Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis is opening up about a decision her mother, legendary actress Janet Leigh, made that shaped her early life, and also career. Curtis revealed that her mom once turned down an offer for her to audition for one of the scariest films in history: ‘The Exorcist’.

A childhood preserved

Curtis shared the story during a recent chat on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’. She said a producer wanted 12-year-old Jamie to try out for the role of Regan, the possessed girl.

“He called my mom and said, ‘Hey, I’m producing ‘The Exorcist’. Will you let Jamie audition?’” Curtis recalled. “And at the time I was probably 12, cute, kind of sassy… I’m sure he saw me at a party and thought, ‘She’d be funny.’ And my mother said, ‘No.’”

Curtis expressed deep gratitude for that decision explaining, “My mom really wanted me to have, thank God, a childhood.” She also acknowledged the challenges faced by co-host Drew Barrymore who started acting at a very young age and didn’t have the same option.

The road not taken

Instead of facing the horrors of ‘The Exorcist’, Curtis had time to grow and prepare for the roles that would define her career. Linda Blair ultimately landed the part of Regan earning an Academy Award nomination in 1974 for her performance.

Becoming a queen of horror

Jamie Lee Curtis eventually found her place in the horror world on her own terms. At 19, she starred in John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’.

Over the years, she appeared in cult favorites like ‘The Fog’, ‘Prom Night’, ‘Terror Train’. Most recently Curtis returned to the role of Laurie Strode in 2022’s ‘Halloween Ends’.

Also Read: Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2: Decoding the Abyss that connects Hawkins and the Upside Down

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Modi government and the RSS, accusing them of disregarding national symbols such as the Constitution, the Ashoka Chakra and Vande Mataram. He claimed BJP had no connection with India’s freedom movement. He said, “RSS-BJP leaders have disregarded the national flag, Constitution, Ashoka Chakra, and Vande Mataram. They suppress people’s rights, have no connection to the freedom movement, and today are taking away the rights of the people.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “… During Sonia Gandhi’s presidency of Congress, the UPA government expanded protection of people’s rights… When Dr Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister, RTI, RTE, Food Security, MGNREGA, Forest Rights and… pic.x.com/QBvN454Yyf

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025

He was speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony at the party headquarters, Indira Bhawan in Delhi, as the party marked its 140th Foundation Day.

‘Modi govt weakening Congress-built institutions,’ alleges Kharge

Kharge accused BJP and RSS of weakening democratic institutions and suppressing people’s rights. He contrasted the current government’s record with that of the Congress-led UPA. He said that during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as Congress president and Dr Manmohan Singh’s term as prime minister, several landmark welfare and rights-based laws were enacted, including the Right to Information (RTI), Right to Education (RTE), Food Security Act, MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act and Land Acquisition law. “In the last 11 years, the Modi government has weakened Congress-built institutions,” Kharge alleged.

Senior Congress leaders, including Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, also attended the ceremony at the party headquarters.

The Congress also used its official X handle to extend greetings to party members and supporters. “Heartfelt congratulations to all Congress members on the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress,” the party posted.

In a veiled attack on the BJP-led Union government, the party said, “The Congress Party fought for India’s independence and worked to advance the nation. Meanwhile, today, when those in power are promoting hatred, injustice, and oppression in the country, we are still fighting against it with full vigour.”

The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai), at a meeting attended by 72 delegates at Das Tejpal Sanskrit College. Allan Octavian Hume served as its first General Secretary, while Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee was appointed the party’s first president.

“Just smile. This moment will also become a memory,” writes Manoj Bajpayee reminding fans to find hope even in hard times.

The National Award-winning actor recently shared personal message on Instagram that struck chord with many. In the post, he appears casually dressed flashing a warm smile at the camera accompanied by his uplifting caption.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Manoj Bajpayee (@bajpayee.manoj)

A stellar year in cinema

2025 has been remarkable year for Bajpayee. He starred in ‘Inspector Zende’. It is a Hindi action-comedy thriller on Netflix released in September. The film sees him as sharp-witted Inspector Madhukar Zende. You will find him locked in thrilling cat-and-mouse chase with Jim Sarbh.

Not stopping there, Bajpayee also shined in ‘Jugnuma: The Fable’. It is an ambitious drama set in mystical Himalayan landscapes. Directed by Raam Reddy and presented by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap, the film made waves at international festivals like Berlinale and Leeds.

On the digital front, he continued to win hearts with ‘The Family Man’ Season 3 on Amazon Prime Video. He came back again reprising his role as spy-hero Srikant Tiwari.

Looking ahead, Bajpayee is also attached to some exciting projects. This includes Hindi adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s novel ‘Last Man in Tower’ produced by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media.

Celebrating the festive spirit

Beyond the screen, Bajpayee took some moment to spread festive cheer. On Instagram Stories, he shared a cozy picture of a Christmas tree, wishing fans warmth and kindness.

“Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Wishing you all a Christmas filled with warmth, kindness, and a little time to slow down,” he wrote.

Also Read: ‘Ae Peter, te ohne khoje hamare ke’: Manoj Bajpayee gives Big B’s ‘Deewaar’ dialogue a Bhojpuri twist on KBC

Hair fall is no longer just an adult problem. Today, young people are facing it too, thanks to stressful lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, pollution. Expensive shampoos, oils, treatments promise solutions. But many struggle to see results. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has shared three easy home remedies that can help you reduce hair fall without burning hole in your pocket.

These tips work best when combined with healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Nail rubbing: The easiest trick

Believe it or not, rubbing your nails together can make big difference. Baba Ramdev suggests doing this for 5 minutes daily.

This simple exercise increases blood flow to the scalp providing essential nutrition to hair roots. The result? Not only does hair fall reduce, but hair growth also speeds up.

The best part is that this can be done anywhere, anytime. Whether you are watching TV or commuting, it’s an effortless habit that fits easily into your day.

Amla: Hair’s best friend

Amla, often called nature’s elixir for hair, is powerhouse for stopping hair fall. Baba Ramdev recommends including it in your diet in any form. It can be amla juice, powder, Chyawanprash.

Regular consumption of amla slows down hair fall. It also prevents premature greying. For an added boost, mix bottle gourd (lauki) juice with amla juice and drink daily.

This combination nourishes hair from within and can help you maintain strong, healthy locks.

Yoga: Nourish your hair from within

Yoga is not just for flexibility. It also supports hair health. Baba Ramdev advises practicing Sirsasana (headstand) or Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) for 2 to 5 minutes daily. These poses improve blood circulation to the scalp giving hair roots the nutrients they need.

However, caution is advised for those with heart or blood pressure issues as these poses may not be suitable. Always consult an expert before starting any new yoga routine.

Also Read: Munakka: Your yummy daily dose for liver health, straight from Acharya Balkrishna

A five-member delegation of the Trinamul Congress visited the CEO’s office in Bengal and met with CEO Manoj Agarwal.

The delegation said that whatever happens for the people, for the benefit of democracy, is the job of the Election Commission. But, they can clearly see that this principle is not being followed in Bengal. In other double-engine states, we see that they are being favoured.

“We have submitted a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer today to raise several issues. The first concerns ASDD — absent, shifted, dead and duplicate. Around 58 lakh names have been removed through Form 7. This is reflected on the ERO Net. Form 7 should only be issued by the office of the ERO, but that authority is being curtailed by the Centre.

We have raised this earlier as well. The political party has set a target of removing two crore names, and people are being struck off indiscriminately. We have raised our voice against this. They are violating the law and the Constitution. The role of the ERO is being snatched away, and we cannot allow this, said the delegation members at a Press conference after the meeting.

Through a simple notification, the delegation pointed out that the ECI is stating that the DEO office will verify matters whenever questions are raised. The DEO is the first appellate authority under the statute and the Representation of the People Act, along with the Electors Rules of 1960. If that very authority is asked to verify itself, then the power of the ERO is effectively diminished.

“You gave us seven days’ time. Hearings were supposed to begin on the 17th and were then deferred to the 23rd because on both occasions you were not ready. Now, finally, hearings have started today. But how will those who have to travel from outside the state, make arrangements, or manage school or work commitments complete this process in just five days? The real aim appears to be the removal of voters. The true aim of democracy is inclusion, but in the name of intensive verification, the ethos of inclusivity is being destroyed,” they said.

They pointed out about a private agency conducting a KAP survey — knowledge, attitude and practice. What does this mean? Why should voters be subjected to this kind of scrutiny, they asked.

If we have no complainants, we are supposed to take the matter up with the CEC. We have raised our issues point by point and demanded answers. The CEC has said that he will forward our letter to the ECI along with our demands. We hope to receive point-wise answers, and we also hope the CEC will be more aware and attempt to resolve these issues, said the TMC delegation members.

They demanded that the list of the 55 lakh names removed should be made public and easily accessible. Why is it being hidden? Hearings have begun, yet multiple living persons, even councillors, have been declared dead, they asked.

Manas Bhunia, part of the delegation, said: “I have overseen elections, have conducted 41 elections, and I am perplexed. What is going on? They are evading the Constitution. From the very first day, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have said that the BJP has maliciously set a target for eliminations in Bengal. The Election Commission is acting as the BJP’s B-team, and valid citizens are being harassed.”

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, initiated just months ahead of the Assembly elections, has come under sharp attack from Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who on Saturday described the exercise as arbitrary, selective and politically motivated.

While the Election Commission has maintained that the objective of SIR is to weed out so-called “ghost voters”, Abhishek presented a detailed statistical comparison to argue that Bengal has recorded the lowest deletion rate among major states, making the continued focus on the state unjustified. Citing figures released by the Election Commission, Abhishek pointed out that 58.20 lakh names have been deleted from the voter list in Bengal, amounting to 5.79 per cent of the total electorate of 10.5 crore. He emphasised that this was significantly lower than several other states. In Tamil Nadu, he noted, 57.30 lakh names were deleted from a population of 7.75 crore, translating into 12.5 per cent. Gujarat saw deletions of 60.41 lakh names, amounting to 9.95 per cent, while Chhattisgarh recorded 3.12 lakh deletions or 8.76 per cent.

In Kerala, governed by the CPI(M), 24.8 lakh names were removed from an electorate of 3.62 crore, accounting for 6.65 per cent. Abhishek asserted that despite these figures, Bengal was being singled out through repeated notices and intensified scrutiny. He further alleged that the narrative pushed by the BJP regarding the presence of a large number of Rohingya and Bangladeshi voters in Bengal had not been substantiated by the outcome of the SIR process. He also drew attention to the alleged inconsistency in the Election Commission of India’s approach, highlighting that border states, such as Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram were not subjected to similar large-scale revisions. According to him, the pattern of action reflected discrimination against Bengal and resulted in the harassment of ordinary Bengali voters.

The Trinamul leader also linked the SIR controversy to broader issues of alleged discrimination by the Centre, referring to the prolonged withholding of funds under the MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana schemes. He argued that despite corruption allegations surfacing in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, central funding there remained unaffected. Abhishek further criticised the handling of voter mapping data, noting that the initial figure of 45 per cent mapping was later revised upward to 89.65 per cent, without any acknowledgement of error. He also flagged the disparity in extensions granted for SIR in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and even the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Bengal was denied similar relief.

Notably, hearings under the SIR process began in Bengal on Saturday, with several MPs, MLAs and their family members receiving notices.

Well-known Ayurvedic practitioner Acharya Balkrishna shared a home remedy on Facebook that can benefit individuals suffering from jaundice with the help of a minuscule yet efficacious fruit: Munakka or dried grapes/raisins.

Munakka has uses in the treatment of jaundice

According to Acharya Balkrishna, patients suffering from jaundice should take munakka every day. One can extract the juice by washing the fruit properly, removing the seeds, and then sucking them in the mouth.

It’s a very easy thing to do, and it’s believed to help your liver recover.

Consume munakka like this:

Here’s how you can follow Acharya Balkrishna’s advice safely:

1. Wash munakka: Rinse the dried grapes under running water.

2. Remove the seeds: Remove the seeds to make the product easier to handle and safer to use.

3. Suck slowly: Put them in your mouth and suck each one slowly and let the juice blend with the saliva.

4. Daily quantity: Consume 8 to 10 munakkas on a daily basis.

This treatment is very gentle, easy to perform, and does not require any special preparation.

Why munakka is helpful

As Munakka is full of nutrients and natural sugars too. Not only that, according to Ayurvedic medicine, it is helpful in making the liver stronger, increasing digestion, and providing energy to the body too.

For a person suffering from jaundice because of liver failure, the use of munakka intake in this manner can be considered a complementary remedy.

Natrual home remedies such as munakka are valuable; however, according to Acharya Balkrishna, they are not an alternative to medical therapy. Jaundice could be a sign of serious liver complaints, therefore, a visit to a medical expert and following their advice in addition to these home remedies could be necessary.

Also Read: Body pain? Learn the step-by-step Ayurvedic massage oil trick shared by Acharya Balkrishna

The Indian Secular Front (ISF) may field candidates in at least seven Assembly constituencies in East Burdwan in the 2026 Assembly elections, the party’s reconstituted district committee said today.

East Burdwan has 16 Assembly constituencies. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamul Congress (TMC) won all 16 seats.

As many as 55 people from different political parties, including the TMC, CPI-M and the BJP, joined the ISF here this afternoon. ISF district president Zakir Hossen Gayen, said: “Our new members joined the ISF as they were becoming frustrated with their previous parties.”

The ISF’s district committee was first constituted in 2021, but ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections several members deserted the party. On Saturday, the district committee was restructured.

Reacting sharply to a question on whether the new party floated by Humayun Kabir could affect the ISF’s prospects, Mr Gayen said, “Ours is a secular party where anyone who is honest and fair may join. Humayun is a person, who was expelled by his previous parties and has now formed a party with plans to build a mosque. Anyone can judge his motive.”

ISF chairman Naushad Siddiqui, as quoted by district leaders, said the party would campaign in seven constituencies in the 2026 Assembly elections, where it is likely to field candidates.

A housewife from Goghat in Hooghly district allegedly attempted to commit suicide after panicking over her inability to produce the required documents for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing.

According to family sources, Jaya Ghanteshwari, a resident of the Kokanda area under the Badanpur–Phului II gram panchayat, consumed poison after receiving a summon for the SIR hearing. The incident has caused a stir in the locality and triggered a political controversy, with the Trinamul Congress and the BJP blaming each other.

Jaya lost her parents in childhood. The family initially lived in Joypur, Bankura, and later shifted to Kamarpukur in Goghat, where they stayed in rented accommodation. Her father, a police constable posted in Bankura, died while on duty. As both her parents died before 2002, their names do not figure in the 2002 electoral rolls published by the Election Commission. At that time, Jaya did not possess a voter ID card.

After her marriage, she obtained a voter ID card in the Badanpur area and has since exercised her franchise. She was recently summoned to appear for an SIR hearing scheduled for 5 January. Family members said that she had been running from pillar to post to collect the required documents but was unsuccessful, which left her severely distressed.

Her son, Kaushik, said the process should have been simplified. “Not only my mother, many others who do not possess certain documents required for the SIR hearing are living in panic,” he said. He added that his mother does not have a permanent residence certificate issued by the local gram panchayat. “She approached the gram panchayat for the certificate, but has not received it yet. On Friday afternoon, when we were out on our daily errands, she consumed poison,” he said.

Neighbours alerted the family, following which she was rushed to Arambagh Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition. She is currently undergoing treatment.

A relative, Sujit Chakraborty, said, “I am her brother-in-law. She had informed me about the issue and appeared extremely panicked. I advised her to attend the hearing and follow the guidelines issued by the officials, as she possesses a voter ID card and has voted earlier. However, she could not overcome the intense anxiety and consumed poison. We hope for her speedy recovery.”

Trinamul Congress Goghat Block II president Soumen Digar alleged that BJP leaders and ministers were responsible for creating unnecessary panic over the SIR process and hearings.

BJP’s Arambagh organisational district president Sushanta Bera denied the allegation, saying, “There is no controversy regarding the SIR. The process is going on smoothly and hearings are being conducted without any problems. The incident involving Jaya Ghanteshwari in Kokanda, Goghat, is a family matter and has no connection with the SIR. Nevertheless, we wish her a speedy recovery and good health.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on major national and global milestones of 2025, saying the year gave India “even greater self-confidence” and prepared the country to move forward into 2026 with renewed hope and determination.

The Prime Minister in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat said, “In just a few days, the year 2026 will knock on our door soon, and today, as I speak to you, memories of the entire year are swirling in my mind. Many images, discussions and achievements that united the nation. 2025 gave us many such moments that have made every Indian proud.”

Highlighting India’s growing presence across sectors, he said, “From national security to the sports field, from science laboratories to the world’s biggest stages, India’s imprint was everywhere.”

Recalling the Indian Armed Forces’ military action against terrorists in May, PM Modi said, “This year, Operation Sindoor became a symbol of pride for every Indian. The world clearly saw that today’s India does not compromise on its security.” He added, “During Operation Sindoor, pictures of love and devotion towards Maa Bharati emerged from across the nation. People expressed their feelings in their own ways.”

#WATCH | BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad listens to the 129th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in Patna. pic.x.com/i9en7RsUe0

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025

The Prime Minister also referred to the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. “I had urged you to send your messages and suggestions with the hashtag ‘VandeMataram150’. The countrymen participated enthusiastically in this campaign,” he said.

Calling 2025 a memorable year for Indian sports, PM Modi said, “Our Men’s Cricket Team won the ICC Champions Trophy, and the Women’s Cricket Team won the World Cup for the first time. The daughters of India created history by winning the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup. The Tricolour also fluttered victoriously in the Asia Cup T20. By winning several medals in the world championships, the para-athletes proved that no obstacles can stop determination.”

#WATCH | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma listens to the 129th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' in Guwahati. pic.x.com/JZekPskfsH

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025

He said India also took “giant leaps forward” in space and science, citing Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station.

The Prime Minister noted that environmental protection and wildlife conservation initiatives also marked the year, adding that the number of cheetahs in India had crossed 30.

“Faith, culture and India’s unique heritage were all seen together in 2025. The organisation of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh at the beginning of the year astonished the entire world. At the end of the year, the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya filled every Indian with pride,” PM Modi said.

Emphasising the growing preference for indigenous goods, PM Modi said, “People also showed great enthusiasm for Swadeshi products. People are buying only those goods that have been made with the hard work of an Indian.”

Summing up the year, he said, “Today, we can proudly say that 2025 has given India even greater self-confidence.” He also expressed grief over the natural disasters faced by several parts of the country during the year.

“Now the country is ready to move forward in 2026 with new hopes and new resolutions,” the Prime Minister said.

As a biting northerly wind swept across West Bengal toward the end of December, intensifying winter conditions and steadily lowering temperatures statewide, Kolkata recorded its coldest day of the season on Saturday for the third consecutive day of decline.

The city’s minimum temperature fell to 12.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday –about one degree below normal – marking the coldest day of the season after a steady decline from 13.7 degrees on Thursday to 12.9 degrees on Friday.

According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, Kolkata’s sky is expected to remain largely clear and cloudless on Saturday.

However, morning fog may cause disruptions. A fog advisory has been issued for almost all districts of south Bengal, where light to moderate fog could reduce visibility to between 999 metres and 200 metres.

Conditions are expected to be more severe in north Bengal.

The weather office has issued a warning of dense fog across all northern districts on Saturday and Sunday, with visibility likely to drop sharply to between 199 metres and as low as 50 metres.

While no major change in temperatures is expected in north Bengal over the next seven days, south Bengal may see a gradual rise.

The Met department said temperatures in southern districts are likely to remain largely stable over the next five days, after which the mercury may climb by two to three degrees.

In the ongoing cold spell, Sriniketan in Birbhum has emerged as the coldest location in south Bengal, even recording lower temperatures than some Hill districts in the north.

Sriniketan logged a minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius – the lowest in south Bengal on Saturday.

In north Bengal, Darjeeling recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Alipurduar reported 8 degrees, Kalimpong 9.5 degrees, while Raiganj saw the mercury fall to 10 degrees Celsius.

With cold winds and dense fog persisting, the chill is expected to continue gripping Bengal in the days ahead.

In a shocking development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has called the two sons of senior Trinamul Congress leader and Lok Sabha Chief Whip Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar to appear before it in connection with claims and objections to the draft electoral roll, the process for which began on Saturday.

Acknowledging the notices, Ghosh accused the poll panel of turning the revision exercise in West Bengal into a “mockery.”

She said the notices were issued as the names of her two sons, Biswanath and Baidyanath, both doctors, were absent from the draft voters’ list released on 16 December.

According to Ghosh, the commission has also summoned her mother and younger sister, both residents of Madhyamgram, North 24-Parganas, for the hearing, as their names were also missing from the draft electoral roll.

She questioned how such omissions could occur despite her family’s long public record.

“My sons are government employees. Their late father, Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar, was a former West Bengal cabinet minister, and I have been a Member of Parliament since 2009.

Even then, my family members are being summoned. This clearly shows what the Special Intensive Revision is being used for harassment in the garb of verification,” she alleged.

The Trinamul Congress MP reiterated that her party had consistently maintained that serious errors were inevitable when a detailed revision process, usually spread over two years, was sought to be completed within just two months.

The episode has added to a growing list of controversies in which relatives of Trinamul Congress legislators have been drawn into the claims-and-objections process.

A day earlier, the ECI had issued similar summons to the mother, brother, and sister-in-law of Khandaghosh MLA Nabin Chandra Bag in East Burdwan district.

Bag, who has represented the Khandaghosh Assembly constituency, alleged that the notices were served despite his relatives’ names figuring in the voters’ list as far back as 2002.

Elected first as a CPI-M candidate, he switched to the Trinamul Congress ahead of the 2016 Assembly polls and has since retained the seat in both the 2016 and 2021 elections.

Stepping up its crackdown on counterfeit currency, Malda district police seized fake notes worth Rs 8 lakh and arrested a trafficker from Baishnabnagar on Friday.

The accused, identified as Anarul Sheikh of Bakhrabad under Baishnabnagar police station, was intercepted at Jiban More while allegedly attempting to ferry the counterfeit currency on a motorcycle after sourcing it from areas close to the Bangladesh border.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a special police team alerted Baishnabnagar police, leading to the swift arrest. All the seized notes were in Rs 500 denominations.

Police said an investigation is underway to trace the source and intended destination of the counterfeit currency.

The 31st Annual Nature Study and Adventure Camp organised by the Nature and Trekkers’ Club of Jalpaiguri (NTCOJ) began on Thursday at Les Khola Doban under Chuikhim village in Kalimpong district.

The six-day camp was inaugurated by Pabringtar Gram Panchayat Pradhan Robin Subba in the presence of panchayat member Krishna Bahadur Subba, secretary of the Chuikhim Village Welfare Society Hom Khawas, and other dignitaries.

Aimed at promoting environmental awareness and nature conservation, the camp seeks to inculcate leadership skills, self-confidence, unity, and teamwork among students and youth through adventure-based learning.

Participants will undergo a series of hands-on training modules, including trekking and nature trails, rock climbing and rappelling, rope knot techniques and jumar climbing, river-based activities, solo camping, treasure hunts, mountain rescue drills, and familiarisation with mountaineering equipment.

The programme also includes interactive sessions on mountain terminology, first aid, nature conservation, the history of Indian mountaineering, survival skills, identification of flora and fauna, and mountain risk management.

A total of 87 participants aged between 8 and 50 years from various schools and colleges across North Bengal and other parts of West Bengal are attending the camp. They are being guided and supervised by around 30 officials and experienced instructors.

All successful participants will be awarded graded certificates and course badges at the conclusion of the camp, along with prizes for various competitions. The camp will conclude on 31 December.

A young man from Garib Alam Bagh in Sahaganj, Hooghly, set an example of honesty after returning Rs 20,000 that was mistakenly dispensed by a bank’s ATM.

Sumanta Pal had inserted his debit card to withdraw Rs 1,000, but was taken aback when the machine delivered an additional Rs 20,000. Instead of keeping the extra cash, Sumanta informed his father Hemanta Pal and contacted the bank’s customer care service.

Subsequently, Hemanta reported the matter to the Sahaganj police outpost under Chinsurah police station. The police informed the concerned private bank, located at Pipulpati, Chinsurah. Police and bank officials later arrived at the ATM kiosk at Tyre Bagan, and thanked Sumanta and his father for their good gesture.

Sumanta, who works at an online retail store, said: “I received my money within a short time, but Rs 20,000 extra came out of the machine. The money was not mine; it belonged to someone else. My conscience guided me to return what did not belong to me.”

His father, Hemanta Pal, said: “My son himself suggested calling the police to return the extra money. Why should we take money that is not ours? He is young, but he is honest.”

The incident is believed to have occurred due to a mechanical fault in the ATM. Bank authorities are investigating the exact cause.

The Purulia Divisional Forest Office (DFO) has stepped up surveillance as a herd of 42 wild elephants continues to roam across different parts of the district during the peak winter tourist season. The heightened concern follows the death of an elderly woman in a recent elephant attack.

Basabala Gope (62) was killed on Friday at Dakai beat under the Jhalda forest range when a stray elephant, believed to have entered from the Dalma forest range in neighbouring Jharkhand, attacked her. According to officials, she was working outside her house when an elephant suddenly appeared and trampled her with its trunk and legs, killing her on the spot. Forest department personnel later recovered the body and sent it to hospital for post-mortem examination.

Anjan Guha, DFO of Purulia, said the department is closely monitoring the movement of the elephant round the clock and efforts are underway to push it back into Jharkhand. He added that the victim’s family would receive compensation as per the state government’s scheme for deaths caused by wild animals.

Of the 42 elephants from the Dalma hills, around 20 are currently roaming in the Jhalda forest range, while another 16 to 17 are moving through the Balarampur range. Officials believe the herd has descended into Purulia in search of water and food, particularly wood apples, which are found in abundance in the district’s green patches.

Forest workers have been deployed across all ranges and beats. The department noted that Purulia’s green cover has increased over the past decade, according to recent data from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.

The US State Department condemned the recent spate of religious violence in Bangladesh as a powerful US lawmaker described the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, as “horrific,” urging unequivocal condemnation of religious hatred.

“The United States supports religious freedom and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the spokesperson told IANS, responding to a question on the recent killing of Das and the spate of attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh.

“The United States unequivocally condemns religious violence in all its forms, and we welcome measures the Bangladeshi Interim Government is taking to ensure the safety and security for all communities in Bangladesh,” the spokesperson added.

State Department’s response came amid growing concern in Washington and among advocacy groups over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, and reports of a broader pattern of attacks on minority communities.

US lawmakers have also spoken out strongly on the incident. Congressman Ro Khanna described the killing as “horrific” and urged unequivocal condemnation of religious hatred.

“The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family,” Khanna said on X.

“We must unequivocally condemn and speak out against these vile acts of hatred and bigotry,” he added.

A garment worker from Bhaluka, Bangladesh, Dipu Chandra Das, lost his life on December 18. He was attacked by a mob, beaten to death, and his body set ablaze following allegations of blasphemy.

The killing has intensified scrutiny of the situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, following political upheaval in the country. Advocacy groups say attacks on minority communities have increased, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and intimidation across several regions.

While the State Department did not provide details on diplomatic engagements, its response to IANS emphasized condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to ensure security for all communities.

US officials have consistently maintained that support for religious freedom and protection of minority rights are core elements of American foreign policy. Groups say attacks on minority communities have increased, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and intimidation across several regions.

While the State Department did not provide details on diplomatic engagements, its response to IANS emphasized condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to ensure security for all communities.

US officials have consistently maintained that support for religious freedom and protection of minority rights are core elements of American foreign policy, and that concerns are raised through diplomatic channels when necessary.

The United States regularly addresses religious freedom issues in its global human rights reporting and bilateral engagements. South Asia, including Bangladesh, has featured prominently in such discussions due to its complex social fabric and history of communal tensions.

The State Department’s response underscores Washington’s stated position that religious violence is unacceptable and that ensuring the safety of all communities remains essential for long-term stability, as the situation in Bangladesh continues to draw close international attention.