Kolkata News Today | Latest Local & Regional Updates

Experts point to Puthur Zoo’s relocation blueprint as a model for addressing space shortages at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo. The plan outlines a new site, expanded enclosures, and improved visitor facilities. Officials say the proposal could enhance animal welfare and visitor experience, while easing pressure on the current premises. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by urban zoos in India and the need for modern infrastructure.

During the Semicon India 2026 exhibition in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s growing appeal as an electronics manufacturing hub. He linked the country’s strengths to the global trend of supply‑chain ‘weaponisation’, suggesting that a robust domestic semiconductor sector would benefit the world. Modi’s remarks aimed to position India as a reliable partner for chip production and technology investment.

নির্বাচন কমিশন অস্থায়ীভাবে অল ইন্ডিয়া তৃণমূল কংগ্রেসের নাম ও ‘জোড়া ফুল’ চিহ্ন ফ্রিজ করেছে। মিজোরার অ্যাডভোকেট জেনারেল বিশ্বজিৎ দেব মন্তব্য করেন যে কমিশনের সিদ্ধান্ত চূড়ান্ত এবং পক্ষে সুপ্রিম কোর্টে আপিল সম্ভব। তিনি বলেন, এই সিদ্ধান্তে দলের রাজনৈতিক অস্তিত্ব টিকে থাকবে না। প্রতিপক্ষ দলগুলোও এই সিদ্ধান্তের বৈধতা নিয়ে প্রশ্ন তুলছে।

Prasanna Kumar Acharya has been named the new Chief Managing Director of National Light Cable Industries Limited (NLCIL), a key player in India’s cable manufacturing sector. The appointment, announced by the company’s board, comes as NLCIL seeks to strengthen its leadership amid growing demand for telecom infrastructure. Acharya brings extensive experience from senior roles in related industries, positioning him to steer the firm toward innovation and expanded market presence. The move is expected to enhance NLCIL’s operational efficiency and competitive edge.

The father of actress Disha Salian has filed a ₹500 crore defamation notice against Maharashtra Chief Minister’s son, Aaditya Thackeray, in a Kolkata court. The notice claims that Thackeray’s remarks have damaged the Salian family’s reputation and seeks monetary compensation along with a formal apology. It cites specific statements made during a public event and demands a retraction. Neither side has yet issued a public response, and the matter will proceed to litigation.

কলকাতা হাইকোর্ট ২৬ সেপ্টেম্বর মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের শ্রীরামপুরের আদালত ময়দানে জনসভা করার অনুমতি দিয়েছে। তবে আদালতের নির্দেশে মিছিল নিষিদ্ধ এবং সর্বোচ্চ ১,০০০ সমর্থক নিয়ে অনুষ্ঠান করতে হবে। একই দিনে কালীঘাট-তৃণমূলের পক্ষেও মিছিল ছাড়া মন্দিরের মাঠে সভা করার অনুমতি মঞ্জুর করা হয়েছে। আদালত উভয় ক্ষেত্রেই নিরাপত্তা ও শৃঙ্খলা বজায় রাখার ওপর জোর দিয়েছে।

The All India Football Federation has announced discounted ticket pricing for fans of Kolkata’s premier football clubs ahead of India’s friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay. The move is aimed at boosting local support for the national team. The discounted tickets are available for fans of clubs such as Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and others, and can be purchased through the AIFF official channels. The friendlies are scheduled to be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, with match dates in September.

The Election Commission has ruled that factions formed after the 2020 split of the Trinamool Congress are barred from using the party name or its symbol in the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. The decision, issued following a petition filed by the main Trinamool party, aims to prevent voter confusion and preserve the integrity of the symbol. The ban applies to all parliamentary and assembly bypolls in the state.

Weather experts warn that Kolkata may receive more rain in the coming days as Durga Puja approaches. The Meteorological Department has issued a moderate rain alert for the city, urging residents to stay alert and prepare for possible disruptions to puja processions and outdoor events. Local authorities are coordinating with police and municipal services to ensure smooth arrangements amid the expected showers.

E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, has passed away at the age of 78. He gained national attention in the 1999 general elections after defeating former Union Minister P. Chidambaram in the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency. His death marks a significant loss for the Congress party and the broader political community. The news is of particular interest to Kolkata readers following national political developments.

A recent NPTEL survey suggesting fees for its otherwise free online courses has upset many learners. The platform clarified that the survey was simply gathering feedback on user experience and not an actual fee proposal. Reactions online have ranged from confusion to frustration, with some users demanding immediate clarification on the platform’s policy. NPTEL’s response aims to calm concerns and reaffirm its commitment to free education.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to build a pedestrian overbridge in Poigai village, located in West Bengal. The new foot overbridge aims to enhance foot‑traffic safety and improve connectivity for local residents. Details on the project timeline and funding have not yet been released, but the initiative is part of broader efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the region.

The Vice‑President of Vellore Institute of Technology was presented with the prestigious Crown Jewel of World Tamils Award during a ceremony held in Mauritius. The accolade, aimed at recognising outstanding contributions to the Tamil community worldwide, was conferred to the VIT leader by representatives of the global Tamil diaspora. The event highlighted the institute’s international engagement and the role of Tamil culture in fostering global ties.

A draft audit report has exposed a scam in Odisha where medical officers issued death certificates for 2,487 construction workers who were still alive. The certificates enabled the workers’ nominees to claim more than ₹15 crore under the Nirman Shramik Scheme, which is meant to support genuine labourers. The investigation highlights misuse of public funds and raises questions about the scheme’s verification processes.

CIAL has announced a 25‑year master plan to steer the development of the airport. The blueprint covers airside, terminal, cargo, landside, connectivity, utilities, commercial growth and sustainability, while also estimating future land needs. The plan aims to upgrade facilities, increase cargo capacity, enhance passenger experience and incorporate green initiatives. Phased construction and stakeholder coordination are key to the strategy, underscoring the airport’s role in supporting Kolkata’s economic growth.

Tamil filmmaker Raja Karuppasamy delivers a fresh take on the chaos of a wedding night in "Modha Rathri." The film follows a series of mishaps that bring strangers together, turning a night of confusion into a touching exploration of destiny. Rishikanth and Anishma lead the cast with natural chemistry, while the supporting actors add depth to the story’s comedic yet heartfelt moments. The director’s simple yet effective storytelling showcases how fate can weave unexpected connections.

The Election Commission of India has frozen the official name and party symbol of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. This decision comes in the wake of internal disputes involving competing factions claiming control of the party. The poll panel has instructed the rival groups to choose separate names and symbols to contest the upcoming assembly by-elections.

In the last month, several water pipes have ruptured across Kochi and its surrounding municipalities. The latest break was detected on S.R.M. Road, affecting the pipeline that serves Pachalam and Ayyappankkavu. The leaks have caused intermittent water shortages, prompting emergency repairs. Local authorities are working to restore supply and investigate the cause of the failures.

নির্বাচন কমিশনের সাম্প্রতিক কিছু সিদ্ধান্তের পরই সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমে এক তাৎপর্যপূর্ণ পোস্ট করলেন তৃণমূল কংগ্রেস নেতা কুণাল ঘোষ। দলীয় প্রধান মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের ছবি সংবলিত সেই পোস্টে উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে "দিদিই লড়াই, দিদিই প্রতীক"। কমিশনের পদক্ষেপের প্রেক্ষিতে তৈরি হওয়া রাজনৈতিক জল্পনার মধ্যে কুণাল ঘোষের এই মন্তব্য অত্যন্ত গুরুত্ব বহন করছে। এই বার্তার মাধ্যমে তৃণমূল যে নেত্রীর ছবি ও নেতৃত্বকেই ভোটের মূল হাতিয়ার হিসেবে রাখছে, তা স্পষ্ট করা হলো।

The Election Commission has prohibited both factions of the All India Trinamool Congress from using the party's name and electoral symbol in upcoming by-elections. The decision follows a legal dispute over the party's internal leadership after the death of senior leaders. Both groups, led by former leaders, are now required to contest under alternative names and symbols. This move is expected to affect voter recognition and campaign strategies across West Bengal.

নির্বাচন কমিশন অল ইন্ডিয়া তৃণমূল কংগ্রেসের নাম ও ‘জোড়াফুল’ প্রতীক ব্যবহার নিষিদ্ধ করে একটি তালিকা থেকে নতুন প্রতীক বেছে নিতে বলেছে। কালীঘাট তৃণমূলের সংসদ সদস্য কল্যাণ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় অর্ডারটি ‘অনৈতিক’ বলে অমান্য করার সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে এবং ১১টার মধ্যে সিদ্ধান্ত নেবে। নন্দীগ্রাম ও রাজনাগরে আসন্ন উপ‑নির্বাচনে উভয় শিবিরের প্রার্থী নির্ধারণের আগে প্রতীক চূড়ান্ত করা হবে।

India’s All‑India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that tickets for its marquee friendlies will be available at a discounted rate for fans of Kolkata’s top football clubs. The move is aimed at boosting local support for the national team as it prepares for a series of high‑profile matches. Clubs such as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will receive special ticket pricing, allowing more supporters to watch the games from home stadiums. The initiative is part of AIFF’s broader strategy to strengthen football’s fan base across the country.

বিক্রান্ত ম্যাসি হিমাচল ও উত্তরাখণ্ডে মুসাফির ক্যাফে নামে একটি নতুন উদ্যোগ চালু করেছেন। ক্যাফে ভ্রমণকারীদের জন্য স্থানীয় রন্ধনশৈলী ও আরামদায়ক পরিবেশের সমন্বয়ে এক অনন্য অভিজ্ঞতা প্রদান করবে। নকশা ও মেনুতে হিমাচল ও উত্তরাখণ্ডের ঐতিহ্যবাহী খাবারকে গুরুত্ব দেওয়া হয়েছে, যাতে অতিথিরা রুটের গল্প ও সংস্কৃতির সাথে পরিচিত হতে পারেন।

A young man was attacked after a brawl at a Kolkata pub escalated, leading to a violent confrontation that spread over a 10‑kilometre stretch. Witnesses say the fight broke out in the bar’s vicinity and then spilled onto nearby streets, causing injuries to several people. Police were called to the scene and have begun an investigation into the assault and the subsequent clash.

A panel of defense specialists highlighted that the outcome of upcoming wars will hinge on the speed and accuracy with which forces can detect threats, make decisions and adjust tactics. They argued that nations investing in advanced sensor networks, AI‑driven analytics and agile command structures will gain decisive advantages. The discussion emphasized the need for continuous training and technology upgrades to maintain operational superiority.