Singer Chappell Roan has announced she is leaving the talent agency run by Casey Wasserman, the same Wasserman whose name recently popped up in the Epstein files.

Roan took to Instagram to make her announcement emphasising that the decision was about her values and the safety of her team.

Roan wrote, “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. No artist, agent, or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”

Also Read: Deepak Chopra in Epstein Files with ‘God is a construct, cute girls are real’ email. Richa Chadha slams the author

She made no direct mention of Jeffrey Epstein or the files.

She added that leaving the agency was part of her “duty to protect her team” signaling that for her, the move is about more than just personal choice and it’s about pushing for meaningful change in an industry often criticised for turning a blind eye to misconduct.

Casey Wasserman in the spotlight

Wasserman also serves as the chairman for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He has come under scrutiny after flirtatious emails he sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 came out.

While the emails drew public attention, Wasserman has repeatedly stressed that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein. He said that the correspondence with Maxwell happened “over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.”

In a statement, Wasserman said he “deeply regrets” the messages and expressed sorrow over any association with Maxwell or Epstein.

Other artists step back

Roan isn’t the first to distance herself. Earlier two other bands represented by Wasserman publicly shared their disappointment. A self-described indie rock band expressed being “aghast” at seeing Wasserman’s name in the Epstein files, urging him to step down “for the sake of his staff.”

Meanwhile, rock band Beach Bunny called Wasserman’s involvement with Maxwell “hugely disappointing and disgusting.”

Promise Day before Valentine’s Day is an emotional moment in the calendar. It’s a day when lovers make promises, sweet words intended to last beyond just one evening. But what if we made Promise Day more than words? What if we turned it into a ritual? Or meaningful tradition that strengthens emotional connections and nurtures long‑term love?

Scientific studies show that rituals in relationships are more than symbolic gestures. They influence how partners feel or how committed they become and how satisfied they are within relationship.

Let’s explore how Promise Day can evolve from a one‑off moment into a powerful shared ritual.

Also Read: Chocolate Day: Why singles are skipping emotional labour and choosing chocolate on February 9

What is a ritual? How is it different from a routine?

Most of us think of rituals as religious ceremonies or grand cultural events. But in psychology, rituals are defined much more broadly. A ritual is a repeated action or pattern performed with emotional significance shared between two or more people.

This emotional element distinguishes rituals from simple routines. While routines may be habitual and functional (like brushing your teeth together), rituals have symbolic meaning. They represent commitment, identity, connection.

For example, a weekly date night or sharing a cup of coffee together each morning can be a ritual. The key is not the activity itself, but the emotional meaning you attach to it together.

Research shows rituals strengthen romantic bonds

Multiple studies confirm what many couples intuitively know: rituals are good for relationships.

1. Rituals increase relationship satisfaction

In research published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, scholars found that couples who practiced relationship rituals reported significantly higher relationship satisfaction than those who did not.

In one study of over 200 adults, about 57% of respondents reported having some form of relationship ritual. And those who did were happier and more committed than those who did not.

Interestingly, researchers found that rituals, not just routines, were linked to stronger bonds. Even when routines were present, only rituals had statistically significant positive effect on satisfaction.

2. Rituals build commitment and closeness

Research also shows that engaging in shared rituals boosts feelings of commitment. Partners who regularly share meaningful experiences feel more invested in relationship. They then are more likely to stay together over time.

The symbolic nature of rituals like prioritising quality time or shared promises helps couples define who they are as unit. In other words, rituals tell partners “this is us,” strengthening the identity of the relationship itself.

3. Rituals promote emotional connection and stability

Prominent relationship researchers like John Gottman emphasise that rituals create emotional safety and shared meaning between partners. Even small, everyday rituals such as texting each other during the day or saying a special goodnight phrase help couples tune into one another’s emotional world.

Rituals also help couples “turn toward” each other rather than away, a key factor in long‑lasting relationships. When partners consistently choose connection over distraction, they build stronger emotional bond.

Why rituals matter according to science

Understanding why rituals help relationships means looking at what they do emotionally.

Predictability and security

Life can be unpredictable. Rituals offer predictable pattern. There is a reliable space where partners know they will connect. This sense of predictability creates security that psychologists say is crucial for emotional trust.

Shared identity and meaning

A ritual becomes part of the couple’s shared story. It contributes to sense of “we‑ness”. Over time these shared moments help shape identity of the partnership not just as two individuals but as a connected pair.

Emotional presence and appreciation

When partners practice rituals with intention not just habit, they express appreciation and emotional presence. This can help counterbalance stress of busy modern life.

How to turn Promise Day into a ritual

Now that we know rituals are powerful, let’s explore creative ways to use Promise Day to build one.

Here are some meaningful Promise Day ritual ideas that couples can adopt:

1. Write a shared promise journal

Sit together and write down promises not just for the day, but for the future like promises to listen more, support goals, share gratitude daily.

Instead of making verbal promises once, put them in a shared journal you revisit every month. This turns a moment into a repeating ritual.

2. Promise jar tradition

Create a Promise Jar. Each partner writes promises on slips of paper and places them in the jar. Throughout the year, pick one randomly each week or month and act on it.

This ritual creates ongoing shared meaning long after Promise Day has passed.

3. Ritual dinner with meaning

Go beyond a typical date night. Cook together a dish you both love but rarely make. Light candles or play special music that’s meaningful to both of you. During dinner, take turns sharing one promise and one appreciation. Do anything. Just make it worth it.

Break bread and emotional barriers, the ritual becomes more than a meal.

4. Meaningful walk ritual

Take a quiet walk together without phones. Use this time to reflect, talk openly. Or simply share silence.

Psychologists highlight that shared focused attention even in silence strengthens emotional bonds and mutual presence.

5. Create a ‘promise playlist’

Music can become powerful ritual tool. Build playlist together with songs that reflect your values as a couple. Or songs that help you remember why you care about each other.

Listen to it every Promise Day and on moments when you need emotional grounding.

6. Plan a yearly ritual, not just one day

Promise Day can be a launch point for a yearly ritual, like:

– Special Promise Day breakfast every anniversary month
– Promise Day weekend retreat
– Shared volunteer day as a couple

When couples extend rituals over time, satisfaction and commitment both increase.

Tips for ritual success

Here are some expert tips to make your Promise Day ritual meaningful and lasting:

1. Make it shared and consensual

Research shows that rituals are more effective when both partners agree on them. If one partner sees an activity as routine while the other sees it as meaningful, its emotional impact weakens.

2. Keep it flexible

Rituals don’t need to be rigid. Allow room for evolution. Studies suggest that rituals with consistency but some variation can be most satisfying.

3. Focus on meaning, not perfection

What makes a ritual powerful isn’t how elaborate it is, but how emotionally significant it feels to you both.

Promise Day as a relationship anchor

Promise Day doesn’t have to be just a romantic hashtag or a social media photo moment. When turned into a shared ritual, it becomes a source of connection, emotional safety, long‑term happiness.

Science shows that couples who make time for meaningful shared activities and rituals are more satisfied, more committed, more emotionally connected than those who don’t.

Love isn’t just felt. It’s practiced. And Promise Day can be the start of a beautiful, meaningful tradition.

Also Read: Teddy Day: The soft toy that survived wars, politics and heartbreak to become an emotional lifeline

Taking cognisance of the spread of AI-based deepfakes online, the IT Ministry on Tuesday issued revised guidelines for social media intermediaries like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, directing them to clearly label all AI-generated content and ensure that such synthetic material carries embedded identifiers.

The government has set a three-hour deadline for social media platforms to take down AI-generated or deepfake content once it is flagged by the government or ordered by a court.

The official notification also barred digital platforms from allowing the removal or suppression of AI labels or associated metadata once they have been applied.

The social media companies will be required to deploy automated tools to detect and prevent the circulation of illegal, sexually exploitative or deceptive AI-generated content, according to the MeitY order.

“An intermediary shall periodically inform its users, at least once every three months, in a simple and effective manner through its rules and regulations, privacy policy, user agreement, or any other appropriate means,” about the consequences of violating rules related to AI misuse.

Where an intermediary becomes aware of any violation in relation to the creation, generation, modification, alteration, hosting, displaying, uploading, publishing, transmitting, storing, updating, sharing or otherwise disseminating of information as synthetically generated information, “it shall take expeditious and appropriate action”.

According to the updated guidelines, the social media platforms need to deploy reasonable and appropriate technical measures, including automated tools or other suitable mechanisms, to not allow any user to create, generate, modify, alter, publish, transmit, share, or disseminate, as the case may be, any such synthetically generated information that violates any law for the time being in force, including the Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012), and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 (6 of 1908).

The draft rules seek to mandate disclosure by users while posting AI-generated or modified content and require platforms to adopt technology to verify such declarations.

Social media platforms have already rolled out several features, allowing users to label certain content as generated or modified using artificial intelligence (AI).

The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government on Tuesday announced the ‘Delhi LakhpatiBitiya Yojana’, restructuring the 2008 Ladli Scheme after over a decade and a half. The scheme is aimed at ensuring financial security and educational continuity for girls from economically weaker families.

Announcing the scheme, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the initiative would ensure that no girl child in Delhi is forced to discontinue her education due to financial constraints, while creating a long-term savings corpus that matures as she completes key educational milestones.

Under the new scheme, the government will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 56,000 per beneficiary, deposited in phased installments linked to education and age-related milestones, beginning from birth and continuing through graduation or diploma-level studies.

The accumulated amount, invested through a structured financial instrument, will grow over time and be released directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account on maturity.

“This is one of the schemes of our government that is very close to my heart. It shows our commitment towards ensuring that every girl, every daughter of Delhi gets an opportunity to reach her full potential. This is our investment in the future of our girls and, therefore, the future of our country that lies in their able hands. As the girls cross educational milestones, we will deposit upto ₹56,000 directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, which on maturity will increase to over ₹1 lakh along with interest,” said CM Gupta.

She further noted that when the present government assumed office, it was found that a very large number of maturity accounts had remained unclaimed.

“More than 1.86 lakh maturity accounts were lying unclaimed, which means that the money meant for our daughters did not reach them on time,” the Chief Minister said.

Addressing this long-pending issue, the Chief Minister stated that the Delhi Government has taken focused action to ensure that these funds reach their rightful beneficiaries.

“Earlier in 2025, 30,000 such beneficiaries were identified and an amount of ₹90 crore whose fund was lying unclaimed so far has already been disbursed to them. Now we have further identified another 41,000 beneficiaries and an amount of ₹100 crore will be released shortly to them,” she said.

“In total, ₹190 crore, which rightfully belongs to these girls, is being ensured and delivered to them,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the scheme will now be known as the “LakhpatiBitiya Yojana.”

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and future of every girl child in Delhi, and that no beneficiary will be allowed to remain deprived of her rightful entitlement.

As per the scheme framework, the government will deposit the assistance amount in instalments. Rs 11,000 at the birth of the girl child, Rs 5,000 on admission to Class I, Rs 5,000 on admission to Class VI; Rs 5,000 on admission to Class IX; 5,000 on passing Class X; Rs 5,000 on admission to Class XII; and another ₹20,000 will be credited to the accounts of beneficiaries in phases for diploma or graduation.

The scheme is applicable to girls born in Delhi, whose families have been residing in the city for at least three years, with an annual family income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh.

Benefits are limited to two surviving girl children per family. Girls may be registered under the scheme within one year of birth, or at later stages of admission to Class I, VI, IX, XI, or upon admission to a recognised graduation or diploma course.

Importantly, in addition to the provisions under Ladli scheme, the Lakhpati Bitiya scheme also covers girls pursuing graduation or professional diploma courses in government-recognised institutions anywhere in India, including universities and colleges affiliated with the UGC or other statutory bodies.

“This scheme sends a clear message that the Delhi government sees its daughters not as a burden, but as a strength of society and the nation,” the Delhi CM added.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that domestic trade in India has been significantly strengthened, even as global markets are opening new avenues for Indian products, pushing the economy towards a higher growth trajectory.

Addressing a delegation of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), led by Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal, at Vanijya Bhawan, the minister said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s trade ecosystem is undergoing a historic and rapid transformation.

“India and the United States have just signed a historic interim trade deal framework. This marks a major milestone in India’s global trade engagement, ensuring sustained preferential access for Indian exports in the US market, valued at over USD 30 trillion,” Goyal said.

Highlighting the upcoming Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav, to be organised by CAIT from May 1 to 4 at Bharat Mandapam, the minister said the event would effectively advance the Prime Minister’s call to promote the buying and selling of Indian products across the country and globally.

He noted that the mega trade event would showcase the strength, capability, and potential of India’s trade, industry, and services sectors on an international platform.

“It must be ensured that the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav plays a meaningful role in further strengthening the Indian economy,” Goyal said.

The minister also emphasised the importance of providing dedicated space and visibility to entrepreneurs from remote regions, enabling their indigenous products to gain access to larger domestic and global markets.

According to CAIT, the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav will feature around 2,200 stalls showcasing products and services from across India and is expected to attract nearly 10 lakh visitors from all states, including approximately 2 lakh business visitors.

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday granted an interim stay on the criminal proceedings against former IPS officer Manilal Patidar pending before a trial court, until further orders.

The order was passed by a single bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Pachauri while hearing a petition filed by the former Superintendent of Police seeking quashing of the entire trial court proceedings under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

A case against Manilal Patidar was registered at Kotwali police station in Mahoba district on July 22, 2021. The FIR was lodged by Kulpahar Circle Officer Tej Bahadur Singh under Section 174A of the Indian Penal Code.

The High Court has directed the respondents to file their reply within two weeks. The matter will be listed for the next hearing after eight weeks.

Manilal Patidar is an accused in the murder case of crusher businessman Indrakant Tripathi in Mahoba. The former IPS officer had remained absconding for nearly two years.

Today at the Lok Sabha, Trinamul Congress MP and party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee today tore down on the central government over the Union Budget and said that it punishes the genuine taxpayers.

“I rise here today not just as an MP, but as the voice of billions who were promised ‘Achchhe Din’ and who today struggle to survive under the pressure of soaring costs. “This Budget does not heal the economy; it merely curates headlines. It rewards those who can evade taxes through privilege and punishes those who pay taxes honestly. The finance minister appears to be practising the Robin Hood model in reverse. She drains the poor through taxation and inflation while rewarding the rich with concessions and privileges. Even a cup of tea comes with GST, but relief for the common man comes with conditions, clauses, terms, and regulations. This is not a simple tax regime. This is a maze where only the powerful know the exit, while the honest taxpayer keeps paying the fee,” said Abhishek.

He added that Akhilesh ji spoke before me and raised the question of what has been given to Uttar Pradesh. However, in the 85 minutes of the finance minister’s speech, Bengal was not even mentioned once. Even the freight corridor from Dankuni referenced in this Budget was actually announced by the then railway minister Mamata Banerjee, who is now the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

The Constitution promises equality among States, but this government practises preference. Allies are funded, while opponents are starved. This is not a model of cooperative federalism, but of subscription-based federalism. The Budget, and the manner in which the government chooses to function, forces us to confront a truth that we, the citizens, have been avoiding, he said.

“Sir, I come from a part of India that gave birth to many revolutionaries, where courage ran in our blood. I also come from an India where saying “Joy Bangla” or “Amar Sonar Bangla” is enough to label you a ghuspaithiya.

Abhishek said that he comes from an India where the finance minister proudly declares that India is the fastest-growing economy. He said Bengal, which contributed Rs 6.5 lakh crore in taxes in just the last seven years, has been denied its rightful share. Despite continuous appeals, employment under MNREGA has been withheld, housing under PM Awas Yojana has been stopped, road connectivity under Gram Sadak Yojana has been blocked, and even basic drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission has been stalled.

Talking of Bengal’s growth story, Abhishek said the state boasts of maximum governance and minimum government. “I come from an India where governance means abandonment, where the poorest are forced to fight for roti, kapda, aur makaan, where wages are held hostage, and where houses are sanctioned on paper but erased in practice,” he said.

Today, India lives under triple pressure, triple taxation, and triple betrayal. “Let me place before this House my principles of the ‘triple’. Triple Tax Trap is where an ordinary citizen believes they pay tax just once, but in reality, they pay tax three times,” he said.

Every day, nearly 30 farmers die by suicide as policies continue to fail them, he said. Five years after the historic farmers’ movement, which claimed 700 lives, the Union government has still not legalised MSP, despite assurances given at the protest sites and in Parliament. “Adding salt to injury, the government has signed a deal with the United States that opens Indian markets to heavily subsidised American farm produce. It may benefit American farmers, but it will depress prices, destroy competitiveness, and further marginalised Indian farmers. This is an abandonment of our annadata,” he said.

Senior CPI leader and former minister C Divakaran on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the LDF government, blaming it for Kerala’s lack of factories and manufacturing centres, which he said has forced the State’s youth to migrate abroad in search of jobs.

Divakaran’s remarks come days after his controversial comments about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s food preferences, once again putting the ruling front in an uncomfortable spot.

Speaking on the absence of industrial development, Divakaran said, “There is no dried ginger or lime here” (‘Evide oru chukkum chunnambum illa’), a phrase often used in Malayalam to indicate a lack of substance. He argued that Kerala has failed to create a strong manufacturing base despite decades of governance.

“Compared to India, Kerala is like a small panchayat. There is no heavy industry here. There is no production or manufacturing centre. Are cars, motorbikes or heavy machinery manufactured in Kerala? Even after all these years, there is not a single factory,” he said.

Linking unemployment to migration, Divakaran added, “That is why young people somehow manage to get passports, pay money and leave the country. Shouldn’t the government bring factories and construction projects to Kerala?”

His statement reflects growing criticism that the government has failed to address youth unemployment, leading to large-scale migration to foreign countries.

Earlier on Monday, in an interview to a local newspaper, Divakaran had stirred controversy by claiming that ordinary fish was “not good enough” for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and that the Chief Minister preferred “A-quality, first-class fish”.

He alleged that Vijayan once left without eating lunch at the residence of late CPM leader Anathalavattom Anandan because he did not like the type of fish served.

However, Divakaran later said that local leaders were asked to arrange “good quality fish” the next day. “Lunch was served and fish fry was among the items. He (Vijayan) examined the fish, ate it and was very happy,” Divakaran said.

The CPI leader also claimed that Vijayan did not like Ananthalavattom Anandan because of the latter’s close relationship with veteran CPM leader VS Achuthanandan, at a time when intense factional rivalry existed between Pinarayi Vijayan and VS within the party.

After the police booked two more aides of his ‘personal assistant’, Soumitra Khan, BJP MP from Bishnupur in Bankura has trained his guns at the top leaders of the ruling party in Bengal.

“One Bhaipo (nephew) and one Superintendent of Police were behind the murder of coal mafia leader Rajesh Jha, as he was on his way to submit entire documents establishing the involvement of the Bhaipo of Kalighat, as well as that SP in illegal coal mining and smuggling,” Khan said in Durgapur today while attending his party’s “letter sending” programme in the Benachity market area.

Rajesh Jha, a coal mafia-turned politician, was shot dead on 1 April, 2023 in Shaktigarh near Burdwan town. He had joined the BJP in 2019 and was killed while on his way to attend the Enforcement Directorate’s office in Kolkata with information pertaining to illegal mining.

The East Burdwan police on 4 February arrested two youths from near an integrated township in the upscale area of Burdwan town and seized Rs 6.49 lakh in cash from their car. The money had been allegedly collected from illegal coal trafficking. The youths, identified as Sourabh Ghorui and Bapon Hansda, had confessed that they were collecting the money under instructions from Hriday Pal, the purported PA of Khan, the MP. They were, however, released on interim bail.

After that, the police made two fresh arrests, this time in connection with an alleged sand trafficking racket run by Hriday Pal, who is a resident of Beliatore in Bankura. Those arrested were Kiron Khan and Astom Mete, who were picked up by Sonamukhi Police Station officials yesterday from Randiha in Budbud PS area of East Burdwan. The police had earlier seized some tractors laden with illegal sand in Randiha, where Astom’s involvement was ascertained.

Following the seizure, Astom and his aides had allegedly attacked a raiding police team the next day. Police investigations revealed that Astom had assigned some youths from Sakuri, Saldiha and Randiha to run his seemingly unchecked trade of illegal sand mining and trafficking from the Damodar riverbed. The probe led to Astom and his aide, Kiran Khan. Their involvement in Hriday’s racket in coal mining was established as well. According to the police, “Everyday, at least 150 tractorloads of illegal sand were being trafficked from the river in Sonamukhi and Galsi.”

Astom’s elder brother Anup incidentally is the Pradhan of local Trinamul Congress-governed Chaktentul Panchayat. Soumitra Khan said today: “See how a TMC leader’s brother is involved in illegal sand trafficking. Then why are the police trying to connect my name alone in the case?”

The Additional Superintendent of Police, Burdwan, Arka Banerjee, further claimed: “We have intensified investigations and none involved in the sand racket will be spared.”

Today in New Delhi, the Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said that his party has no problem signing the no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla. All 28 MPs will sign it. However, before moving the no-confidence motion, we want all INDIA bloc partners to sign a letter addressed to the Speaker, highlighting the four points on which the argument is based. For instance, eight Congress MPs have been suspended. An appeal can be made to reconsider or revoke the suspension. The Speaker can be given two to three days’ time to respond.

“If the Speaker does not act or fails to provide satisfactory responses to the four issues, a no-confidence motion can be introduced after three days. If the letter is sent today and no action is taken, the no-confidence motion can be introduced on Friday,” said Abhishek on Tuesday.

We want the House to function properly, but it appears the Union government does not. The House has been adjourned twice, and the Speaker has not come to the House. From 2 p.m. yesterday until 11 a.m. today, the House remained adjourned. If you [the Speaker] truly intend to ensure the House functions properly, why would you adjourn it for such a long period? You share the responsibility, along with the Union government, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House, he said.

We want a discussion on the Union Budget. The people of the country have sent us here to speak on their behalf. However, the Union government does not want the House to function. MPs are present to raise questions during Question Hour and articulate the people’s demands during Zero Hour, but no one is getting the opportunity because the Union government does not want these hours to operate. I have conveyed this to the partners of the INDIA bloc, and they all agree with me. I have also said the same to the Speaker. A meeting has been called today, and I will participate in it.

He added that perhaps the Central government has presented a Budget that would face sharp criticism from the Opposition, and they may not be able to handle it. Their weaknesses would be exposed. If a discussion takes place, the Opposition will get the opportunity to speak and politically critique the government. The BJP does not want its reality to be exposed once again through a discussion on the Budget. It is the responsibility of both the BJP and the Speaker to ensure the House functions properly. The TMC wants the House to function smoothly.

“We did not plan to bring an impeachment motion against Gyanesh Kumar at the very beginning. We could have done so three months ago, as the Congress had suggested at the time. However, we explored all avenues. We held meetings, staged protests, the Chief Minister wrote six letters, and our delegation met the CEO and the CEC. Over the past three months, we have sent 100-150 letters, but received no response. Impeachment is the last resort. Similarly, the Speaker should be given a letter today and allowed three days to respond. If the Speaker takes no action, then on Friday you [the Congress] can move the no-confidence motion, and all AITC MPs will sign the resolution,” said the TMC MP.

The West Bengal unit of All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation has called for an indefinite relay hunger strike in food shops in or adjacent areas to Kolkata from 16 February against the Centre’s plan to scrap subsidies in the ration system and introduce Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), food coupons, and e-rupee.

The state committee of the federation in a statement after the meeting said on Tuesday that the protest has been going on since the beginning of February, by continuously closing ration shops in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

This programme has been taken to expand that movement across the state.

The organisation’s national general secretary Biswambhar Basu alleged that the central government’s move threatens to dismantle the subsidy system in the ration system and introduce a cash transfer and coupon-based system.

The issued statement further said that the interests of the dealers have been undermined in the past by taking advantage of the organisational weakness.

Sources said that there are plans afoot to file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court if necessary.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced that the final electoral roll for West Bengal under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise will be published on 28 February.

The revised schedule was notified after a meeting between Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal and senior officials of the commission at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi.

The announcement follows a directive from the Supreme Court on Monday, extending the SIR timeline in the state by seven days to facilitate scrutiny of claims and objections.

Taking note of the apex court’s order, the commission had indicated earlier that the publication of the final voters’ list would be deferred.

The formal notification confirming the new date was issued on Tuesday.

According to officials, the Supreme Court allowed additional time to ensure that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) are able to complete document verification and take final decisions in a fair and thorough manner.

The court clarified that micro-observers will not have any authority to take decisions related to scrutiny, and that the final responsibility will rest solely with the EROs.

Commission sources said that with the seven-day extension granted for scrutiny, the hearing process related to claims and objections will now conclude on 14 February.

This will be followed by a seven-day scrutiny period, which will continue till 21 February.

Officials said the extended timeline would help election machinery at the ground level complete the exercise without procedural lapses.

With the new schedule now in place, the ECI said all stakeholders have been informed and preparations will continue in accordance with the revised deadlines, culminating in the publication of the final electoral roll, on 28 February.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced a revised schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court on 9 February, in a pending writ petition.

In a formal communication to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the ECI conveyed the Supreme Court’s order and emphasised strict compliance with the court’s instructions. The commission stated that the revision programme in West Bengal would be adjusted to align with the court’s directives.

According to the updated schedule, hearings on notices issued during the revision process must conclude by 14 February. The scrutiny of documents and resolution of cases are to be completed by 21 February, followed by the rationalisation of polling stations by 25 February. The Election Commission has set 27 February for verification of health parameters of the electoral rolls, with the final publication of the updated voter list slated for 28 February.

‎An Election Commission of India official explained that the revised timeline aims to ensure transparency and procedural fairness while adhering to the Supreme Court’s directions. The official affirmed the commission’s commitment to a timely completion of the revision exercise in full compliance with the court order.

‎The Special Intensive Revision, initiated in late 2025, involves verification of existing voter entries, disposal of claims and objections, and adjustment of polling stations to enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls. Several instructions were issued to state election authorities on 27 October, 30 December, and 15 January to guide the process.

‎The Supreme Court intervention came amid challenges to the revision process, prompting judicial directions to streamline and supervise the exercise. The Election Commission’s latest directive aims to fully harmonise the ongoing revision with the court’s mandates.

‎The commission has also instructed that the revised schedule be communicated to all relevant authorities to ensure smooth implementation. Copies of the directive have been sent to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner (General Body), and the Director General (IT).

Techno India University, West Bengal hosted the IEEE International Conference on Computer, Electrical, and Communication Engineering (ICCECE) 2026 on 6-7 February. This edition marked 10 years of ICCECE, celebrating a decade of excellence in advancing cutting-edge research, nurturing young researchers, and building a globally connected platform for innovation in engineering and technology.

The conference featured keynote addresses by eminent researchers from leading global institutions. Academics from prestigious universities in both the United Kingdom and India contributed to the event with keynote speeches.

Over the two days, these distinguished speakers addressed a packed auditorium, presenting groundbreaking research to an audience of researchers, doctoral candidates, and PhD aspirants.

The university actively collaborates with industry and global academia to bring forward research challenges that allow students to develop problem-solving skills.

In alignment with this vision, tutorial sessions on 5 February featured industry experts Pranjal Joshi (software developer, Adobe) and Sanjay Kumar (software engineer, Salesforce), who guided undergraduate students on industry advancements, securing internships, and designing viable projects that attract funding.

Looking ahead, Techno India University announced the upcoming ICCECE 2027 conference, on 4, 5 and 6 February, 2027.

In a bid to facilitate people visiting north Bengal, North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) will introduce a fleet of six sleeper Volvo buses this week.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will launch the buses virtually this week.

The state government has purchased six Volvo Sleeper Buses at Rs 11 crore.

North Bengal over the years has become an important centre for trade and commerce. It has also come up as a centre of tourism.

The people visiting the area often fail to get a railway ticket and air fares are very high during the peak holiday season. Several private bus operators have launched sleeper buses connecting north Bengal with Kolkata. Instead of buying railway or air tickets many people are travelling in sleeper coaches.

The coaches are spacious and two people can sleep at a time. There are mobile charging facilities and water bottle holders. Blankets are supplied to the passengers, on request.

A senior official of the state Transport department said this is for the first time that Volvo sleeper buses have been introduced. The buses will leave the Esplanade bus depot in the evening reaching Siliguri early in the morning. The bus will stop at Krishnagar to allow the passengers to have dinner. With improved suspension and smooth national highways, the comfort of the passengers is very high. The buses are driven by expert drivers.

“With north Bengal coming up as a major business and tourism hub, more and more people are now travelling by buses. The buses are clean and booking a seat is less tedious,” said an official.

During the Left Front regime, Rocket buses were introduced connecting north and south Bengal.

State minister Indranil Sen yesterday inaugurated advanced skill training centres at the Alo Hub building in Chandannagar.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had conceptualised and announced the Alo Hub project on 1 June, 2017, and inaugurated the building on 8 February, 2021 with the objective of promoting skill development and the decorative lighting production business of Chandannagar’s traditional lighting industry.

The technical education, training & skill development department funded Rs 14.64 crore for the construction of the building, covering an area of around 4,800 square metres. The top floor, measuring approximately 1,650 square metres, is being utilised by the department to set up advanced skill training centres for various employment-linked training programmes aimed at benefiting local youth. A short-term skill training course on Assistant Electrician (Distribution) is already being conducted at the centre.

This evening, several new skill training programmes were launched by the minister to enhance the employability of local youth through advanced skill development. Addressing the gathering, the minister said there is significant scope for young people to become self-reliant if they avail themselves of modern and advanced short-term certificate courses introduced at the Alo Hub building in Chandannagar.

The minister launched three advanced, certificate-based skill training courses: House Wiring Technician Training; advanced skill training in decorative lighting and illumination in collaboration with a few corporate houses.

The house wiring technician training is a new short-term course of seven days’ duration introduced to recognise the skills of household electricians across the state who lack formal training and certification. Through this programme, participants will receive formal training within the government ITI ecosystem and obtain government certification. The state government will bear the entire cost of training. With this certificate, trainees will be eligible to obtain an electrical workman permit from the power department, which is expected to improve wages and open up employment opportunities in the organised sector.

In addition, a state-of-the-art Advanced Skill Training Centre for the hospitality sector has been set up across 3,600 square feet within the building. Around 200 trainees will receive hospitality training over a four-month period, comprising 10 weeks of classroom instruction followed by six weeks of on-the-job training at hotels. The training will be delivered by expert faculty from the Tata Group of hotels. Upon completion, successful trainees will receive employment assistance in leading hotels across the country. The entire training programme, including placement support, will be provided free of cost.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made its first arrests in connection with illegal sand mining along the banks of the Damodar and Ajay rivers in West Burdwan district.

Chinmay Mondal and Kiran Khan were arrested in Kolkata on Monday after prolonged interrogation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

However, Sub-Inspector Manoranjan Mondal, officer-in-charge of Budbud police station, who was also summoned by the ED in the same case, failed to appear before the central agency in Kolkata.

According to ED sources, Chinmay Mondal, a resident of Durgapur, and his nephew Kiran Khan, who lives in Baktarnagar under the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate, were called for questioning on Monday. After failing to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the accumulation of large amounts of money and property, both were taken into custody.

On 3 February, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at ten locations in Durgapur, Asansol, Kolkata and New Delhi, including the residence of SI Manoranjan Mondal in City Centre, Durgapur.

During the raids, ED officials reportedly seized unaccounted cash amounting to between Rs 65 lakh and Rs 80 lakh from the residence of trader Rajesh Bansal in Jamuria. He has not been arrested so far.

Sources said the ED is tracing the money trail linked to an organised illegal sand mining and transportation syndicate operating across West Burdwan district. Raids were carried out at offices and residences in Panagarh, Durgapur, Pandaveswar, Raniganj and Jamuria, all under the jurisdiction of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate. The agency is also probing the alleged involvement of influential political figures and police officials in the racket. Hundreds of overloaded trucks were allegedly transporting illegally mined sand daily from the Damodar and Ajay river ghats.

It remains unclear whether the ED will issue a fresh summons to SI Manoranjan Mondal after his failure to appear on Monday. ED sources claimed that large numbers of illegally loaded trucks passed through areas under Pandaveswar and Barabani police stations, where Mondal had earlier served as officer-in-charge.

Last year, SI Manoranjan Mondal was suspended from his post as OC of Barabani police station following strong warnings issued by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to then Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar during an administrative meeting in Kolkata. After a gap of nearly a year, he was recently reappointed as OC of Budbud police station by Commissioner of Police Sunil Kumar Chaudhury. The ED raided his residence even before he formally took charge.

Meanwhile, Asansol South MLA Agnimitra Paul said the central agencies must investigate whether money generated from illegal sand, stone, coal, iron and soil syndicates is being used in the election process and take appropriate action, adding that such investigations are nothing new.