In a shocking turn of events, a 38‑year‑old man named Saikat Pramanik, who had already served three years in prison for the murder of his uncle, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly killing another relative in Ichhapore, Kolkata, just hours after being released on bail. Background and Context Saikat Pramanik’s case has become a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding the bail system in India. In November 2022, he was convicted for the brutal murder of his uncle, Naba Pramanik, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite the severity of the crime, the court granted him bail in early 2025, citing procedural delays and…
Author: Map of Netherlands
On Founder’s Day, the Presidency Alumni Association called for a sweeping change in the university’s admission process, demanding that every department conduct its own entrance examinations to ensure that only the brightest students are admitted. The call, made during a joint celebration of the 209th anniversary of Presidency University at Derozio Hall, has sparked a debate among faculty and administrators about the future of undergraduate admissions. Background and Context Presidency University, one of Kolkata’s oldest institutions, has traditionally relied on a mix of board marks and a centralized entrance test administered by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) board.…
In a decisive move that has sent ripples through India’s academic community, the Indian Statistical Institute’s (ISI) Academic Council rejected the proposed ISI Bill 2025 on Tuesday, citing a threat to the institute’s course autonomy and a looming shift toward bureaucratic control. Background and Context ISI, founded in 1931 and chartered by the Indian Statistical Institute Act of 1959, has long been revered as a bastion of independent research and teaching in statistics, mathematics, and data science. The 1959 Act vested the institute’s governance in a council of academics, ensuring that curriculum design and research priorities remained in the hands…
In a chilling turn of events, a dispute over a Rs 20,000 loan has culminated in the murder of senior citizen Anita Ghosh, a former Doordarshan employee, at her home in Behala Natunpara. Police arrested the accused, former ayah Sanju Sarkar, on Monday evening, and the case has now entered the courtroom, raising questions about domestic violence, financial exploitation, and the safety of the elderly in urban India. Background/Context Behala, a bustling suburb of Kolkata, has long been known for its dense residential clusters and vibrant community life. Yet, the recent incident has cast a shadow over the area, highlighting a growing concern:…
Retired IIT engineer loses ₹3.3 crore in digital arrest scam, forced to liquidate savings Lead paragraph In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through Kolkata’s professional community, a 70‑year‑old retired civil engineer and IIT alumnus has been defrauded of ₹3.3 crore in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. Fraudsters posing as law‑enforcement officers and central agency officials kept the victim under virtual surveillance for 20 days, coercing him into selling his life savings under false pretences of imminent arrest. Background / Context Digital arrest scams have surged in India over the past year, exploiting the growing reliance on online communication and the…
In a dramatic turn of events that has ignited debate across West Bengal, a young man from Malda brought a sack of soil from his grandfather’s grave to a State Information Register (SIR) hearing, demanding that it be subjected to a DNA test to prove his Indian nationality. The act, which has drawn political fire and public sympathy alike, underscores the growing frustration among citizens who feel compelled to prove their citizenship in an increasingly bureaucratic environment. Background and Context India’s citizenship verification process has become a contentious issue in recent years, especially in states with large migrant populations. The…
In a decisive move to curb the chronic water crisis, Kolkata’s municipal authorities have announced a comprehensive Kolkata water supply upgrade that will eliminate the city’s dependence on groundwater by 2027. The plan, unveiled by Mayor Firhad Hakim, includes the construction of two semi‑underground reservoirs and two booster pumping stations, alongside a new 20‑million‑gallon treatment plant at Dhapa, all aimed at delivering safe, treated water to the city’s most water‑starved neighbourhoods. Background / Context Kolkata’s rapid urbanisation has outpaced its water infrastructure, forcing millions of residents to rely on shallow wells and contaminated sources. In the south‑east corridor—Jodhpur Park, Lake Gardens, and stretches…
China is set to return to the International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) after a 15‑year hiatus, with the 49th edition slated to open on Thursday. The announcement comes as Kolkata’s Publishers and Booksellers Guild finalises last‑minute preparations, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to inaugurate the event at 4 pm. Background and Context The IKBF, held annually in Salt Lake City’s Central Park, is one of the world’s largest book fairs, drawing over 2.7 million visitors in 2025. China’s absence since 2011 had been felt by publishers, authors and readers alike, as the country’s vast publishing industry had been a key…
Saraswati Puja funds protests erupt across Kolkata colleges as students clash over budget and control of arrangements ahead of the festival. In a series of incidents that began on Sunday night, students at several prominent institutions demanded higher allocations and greater autonomy in spending, leading to heated confrontations and injuries. Background and Context Saraswati Puja, the Hindu festival honoring the goddess of learning, is a major cultural event for students in West Bengal. Colleges traditionally organize elaborate celebrations, complete with music, dance, and a ceremonial offering of sweets and flowers. The event is not only a religious observance but also…
In a move that has sent ripples through Kolkata’s voter registration process, the Supreme Court issued fresh directives to the Election Commission on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Yet, a day after the order, local polling booths report a bewildering lack of clarity, with Block Level Officers (BLOs) saying they have not received any official communication from the Commission. Background/Context The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns that the SIR process is creating confusion and anxiety among voters, especially students and migrant communities. The Court’s order, issued on January 19, 2026, aimed to streamline the revision…