The Supreme Court has intervened in a local conflict over a demolition notice issued in South Kolkata. The court’s stay delays the removal of the contested building, allowing time for negotiations and legal review. Residents and local leaders have urged the court to address the underlying issues before proceeding.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a defence expansion plan worth ₹3,500 crore in West Bengal, aiming to boost military infrastructure and create employment. The announcement came amid recent factory closures that had affected local industries. The expansion is part of the central government’s strategy to increase defence production capacity in the eastern state, with detailed implementation to follow in the coming weeks.
A new study from IIT Kharagpur indicates that the high‑altitude zones of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing temperature rises at a faster pace than lower elevations. Researchers analyzed satellite and ground‑based data and found a noticeable warming trend over the past decade, raising concerns about glacial melt, water resources and regional ecosystems. The findings suggest that climate change impacts are more pronounced in mountainous areas, potentially affecting local communities and infrastructure.
A blaze erupted in the air‑traffic control (ATC) building at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Fire services promptly extinguished the fire, and airport authorities confirmed that no flights were delayed or cancelled. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, while no injuries have been reported.
A heavy rainstorm in Kolkata’s Jorabagan area triggered the collapse of a 200‑year‑old heritage building, killing a woman who was inside the structure. The incident occurred on a weekday evening, and emergency services responded quickly to the site. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse and assessing the safety of neighboring structures. The tragedy highlights concerns over the maintenance of old buildings in densely populated parts of the city.
The Eastern Railway has extended its AC local service that previously terminated at Barasat so that it now continues to Bangaon. The change aims to improve connectivity for commuters heading further north from Kolkata. Updated departure and arrival times are now posted on the railway’s official website and at major stations. Travelers are advised to check the revised schedule before planning their journeys.
The Kolkata Metro Authority announced that all lines will run a total of 438 train services on August 15, 2026, in celebration of India's Independence Day. The schedule includes additional peak‑hour trips to accommodate the expected surge in commuters. All stations will remain open, with priority given to tourists and holidaymakers visiting the city.
Construction crews on the Purple Line of the Kolkata Metro have completed a major tunnel breakthrough between Khidderpore and Victoria. The event marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the city’s rapid‑transit network, bringing the project closer to final alignment. Officials expect the next phase of tunnelling and station works to proceed soon, moving the project toward its target opening date.
The West Bengal government is introducing a new digital parking platform for Kolkata. The app will let users book slots in advance, pay via mobile wallets or credit cards, and receive instant confirmation. It aims to reduce congestion by eliminating the need for physical ticket counters and to ease the payment process for commuters. The service will roll out across major city parking lots over the coming months.
A commercial flight bound for Kolkata encountered a disorienting laser beam over the airspace near the city, prompting the pilot to execute a circling maneuver before safely landing. The incident, which involved a mid‑air adjustment of the aircraft's heading, was reported by aviation authorities and is under investigation.
