Priyanka Gandhi seeks clarification from govt over exclusion of women journalists from Taliban’s presser
Strongly criticising the government for allowing the Taliban to exclude women journalists from a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today demanded clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on why female journalists were barred from attending the event. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India,” Priyanka Gandhi said on X, questioning the government’s stance on women’s rights. The move has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the Taliban’s discriminatory policies towards women. Journalists and politicians have also spoken out against the exclusion, with some questioning why India allowed such restrictions on its soil. The incident has also sparked a heated debate on social media, with many demanding clarity on the government’s position.The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the incident. However, officials claimed that the Indian side had not been consulted on the exclusion of women journalists and that the press conference was held inside the Afghan embassy, which might limit India’s ability to intervene.
Mamata says it is not acceptable to deprive voter rights in the name of SIR, warns BJP against playing with fire
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said it is not acceptable if the poll panel in the name of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) strike off the voters’ right and alleged that the ECI officials were “threatening” her government officials under political pressure. She also accused the BJP of playing with fire and said in the guise of SIR, the NRC (National Register of Citizens) were being done. She said two persons in Nadia received such an NRC notice from the Assam government and questioned how other states could interfere with the affairs of West Bengal. Banerjee told a media conference at the state secretariat Nabanna that some ECI officers were holding meetings without any representative from the state government and accused the state chief electoral officer of “overdoing”. “The CEO must not overdo as I know his record,” the chief minister warned. “He (CEO) is accused of corruption and there is a conspiracy to cut votes under the pretext of SIR. I have the evidence,” Banerjee told the reporters and said he must not overreact. “I hope he will not betray the country and democracy,” the CM said. She also questioned the timing of SIR when the state was having a natural calamity, and thousands of people had been displaced and their belongings lost in the floods and landslides. Besides, many people were out of station due to the festive months. Banerjee also questioned how it could be possible to complete SIR within two months and accused the BJP of influencing the revision. She also asked how a central minister belonging to the BJP declared that some 1.5 crore voter names were to be deleted from the electoral rolls and warned the saffron party not to play with fire or else they will be engulfed in the blaze. Banerjee reiterated that it is not acceptable if any voters’ rights were snatched away in the name of SIR as Bengal has many communities across the state. Questioning the ECI activity, Banerjee asked how the poll panel summoned state government officers before the poll schedule was declared. She said the election dates have not been announced for Bengal. “Then how can the ECI officials visit the state and direct the state government officers for SIR preparedness?” A team of the Election Commission of India led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, yesterday held a video conference with the District Election Officer-District Magistrates of the districts of South Bengal. The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Manoj Agrawal, was also present in the meeting. Electoral Registration Officers of the districts concerned also attended the video conference. The team also visited some assembly constituencies in North 24 Parganas district to meet electoral officials and Booth Level Officers (BLOs). They also went to Kolaghat of Purba Medinipur district today and met BLOs of Purba Medinipur, Jhargram and Bankura districts.
ECI flags ‘abnormal’ spike in Bengal voters, highest among major states in 22 years
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has put West Bengal under its scanner after identifying an “abnormal” surge of nearly 66 per cent in the state’s voter population between 2002 and 2024, the highest increase among all major states of the country in the last 22 years. The spike, which has been recorded since the last Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 2002, will be one of the major concerns for the Election Commission of India during the SIR scheduled to take place in West Bengal shortly, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Senior officials in the poll panel indicated that the revision could significantly prune the electoral rolls, especially with a focus on deleting names of deceased and shifted voters. “A logical growth in the number of voters should have been in the range of 48 to 50 per cent during this period. Bengal has recorded 65.8 per cent, which is much above the national trend. This abnormal growth will definitely attract the Commission’s attention,” a senior official in the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said on condition of anonymity. According to ECI’s comparative data of major states between 2002 and 2024, Bengal’s increase of 65.8 percent dwarfs that of states with far larger populations. Uttar Pradesh registered a 39.1 per cent increase, Madhya Pradesh 47.2 percent, Maharashtra 44.8 percent, Karnataka 28.7 percent, Tamil Nadu 18.8 percent, Bihar 50.3 percent crore, and Gujarat saw a 42.2 percent increase. In absolute terms, Bengal had 4.58 crore voters in 2002 following the last SIR, which has now increased to 7.60 crore in 2024. Poll officials argued that such sharp growth is unlikely to be explained by demographic changes alone. “The abnormal rise is primarily because booth-level officers (BLOs) failed to delete the names of the deceased and those who migrated. During the last intensive revision in 2002, over 28 lakh names were deleted. A similar exercise now will definitely cut down the rolls,” the official added. The issue comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court hearing challenges to a similar SIR ordered in Bihar, where petitioners fear that nearly 3 crore people particularly from marginalised groups could lose voting rights. In Bengal too, the debate has already acquired sharp political tones. The BJP has claimed that the spike indicates large-scale inclusion of “illegal infiltrators” from Bangladesh and demanded that the Commission act decisively. “In the past few years, Assembly segments in border areas like Rajarhat-Gopalpur, Bongaon, Barasat and parts of Nadia have seen a 16 to 18 per cent jump in voters. We estimate that around one crore infiltrators could be identified if a proper SIR is conducted,” a state BJP functionary said on condition of anonymity. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the BJP’s claims and suggested that the exercise was politically motivated. At a recent press conference, Mamata described the Bihar SIR as “worse than an NRC update” and warned that Bengal could be the “actual target.” Within the administration, the ECI has already directed district election officers to ensure that BLOs who are state government employees are appointed from Group C and above, to ensure accountability. A recent special summary revision in Nadia’s Kaliganj Assembly seat saw 8,000 deletions from the rolls without any controversy, which officials cite as proof that genuine voters will not be affected. The CEO’s office official emphasised, “The Commission will not allow any laxity in cleaning up the rolls. We are committed that no genuine voter will be deleted in the process”. As Bengal heads towards its next Assembly polls in 2026, the question of how the “abnormal” 66 per cent growth in its electorate will be addressed promises to be one of the most contentious issues in the state’s political landscape.
Prime Minister Leads Largest-Ever Trade Mission to India
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai yesterday, leading the country’s largest-ever trade mission to India with a 125-member delegation of CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice chancellors and cultural leaders. The two-day visit aims to strengthen post-trade deal momentum between the two countries, following the landmark UK-India trade agreement signed in July. The pact, hailed as the most comprehensive deal India has struck with any nation, will slash tariffs and boost market access for British companies across sectors. Major firms including Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange, and British Airways are accompanying Starmer as part of efforts to unlock investment opportunities and promote growth in both economies. “This isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s a launchpad for growth,” Starmer said. “With India set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, the opportunities for British business are unparalleled.” Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle called the agreement “the best any country has ever secured with India,” noting it would place British firms “at the front of the queue” in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. The trade deal is projected to increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, with UK exports to India expected to grow nearly 60 percent. Tariffs on British goods will fall from an average of 15 percent to 3 percent, while duties on whisky will be cut from 150 percent to 75 percent immediately and then reduced further to 40 percent over a decade. British Airways announced it will add a third daily Delhi–London flight by 2026 to meet rising demand, while Manchester Airport will introduce a new IndiGo-operated route to Delhi, generating an estimated £75 million in exports and tourism annually. “British Airways sits at the center of increased UK-India economic activity,” said the airline’s CEO Sean Doyle. “The free trade agreement will strengthen ties built over a century.” Fourteen UK university vice chancellors are also part of the mission, reflecting growing education partnerships as India looks to create 70 million higher education seats by 2035. Cultural leaders from institutions such as the British Film Institute and National Theatre are exploring collaborations in film, heritage, and creative industries. The visit follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to London in July, which resulted in £6 billion in new investments and export wins. Starmer is expected to meet Modi again on Thursday to discuss expanding cooperation in technology, defense, and telecom under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. India’s tech sector, projected to reach £1 trillion in value by 2030, remains a key focus of the partnership. “We’re determined to seize the new opportunities this deal creates,” Starmer said. “Growth in India means jobs and prosperity at home.”
Blast Rocks Kanpur Market; Eight Injured Near Mosque
Panic gripped Kanpur on Wednesday night after a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded marketplace near a mosque, injuring at least eight people, police said. The blast occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the Mishri Bazaar area, a densely populated neighborhood about 500 meters from the Marqaz Mosque. Two scooters parked near the marketplace exploded within seconds of each other, sending shockwaves through the busy street filled with evening shoppers, officials said. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as people ran for safety and nearby shop fronts were damaged by the force of the explosion. The injured, including a woman, were rushed to a local hospital. Four of them, said to be in critical condition, were later referred to a medical facility in Lucknow for advanced treatment. Police immediately cordoned off the area, while forensic experts, bomb disposal personnel, and members of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrived at the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial reports suggested that the blast might have been caused by a crude explosive device. However, Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar later said that the explosion appeared to have resulted from illegal firecrackers stored in one of the scooters. “Preliminary investigations indicate that there was no high-grade explosive involved,” Kumar said. “The forensic team has collected samples, and evidence points toward firecrackers stored illegally for sale in the area.” Authorities said a number of nearby shops sustained damage, but there were no fatalities. The entire area remained sealed off through the night as investigators examined debris and reviewed CCTV footage from the market. Officials confirmed that a probe has been launched into the source of the fireworks and whether any safety norms were violated. The incident has renewed concerns over illegal firecracker markets that often operate in densely populated parts of Uttar Pradesh despite periodic police crackdowns.
Dilip Ghosh slams TMC over Darjeeling disaster response, alleges attack by ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators’
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh has launched a sharp attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of a delayed and inadequate response to the recent landslide disaster in Darjeeling. Ghosh also alleged that BJP leaders who rushed to assist affected people were attacked by so called “Bangladeshi infiltrators” allegedly protected by the ruling party. Speaking to the media, Ghosh said, “Even after such a big tragedy, no TMC leader went to Darjeeling. It is the government’s duty to provide help and ensure people’s safety, but the Chief Minister went there two to three days after the disaster. Our BJP MLAs and MPs reached before her.” He further claimed that BJP’s tribal MPs, who visited the affected tribal communities, were attacked by individuals he labelled as illegal infiltrators. “They were attacked by Bangladeshi infiltrators who are being protected by TMC. Our MPs were attacked because TMC doesn’t want the truth to come out,” Ghosh alleged. His remarks have sparked a fresh political storm in West Bengal, with the BJP accusing the state government of mismanaging the crisis and failing to provide timely relief. The party has also reiterated its long-standing concerns about alleged illegal infiltration in border regions like Darjeeling.While the rescue operation is still underway in Darjeeling.TMC has not officially responded to Ghosh’s claims yet, but party sources say the allegations are an attempt to divert attention during a time of crisis.
TMC team leaves for Tripura after alleged BJP vandalism at party office
A five-member Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation, led by senior Lok Sabha member Pratima Mondal, left for Tripura today to assess the situation following allegations that BJP activists vandalised the party’s office in Agartala. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in a post on social media accused the BJP of resorting to violence in states where it is in power. “Unable to defeat us at the ballot box in Bengal, the BJP has unleashed its full machinery to provoke violence in states under its control,” Banerjee said. He alleged that BJP workers attacked and ransacked the TMC party office in Tripura “under the watchful eyes of the Tripura Police,” calling it evidence of a “vindictive and lawless mindset.” Banerjee, who is also the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said the incident was not isolated, recalling earlier attacks on TMC leaders and workers in the state. “In 2021, my convoy in Tripura was vandalised by BJP-hired goons. They speak of upholding democracy, yet their actions blatantly violate its very principles,” he said. Following the alleged attack, the TMC delegation left for Tripura to review the situation on the ground, express solidarity with party workers, and officially raise the issue with the state administration. “Intimidation, violence, and vendettas will never silence us. Democracy, law, and the people’s mandate will always prevail over BJP’s brute politics,” Banerjee asserted. The delegation includes Pratima Mondal, Saayoni Ghosh (MP), Birbaha Hansda (minister), and party spokespersons Kunal Ghosh and Sudip Raha. Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev is expected to join the team in Agartala.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju visits landslides-hit Mirik region
After visiting landslides-battered Mirik region in Darjeeling and talking to the affected people and the rescue teams, union minister Kiren Rijiju today lauded the paramilitary forces of Sasastra Seema Bal (SSB) and National Disaster Response Force for their rescue and evacuation efforts. The Minister, along with leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista visited the landslides-affected areas of Mirik yesterday afternoon and talked to the people and authorities to assess the ground reality. “While taking stock of flood damages in Darjeeling, I met SSB personnel at Khaprail Camp and at Mirik Alay Ground. The rescue and relief efforts by SSB and NDRF are commendable,” Rijiju, who visited the area as an emissary of Prime Minister Narandra Modi, said in a post today. “On ground at Soureni Toklang Dhar, Mirik, Darjeeling district, inspecting flood-hit areas and meeting families facing the aftermath. The courage and resilience of the people shine even in adversity,” he added. The union minister said that he reviewed relief measures and assured continued support for every affected family. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in an appeal urged everyone to come together with compassion and humanity to rebuild the shattered north Bengal. “Let us stand united to support the people of North Bengal in rebuilding their lives. Your prayers, contributions, and support can make a difference,” the Nandigram MLA said on X. Adhikari’s visit included, among others, the flood-ravaged areas around Mirik, including Dudhia, along with the Kiren Rijiju and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. “The devastation is widespread; families have lost their loved ones, homes, livestock, and livelihoods. The pain and struggle of our brothers and sisters in these areas are unimaginable, yet their resilience inspires us all,” Adhikari continued. He also visited the relief camps, talked to the people to know their plight and assured them that they would surely be taken care of after the matters are communicated to the Prime Minister.
North Bengal situation improves, but political storm continues
The flood and landslide-hit hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of North Bengal saw further stabilization in the past 24 hours with no casualties reported. Officials said the absence of fresh rainfall has helped accelerate relief, rescue, and restoration work, preventing the situation from worsening. In Darjeeling district, the worst affected by the disaster, repair work on several damaged roads has been completed. However, the main connecting route between the hills and the plains remains out of service. “Alternative routes such as Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road are being used to bring down stranded tourists from the hills. Most of them have already reached Siliguri safely,” said a district administration official. Weather officials have predicted no heavy rain across North Bengal in the next 24 hours, although light to medium showers are expected in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts today, for which a yellow alert has been issued. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who spent the last two days touring affected areas and overseeing relief operations, is scheduled to return to Kolkata this afternoon. She is likely to share further updates on administrative measures after reaching the state capital. Her visit, however, has not been free from political controversy. The Chief Minister stopped by a Siliguri hospital where BJP MP Khagen Murmu is undergoing treatment after he and the party’s chief whip in the Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, were allegedly attacked in Bamandanga, Jalpaiguri, while distributing relief materials yesterday evening. While Murmu met the Chief Minister briefly, Ghosh reportedly declined to meet her. “I refused to meet me. Khagen da (Khagen Murmu) was not in a position to speak, so she met him. She was there for 2 minutes, and his media team kept clicking photographs. This is nothing but a gallery show,” Ghosh said. The BJP has sharply criticized Banerjee’s move. The party’s IT Cell chief and central observer for Bengal, Amit Malviya, accused her of “cheap publicity,” alleging that the incident of violence was the handiwork of ruling party supporters. “It comes as no surprise that this was yet another crass attempt by the Chief Minister to gain cheap publicity, especially after the violence unleashed by marauding mobs in Bamandanga under Sulkapara, an area long used to settle illegal Bangladeshis,” Malviya wrote on social media. However, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh termed the Chief Minister’s visit as a humanitarian gesture. “This is what we believe in the Trinamool Congress. The BJP is responsible for the people’s anger. But the Trinamool does not support physical attacks as an expression of that anger, it condemns them. We wish Khagen Babu a speedy recovery,” Ghosh said. “At the same time, we ask: ‘have you forgotten the attacks on Trinamool leaders and workers in Tripura by the BJP? And the repeated attacks on Mamata Di during the CPM regime?’ Mamata Di stands for non-violence. The CM believes in the politics of courtesy,” he added. The political blame game has only added to the tension in North Bengal, even as the administration continues its focus on restoring normalcy in the disaster-stricken hills and plains.
Mizoram reports highest Malaria incidence rate in India 6 dead since January Minister
Mizoram currently holds the highest malaria incidence rate in the country and efforts are on to eliminate the mosquito borne disease in the state, state Health Minister Lalrinpuii said on Tuesday. The state reported six deaths due to malaria since January, though the number of cases has declined, she said.Addressing the inaugural programme of a three-day regional review meeting on malaria elimination for GFATM project states here, Lalrinpuii said that four districts – Lawngtlai, Mamit, Lunglei and Siaha – are still in high endemic category and nearly 80 per cent of malaria cases in Mizoram were reported from these districts. GFATM refers to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. At least six people have died due to malaria and 7,321 people contracted the mosquito borne disease between January and September this year, according to the state health department. South Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, which shares border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, reported the highest cases at 3,151, followed by Lunglei district (1,788) and Siaha district (1,080), it said. “Massive efforts should be made to eliminate malaria as Mizoram now holds the dubious distinction of being the highest malaria incidence state in the country,” Lalrinpuii said. Although the number of people contracting malaria and death due to the disease in the state has slightly declined this year, it is still very high as compared to other states, which caused a big concern, she said.Altogether 16,899 malaria cases were reported and seven people died due to the disease last year, it said. In 2023, 13 people from 18,005, who contracted malaria, have died, according to the health department data. The minister said that 100 health workers will be recruited to be forerunners in malaria elimination programme.She also called for collective efforts from NGOs and Mizo community to fight the disease.
