a report published by the Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024.

1 min

Won't allow Lanka to be used against India

Sri Lanka's President Dissanayake, who is in India on his first visit after elections, said the cooperation with India will flourish under his govt

2 mins

Fresh Raniganj master plan for state approval

At a high-level meeting in Asansol, it has been decided that a fresh plan for rehabilitation and resettlement of Raniganj Coalfields subsidence and underground fire zone will be prepared and sent to the state government for final approval.

2 mins

ISS successful candidates get sweets, flowers from Mamata

The two candidates were delivered the pleasantries by the local governmentrepresentatives

1 min

Bangladesh tour operators to miss Bengal Travel Mart

Bangladesh-based tour operators will not participate in the 8th edition of the Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) 2024, despite earlier assurances from the Tour Operators' Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators' Association (EHTTOA).

2 mins

Altogether 101 employees of Indian Railways will be awarded by Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar-2024

Altogether 101 employees of Indian Railways will be awarded by Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar-2024

1 min

Speeding car kills mother-son duo

A mother and her son duo was killed allegedly following drunk driving at Ramabati Gopalnagar area under the Mathurapur police station in South 24 Parganas this morning.

2 mins

Mamata pays homage to Indian soldiers on Vijay Diwas

She refused to comment on the situation that is prevalent in Bangladesh now

1 min

Trinamul Congress censures Firhad Hakim over his 'minority' remarks

In the face of large-scale criticisms both from inside and outside, Trinamul Congress on Monday finally officially censured West Bengal Municipal Affairs & Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim over his recent public comments on \"minority\" and \"majority\".

1 min

Safety for Women in trains

Aiming to ensure a safe travel environment for women and children by implementing robust security measures, the Eastern Railway operated 156 Mail/Express trains, 171 passenger trains, and 13 ladies' special trains being escorted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), including 74 trains jointly patrolled by male and female personnel.

1 min

TMC thumping win in Contai Cooperative Bank polls

The ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) registered a resounding victory in the Contai Cooperative Bank elections held on Sunday, winning 101 out of the 108 seats.

1 min

ICC marks centenary with Narayana Murthy

Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) launched its centenary celebrations with a grand event featuring Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan and Infosys Founder, N R Narayana Murthy at the historic Calcutta Town Hall.

1 min

Payel Roy Ganguly - Honored as "Nightingale of Chicagoland" in U.S. Congressional Record

Payel Roy Ganguly, hailed as the \"Nightingale of Chicagoland,\" has been honored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Illinois Representative Jonathan L. Jackson, for her inspiring journey from Kolkata, India to become a globally acclaimed musician.

1 min

Abhishek calls ONOE unconstitutional

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress MP from Diamond Harbour and party's national general secretary came down heavily on the BJP-led Centre and said the proposed One Nation One Election Bill is unconstitutional and will take away the voting rights of the people.

2 mins

Kolkata book fair to see 1000 stalls

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) on 28 January, 2025. It will be held at the Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake. The focal theme country is Germany.

1 min

Jailed Hindu monk's lawyer in city for treatment

Jailed monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Bangladeshi lawyer Rabindra Ghosh is currently in Kolkata for medical treatment.

1 min

'India-Bangladesh relations everlasting': Mukti Joddhas on Vijay Diwas

Relations between India and Bangladesh are everlasting and a few minor incidents will have no impact, Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters) from the neighbouring country said during the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata on Monday.

2 mins

B'desh violence: Protest in heart of city disrupts traffic

The Bengali Hindu Protection Committee organised amarch from Sealdah to Dharmatala, demanding the immediate release of Swami Chinmoy Krishna

1 min

'Communal riots have dropped drastically in UP since 2017'

Between 2007 and 2011, there were 616 communal incidents, claiming 121 lives

2 mins

Govt underlines schemes for upliftment of minorities

The Centre has launched several schemes focusing on education, employment, and infrastructure development to safeguard the rights and improve the lives of minorities which comprise about 19.3 per cent of the country's population.

2 mins

I saw Nehru documents being shredded, says historian Rizwan Kadri

Historian Dr Rizwan Kadri on Monday claimed that he had seen an elderly person shred many documents and letters related to first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

1 min

Shaina NC praises Omar as 'mature leader' for criticising Cong's objections to EVMS

National Conference (NC) leader and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah's, recent criticism of the INDIA bloc ally Congress' objections to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMS) has sparked a response from Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, who lauded Abdullah as a 'very mature leader.'

1 min

Not a single drop of blood will be shed in name of Naxalism by 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said not a single drop of blood will be shed in the name of Naxalism on the sacred land of Maa Danteshwari by March 31, 2026.

2 mins

Jaipur coaching centre sealed after students fall ill

Utkarsh Coaching Centre in Rajasthan's Jaipur has been sealed after several students fell ill and some fainted on the premises, said officials here.

1 min

PM Modi to gift Rajasthan projects worth ₹1 L cr during his visit to Jaipur today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a visit to the Pink City on Tuesday to participate in the state-level function being held at Dadiya village near here to celebrate the first anniversary of the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP government in the state.

1 min

'Stay healthy, stay happy', CM Sharma tells people in Jaipur park

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, on Monday, emphasised the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular exercise.

1 min

Maharashtra CM, Deputy CMs meet to decide ministry allocation

A meeting to decide ministerial portfolios to be allotted to 39 ministers sworn-in on Sunday was scheduled to be held on Monday evening at 'Ramgiri', the Nagpur residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sources said, even as the first day of the six-day winter session began in Nagpur.

1 min

Telangana Assembly Speaker rejects BRS demand for discussions on Lagacharla

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad today rejected an adjournment motion submitted by the BRS MLAs to discuss the Lagacharla incident in Kodangal where attempts to acquire land from farmers for a pharma company had snowballed into an attack on government officials.

1 min

Ilayaraja denied entry to sanctum sanctorum of Srivilliputhur temple

Avideoof him being prevented entry gone viral with hisardent fans castigating the templeadministration

2 mins

Policeman shoots himself dead with service gun in Malappuram

A 36-year-old policeman, serving in the Special Operation Group (SOG) died by suicide after shooting himself with his service revolver at the MSP camp at Areekode in Kerala's Malappuram district on Sunday night.

1 min

BJP's brazen attempt towards totalitarian presidential system through ONOP: Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MKStalin on Monday alleged the BJP-led Union government despite lacking a majority to pass the One Nation One Poll legislation, is making a brazen attempt to push the same with an ulterior motive of conducting a presidential form of government.

1 min

Steel cutting ceremony of first Next-Generation Missile Vessel held at Cochin Shipyard

The 'Steel Cutting' ceremony for the first ship of the Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, today.

1 min

Himachal CM stresses on diversification to strengthen horticulture sector

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stressing on the importance of diversification in horticulture, said that there was a need to develop improved storage and marketing systems to ensure fair prices for farmers and horticulturists.

1 min

NCERT cuts prices of its textbooks for classes 9-12 by 20 pc for next academic year

In a notable move to aid the students of the country, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Monday announced a 20 percent cut in its textbook prices for classes 9 to 12 which will be effective from the upcoming academic year.

1 min

CENJOWS, MCMM sign MoU to boost indigenisation & standardisation for Indian Defence Forces

In a positive step bolstering indigenisation capabilities, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), the tri-services think tank under HQ Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Military College of Material Management (MCMM), at Sita Pahari, Jabalpur.

1 min

BJP leader praises hike in PM's Poshan scheme

Senior BJP leader, Balbir Ram Rattan on Monday said that the increased allocation under the Poshan scheme is expected to bring about a transformative impact on the lives of women and children of poor sections.

1 min

CAQM invokes GRAP-III curbs in Delhi-National Capital Region

National capital's average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday was recorded at 379

1 min

AAP has a clear agenda for Delhi's development: Sisodia on poll prospects

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, on Monday, exuded confidence that AAP would retain power in the forthcoming Assembly elections as it has delivered results in the last 10 years, and also has a clear agenda for the development of the national capital.

1 min

The gift of second chances

The impending return from an Indonesian jail of a Filipino migrant worker tricked into being a drug mule is a spot of good news amid the toxic political scuffle of recent weeks.

2 mins

Political Minefield

The appointment of François Bayrou as France's new Prime Minister highlights the formidable challenges facing the country as it struggles with political gridlock, economic uncertainty, and public discontent.

2 mins

Bhopal revisited~II

The license for setting up the Union Carbide plant at Bhopal for producing poisonous MIC and a 'no-objection' from the Pollution Control Department were granted despite the plant's location being near a densely populated area. This was against prescribed norms. No action was taken against the erring UCIL for not complying with statutory safety measures. Was it not a hoax? Were the state and Central government officials hypnotized by the gimmicky assurance of UCC that 'our Bhopal plant will be as inoffensive as a chocolate factory'?

4 mins

Day of Reckoning

South Korea's democracy has faced yet another stern test with the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, a polarising figure whose ill-conceived martial law decree plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.

2 mins

The irony of a historical convergence

It is remarkable how historic events converge at times into a deep sense of irony.

3 mins

PROPOSED CESS FOR INVESTIGATION

A CERTAIN amount of opposition is anticipated at next week's meeting of the Mysore Legislative Council to a Government Bill to provide for the levy of a coffee cess, temporarily in the Mysore State, in order to maintain an experimental station for the investigation of diseases affecting the coffee plant, and other allied problems relating to coffee cultivation.

1 min

Syria after Assad's fall

Syrian rebel forces captured Damascus and forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Moscow with his family, where he has been granted refuge.

4 mins

Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to nearly 45,000

The Health Ministry said 45,028 people have been killed and 106,962 have been wounded since the

2 mins

S. Korea's Constitutional Court justices hold first meeting to decide impeached president's fate

South Korean Constitutional Court is set to hold its first meeting of its justices Monday to review the parliamentary impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol (Photo), kicking off preparations for his impeachment trial.

1 min

As Trump threatens mass deportations, Central America braces for an influx of vulnerable migrants

As dozens of deported migrants pack into a sweltering airport facility in San Pedro Sula, Norma sits under fluorescent lights clutching a foam cup of coffee and a small plate of eggs-all that was waiting for her in Honduras.

1 min

Gulf Countries Denounce Israeli Decision to Expand Settlements in Golan Heights

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar condemned the Israeli government's approval of a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.

1 min

As Trump threatens mass deportations, Central America braces for an influx of vulnerable migrants

President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time.

1 min

Death toll from paramilitary forces attack in Sudan rises to 38

\"The death toll from the massacre in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher has risen to 38,\"

1 min

Rise in Chinese military incursions around Taiwan

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence (MND) stated that it detected five Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Sunday and 6 am (local time) on Monday.

1 min

Germany's Scholz loses a confidence vote, setting up an early election in February

Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the German parliament on Monday, putting the European Union's most populous member and biggest economy on course to hold an early election in February.

1 min

Mystery illness that causes 'excessive body shaking' affects about 300 people in Uganda

About 300 people in Uganda have reportedly been affected by a mystery illness that causes 'excessive body shaking'.

1 min

Trudeau's FM Chrystia Freeland resigns hours before statement on Canada's economy

Hours before the statement on Canada's economy, Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister announced her resignation from the Cabinet.

1 min

Hundreds feared dead after Cyclone Chido hits French territory of Mayotte

France was rushing help by ship and military aircraft to its poor overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean on Monday after the island was shattered by its worst storm in nearly a century

2 mins

India's banking sector poised for continued resilience: S&P Global

India's financial sector is poised for resilience, bolstered by structural improvements and robust economic growth prospects, according to the S&P Global Ratings 2025 banking outlook.

1 min

HPCL expands free heart care initiative with new partnership

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has taken a significant step to bring life-saving heart care closer to those in need.

1 min

India's trade deficit at all-time-high of $37.8 billion in November

India registered a record trade deficit of $37.8 billion in November with exports contracting 4.85 per cent to $32.1 billion while imports increased by 27 per cent to $69.95 billion.

1 min

India's trend GDP growth to move closer to 6.5-7 pc in FY25: Crisil

The main macro drivers remain healthy and India's GDP growth is likely to move closer to the trend growth of 6.5-7 per cent this fiscal, a Crisil Insight report said on Monday.

1 min

Market erases some gains; Selling seen in IT, metal, oil & gas, FMCG

The Sensex was down 384.55 points or 0.47 percent at 81,748.57, and the Nifty was down 100.05 points or 0.40 percent at 24,668.25

2 mins

India glucose monitoring market to grow at 2pc CAGR by 2033: Report

Amid the growing prevalence of diabetes in India, the glucose monitoring market in the country is forecast to grow at a 2 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during 2024-33, according to a report on Monday.

1 min

India to end 2024 with record office space leasing activity, leads globally

India is set to witness a record office space leasing activity in 2024, reaching 83-85 million square feet of gross leasing value (GLV), which is a 13 percent growth from last year, according to a report on Monday.

1 min

Heyo gearing up to scale to a million businesses across India, Asia-Pacific, EMEA, LATAM

Kolkata-headquartered Heyo (often known as Heyo Phone), that helps small business owners manage all their customer communications, get more enquiries and grow business right from their phones, is gearing up to scale to a million businesses across India and emerging economy markets like Asia Pacific, EMEA, LATAM in next 3-5 years.

2 mins

Assam CM to attend Bhutan's national day, eyeing stronger bilateral ties

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the National Day Celebrations of Bhutan from December 16 to 18 at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

1 min

CBI files five in Assam online trading scam; 18 accused named chargesheets

The CBI has filed five chargesheets in Guwahati against 18 individuals and two companies involved in a massive online trading scam that duped thousands of investors in Assam by promising high returns, officials said on Monday.

1 min

Manipur CM accuses agencies of destabilizing state amid rising tensions

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday accused certain external agencies of attempting to destabilize the state, further aggravating the ethnic crisis in the state.

1 min

Precision land management must for Viksit Bharat

Jagdeep Dhankhar said, 'Your guardianship of this land is vital for both strategic defence infras

2 mins

Assam's Panchayat polls: political parties gear up for fierce grassroots battle

With panchayat elections in Assam approaching fast, political parties are ramping up their preparations, spurred by the recent publication of draft electoral rolls.

1 min

NIRF rankings: A catalyst for India's highe education transformation?a

Higher Education (HE) rankings transcend mere numerical values; they reflect the quality, competitiveness, and global stature of educational institutions.

4 mins

Looking for work? Study reveals your mindset could be hampering your search

Searching for a job can be arduous, particularly amid economic and technological change.

3 mins

Mbappe in Real squad for Intercontinental Cup

Kylian Mbappe has been added to Real Madrid's 24-man squad for the Intercontinental Cup.

1 min

Badminton nationals to start in Bengaluru on 18 December

An exciting domestic season, which witnessed the emergence of young challengers and revival of fortune for some battle-hardened journeymen, is set for a grand finale with the 77th Inter-Zonal and 86th Senior National Badminton Championships to be played at the Karnataka Badminton Association courts in Bengaluru from 18-24 December.

1 min

Punjab FC aim to return to winning ways against struggling East Bengal

Currently at the fifth spot, a victory against the red and gold brigade will see Punjab overtake third-placed Odisha FC

2 mins

Ashley eager to learn Hindi, make friendships in HIL

USA women's team defender Ashley Hoffman is excited to be part of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season after being signed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 10 lakh.

2 mins

Kerala Blasters FC sack head Coach Mikael Stahre

Kerala Blasters have confirmed the departure of head coach Mikael Stahre and assistant coaches Bjorn Wesstrom and Frederico Pereira Morais after the team's poor start in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season has seen the side sit at the 10th place in the points table.

1 min

West Bengal, Services win big in Santosh Trophy

West Bengal and Services recorded dominant victories in Group A of the final round of the 78th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at the Deccan Arena on Monday.

1 min

India at rain's mercy after yet another top order collapse

Aussie pacers dominate Indian batting at rain swept Gabba to leave visitors tottering at 51-4

2 mins

Australian legend Border rates Bumrah as highly as Hadlee and Marshall

Jasprit Bumrah's stocks rose exponentially ever since he arrived on Australian shores this summer, with the pace ace leading India to a commanding win in the Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth, before leaving his mark in Adelaide and Brisbane.

2 mins

We are in transition: Bumrah defends flop show by batters

Pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah cut a forlorn figure after the end of the third day's play at the Gabba with India reduced to 51-4 in their first innings.

2 mins

BGT: Rain may play spoilsport during remaining two days of Brisbane Test

The Bureau of Meteorology of Australia has reported today that there are 90% chances of rain on the last two days of the Brisbane Test played between the Baggy Greens and India which is Tuesday and Wednesday.

3 mins

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

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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.